From Palmer: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour
About This Experience
This is the cheapest glacier landing on the site and, measured in minutes on the ice, one of the most generous: forty to forty-five minutes of flying and forty-five minutes on Knik Glacier itself. Outbound Heli Adventures flies from its own pad at the end of Lindsey Circle in Palmer, so you are dealing with the operator directly rather than checking in at a lodge.
Knik is one of the largest glaciers in southcentral Alaska — around twenty-five miles long and more than five miles across at its widest — and the flight out gives you enough time over it to understand the scale before you land on it. Pilots point out salmon in the river below, moose in the flats and Dall sheep on the valley walls.
Microspikes are handed out for the ice, which matters: forty-five minutes is long enough to walk somewhere rather than stand near the aircraft, and clean glacier ice is slick. Groups are capped at seven.
Weight rules here are stricter and more explicitly published than on most listings, and they are worth reading before you book — see the practical notes below.
Highlights
- Forty-five minutes on Knik Glacier — the longest ice time of any landing tour on this site
- A 40 to 45-minute flight over one of the largest glaciers in southcentral Alaska
- Microspikes provided, so you can actually walk on the ice rather than stand beside the aircraft
- Departs from the operator's own pad in Palmer, not a third-party lodge
- The lowest starting price of any glacier landing flight bookable near Anchorage
What's Included
- ✓ 40-45 minute helicopter flight with an experienced pilot
- ✓ Glacier sightseeing en route
- ✓ 45 minutes on Knik Glacier
- ✓ Microspikes for the ice
Not Included
- Transport from Anchorage
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Warm layers and a windproof outer shell
- Sunglasses
- Closed-toe shoes that take a microspike
- A camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Individual seat weight limit is 300 lbs, and it is enforced.
- Combined passenger weight is capped at 650 lbs in the three-seat helicopter and 900 lbs in the four-seat aircraft.
- A party over the aircraft limit that has to be flown in two helicopters pays an additional $350.
- Groups are limited to seven participants.
- Departure is from Palmer, roughly a one-hour drive north of Anchorage. No hotel pickup is offered.
Not Suitable For
- Passengers over 300 lbs, which is the manufacturer's seat limit
- Anyone unable to walk on uneven ice in microspikes
Meeting Point
Outbound Heli Adventures, end of Lindsey Circle, Palmer
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 31 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We loved this ride and it was worth all the money we paid. The guide was friendly and explained us about the glaciers. He took us through different paths on the way and while coming back which was very good. On the way back, we glided in between the canyons! That was pretty cool! The landing in the glacier itself was awesome! We had never experienced anything like that. Guide was kind enough to put the microspikes chain ⛓️💥 to our shoes as soon as we landed. Overall I would highly recommend this ride!!!
— Ashwini, July 19
The trip was exceptional! Celebrating graduation with young adult sin! Laura was outstanding as was her coworker, Carly! This was a once in a lifetime made stellar by this crew!
— Vicki, July 4,
From the time my grandson and I parked our car at the arrival point, everyone was so friendly and helpful. We watched a short safety video first and then were ready to take off. Our pilot, Laura, was amazing! She was knowledgeable, kind, and fun, as well. As a senior with a bad knee, she helped me on the ice leading me while holding my hand. She went above and beyond! Thank you, Laura.
— Nancy, June 4,
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this the cheapest tour on the site?
Shorter flight time and a simpler product. There is no dogsled camp, no guided hike and no lunch — it is the aircraft, the pilot, the glacier and forty-five minutes to walk around. It also happens to give more ice time than tours costing 50 percent more.
What are the weight limits?
A hard 300 lb limit per seat, plus a combined limit of 650 lbs in the three-passenger helicopter and 900 lbs in the four-passenger one. If your party exceeds an aircraft's total and needs a second helicopter, there is an additional $350 charge. Weigh in honestly at booking — it is a flight-safety number, not a formality.
Where exactly is the departure point?
The operator's own pad at the very end of Lindsey Circle in Palmer, about an hour's drive north of Anchorage. Helicopters depart from that location, so there is no shuttle leg between check-in and the pad.
Do I need my own crampons?
No. Microspikes are included and handed out before you walk on the ice. Bring shoes sturdy enough to take them — trainers with a soft sole are not ideal.
How big is Knik Glacier?
Around twenty-five miles long and over five miles across at its widest, which makes it one of the largest glaciers in southcentral Alaska. It feeds the Knik River, which runs another twenty-five miles down to Knik Arm.
Other Glacier Flights to Consider
Anchorage: 90-min Flight with 2 Landings
Anchorage Area: Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour
Anchorage: Helicopter Glacier Dogsledding Tour
Anchorage: Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landings
Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour
Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Hiking Adventure Tour
Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Ice Climbing Tour
