Biking to Knik Glacier in Winter (& Other Ways to Visit)
Updated January 2026 (originally published April 2021)
Knik Glacier, one of Southcentral Alaska’s largest (~25-28 miles long, 5+ miles wide), calves into a stunning iceberg-filled lake with dramatic blue ice walls rising hundreds of feet. Just ~50 miles from Anchorage in the Mat-Su Valley, it’s a prime winter adventure spot when the Knik River freezes (typically late Nov/Dec–March/April, weather-dependent).
The classic winter draw: fat tire biking across frozen river to explore icebergs up close.
Winter Fat Tire Biking (Dec–March, Conditions Permitting)
- Best Access: Hunter Creek Trailhead (via Knik Glacier Tours private land—free parking, donation appreciated; outhouse available). Shorter route: ~8-10 miles one-way to lake (~20-25 miles round-trip with exploration).
- Trail: Well-traveled (follow tracks), crosses Hunter Creek (~6-12 inches water—wear waterproof boots/gaiters), then main frozen river. Studded tires highly recommended for grip.
- Time: 3-7 hours round-trip (average rider); full day for leisure/exploration.
- Safety Note: Ice conditions vary—overflow, thin spots, or open water possible. Check recent reports (e.g., Anchorage fat bike groups/Facebook); go with others; avoid post-snowfall or warm spells.
- Alternative: Jim Creek Trailhead (~double distance, $5 parking).
Helicopter Tours (Year-Round, Weather Permitting)
Easiest/safest for views + landing. Operators (2026):
- Outbound Heli Adventures, Alaska Helicopter Tours, Heli Alaska, Greatland Adventures—~60-120 min flights with 30-min glacier landing (~$400-600/pp; multi-landings extra).
- Aerial views over Chugach, Lake George icebergs; summer: blue pools; winter: ice caves possible.
Other Options
- 4WD/Snowmachine/ATV: Via Jim Creek (longer, rough); caution on lake ice.
- Summer: Helicopter or specialized tours (airboat/ATV).
Fat Bike Rentals (2026 Rates Approx.)
- Anchorage: Downtown Bicycle Rental (~$35-45/day), Trek Store (~$45), Pablo’s, Lifetime Adventures.
- Palmer/Wasilla: Backcountry Bike & Ski (~$60+), Alaska Bicycle Center.
What to Pack
Studded fat bike, repair kit, helmet, waterproof boots/gaiters, layers, hand/foot warmers, snacks/water, sunscreen/goggles.
Epic day trip—stunning icebergs, calving glacier. Questions? Comment below!