PALMER: Begin your day with a quick jaunt to the Musk Ox Conservation Center, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and domestication of the musk ox, Ovibos moschatus, for the purpose of providing additional subsistence income opportunities for Alaska’s first people. Come to view the animals, learn about the Qiviut project and take advantage of this unique opportunity to see and photograph one of the Arctic’s oldest living species while taking an informative tour led by one of their knowledgeable guides.

This afternoon, it’s off to Sheep Mountain Lodge, for a bite to eat, but not before traveling through some of the most beautiful wilderness in Alaska. Following the Matanuska River as it winds its way through the carved terrain of volcanic mountains and jagged glacier covered peaks.  For a lunch stop, Sheep Mountain Lodge offers spectacular homemade soups, halibut tacos, chili with sourdough rolls, triple berry pie, and glacier cookies!! This area is also a great viewing spot for Dall sheep, so keep your cameras handy.

MATANUSKA GLACIER: Ice cramp-ons and walking sticks are your first step to enjoying your glacier trek adventure. You’ll experience glacier walking as well as the  natural history of the Matanuska Glacier. Enjoy the splendor of the “frozen river” as you walk out to a glacial lake at the face of an ice fall. No experience is necessary to join in the fun; however, the terrain presents shale rocks, muddy silt, slippery ice, and small ice fissures. Intermittently placed picnic benches allow guests to choose their own participation level. Great photo ops from all picnic benches. Or ask about our upgrade to a Helicopter Glacier Landing. This is a 45-minute scenic helicopter ride to a glacier pool on the Matanuska River that is only accessible by air. You have the chance to see wildlife and experience the glacier in a spot few have ever stepped foot on.

After the day’s fun, guests are ready to rest this evening, so a local favorite Pizza House will regale you with flavorful eats, so you can take it back to your comfy accommodations.

View our preferred accommodations for this area:
Palmer Wasilla Mat-Valley Area Lodging