Denali Sled Dogs and Matanuska Glacier

While headed out of Denali and toward Anchorage to drop off our rental car, we decided to detour way to the North East of Anchorage, and stop by the Matanuska Glacier. Here, you have the opportunity to walk on top of the glacier, and if you plan in advance, you can even rent gear to climb parts of the glacier, or make walking on the ice safer (shoe spikes). Exploring Matanuska Glacier was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip, and is not to be missed!

Obligatory park sign photo, before we left.

When I was a kid, dogs were easily my favorite animal, and I enjoyed reading books about Balto, Iditarod races, and dog sledding. A young woman from my hometown even participated in a Junior Iditarod. I was really excited to meet the sled dog team and watch a demonstration.

It was short, but sweet... here they are coming around the bend! They were incredibly excited to practice.

Matanuska Glacier underfoot.

Matanuska Glacier surface.

Glacial meltwater and stunning views.

The whole scene looks incredibly prehistoric, like you wouldn't be shocked to witness a wooly mammoth lumbering through the stream.

I loved the dramatic clouds we were fortunate to experience that day.

As the ice melts, the glacier's form is forged, causing ever-changing views.

I was never one to take many landscape shots, but this view had to be captured.

 

In Alaska, rainpants are a must. Otherwise your butt gets wet climbing glaciers.

#selfie

 

On the way out of Matanuska Glacier Park.

Water under the bridge.

In the land of the midnight sun, we were happy with this sunset.