Alaska’s glaciers don’t just tower above the landscape; they also hide a shifting world beneath the ice. Glacier ice caves shimmer in shades of blue and white, luring photographers and adventurers from around the globe. But they are also temporary and fragile. Every season, and sometimes every week, brings new ice passages while others collapse, making each visit unique and unpredictable.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

What are glacier ice caves?

Glacier ice caves form when meltwater carves tunnels and chambers inside a glacier. As freezing and thawing continue, walls reshape and ceilings thin. This constant cycle makes them breathtaking to explore, but also unstable. A cave that exists one winter may vanish the next, and even familiar caves change shape over the course of a season.

Because of this, ice caves should only be entered with expert guides and the right gear. The risks of collapsing ceilings, falling ice, and hidden crevasses are real,  but with proper safety measures and the knowledge of local guides, visitors can experience one of Alaska’s most dazzling natural wonders.

Best ice caves in Alaska

Spencer Glacier

About 60 miles south of Anchorage, Spencer Glacier sits in the Chugach National Forest, surrounded by alpine peaks and scenic Spencer Lake. The glacier’s caves are constantly shifting, with new openings and collapsed sections forming as the ice melts and moves. Access is only by train, and the USDA Forest Service partners with the Alaska Railroad to bring visitors to the Spencer Whistle Stop. From there, guided hikes and kayak tours offer safe ways to explore the area and, when conditions allow, glimpse its temporary ice caves.

Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier, about two hours from Anchorage, advances roughly a foot each day — a reminder that this living river of ice is always on the move. Its ice caves expand, collapse, and reform, making every tour different. The only safe entry is with a guide through Matanuska Glacier Park, where daily tours help visitors explore its glowing blue chambers while keeping safety top of mind. Even the drive along the Glenn Highway offers breathtaking glacier views.

Byron Glacier

Just over an hour from Anchorage, Byron Glacier is an approachable option for families. A relatively flat, one-mile trail leads to a viewpoint with striking glacier scenery. Some visitors continue beyond the maintained path to reach the ice, but the caves here are especially unstable. Thin ceilings and melting edges make guided trips the best choice if you want to see formations safely. Even if you stop at the viewpoint, the dramatic backdrop is worth the trip.

Castner Glacier

Four and a half hours from Fairbanks, Castner Glacier is known for its impressive ice cave with delicate stalactites. The cave’s opening grows and shrinks each year depending on snowpack and melt and large sections may collapse without warning. A short hike along Castner Creek leads to the entrance, but guides can help you understand current conditions and avoid unsafe areas.

Root and Kennicott Glaciers

Deep in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, Root and Kennicott Glaciers are vast, rugged, and ever-changing. Ice caves here may last only a season before collapsing, while new ones open nearby. Tours from the historic town of Kennecott help visitors safely explore shifting tunnels, tide pools, and brilliant blue caverns. A stay at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge puts you just four miles from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park’s main visitor center in Copper Center, Alaska, and in position for the three-hour drive to McCarthy-Kennecott. Glacier tours are available from the abandoned mining town of Kennecott, where you can also tour the historic mill.

Tips for visiting ice caves

• Expect change. Ice caves are never permanent. The cave you’ve seen in photos may look different by the time you arrive.
• Go with a guide. Local experts know the signs of instability and can keep you safe in unpredictable conditions.
• Gear up. Helmets, crampons, and warm waterproof layers are essential. Many guided tours provide the technical equipment needed for safe exploration.
• Best season. Late winter and early spring generally offer the most stable conditions, but even then, ice can shift at any moment.
• Respect the environment. Practice Leave No Trace to help preserve Alaska’s glaciers for future visitors.

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

Plan your adventure with Princess Lodges

Experiencing Alaska’s ice caves is awe-inspiring precisely because they are temporary, fragile, and always changing. After a day spent exploring these remarkable formations, return to the comfort of a Princess Lodge. With locations near Denali, Mt. McKinley, Kenai, Fairbanks and Copper River, our lodges are the perfect starting point for guided glacier tours and other unforgettable excursions.

Book your stay with Princess Lodges and pair the thrill of Alaska’s shifting ice caves with warm hospitality, hearty meals, and incredible views.