Fly by helicopter, hike the alpine, then raft Spencer Lake icebergs
9.5 hours
Up to 8 people
Heli flight, hike, rafting
Take a private helicopter flight into the Chugach alpine, then hike down to Spencer Lake for a glacier rafting tour and a return ride on the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train.
Minimum of 2 guests per booking party. Helicopter seats have a 290 lb max per person; if the helicopter cannot fly due to weight, the charter cost is still incurred by the guest. If an R66 helicopter is required, there is an additional $200 charge for the party.
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are eligible for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Take a private helicopter and hiking segment with your booking party and a guide. The rafting segment may be shared if fewer than 3 guests book the trip; groups with more than 4 guests keep the rafting private.
Plan for ages 8+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The rafting portion is described as suitable for ages 12 and up.
Bring hiking boots or trail running shoes with good, thick tread, plus warm layers (synthetic or wool), a rain or wind jacket, warm hat, gloves, a water bottle, and a camera. Pack an extra pair of socks for rafting, and carry everything in a backpack that can sit in your lap during the helicopter flight.
1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587
Chris, Kimberly, and Elizabeth lead tours that consistently impress visitors with their deep knowledge of Alaska and genuine enthusiasm for sharing it. Guests rave about the personalized attention, especially on smaller tours, and appreciate how guides accommodate photo stops and wildlife viewing opportunities. The food selections are delicious, and the tours cleverly combine history, culture, and local dining experiences. Whether exploring the Wildlife Conservation Center, hiking to Matanuska Glacier, or discovering Anchorage eateries, travelers feel they're getting an authentic local perspective rather than a typical tourist experience. A few guests wished for more food and fewer sweets on the culinary tours, or hoped for greater focus on hidden gems beyond downtown spots. One reviewer felt the downtown tour could have offered more detail for the price, and another noted some portion sizes felt small. These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar track record. The guides' willingness to customize experiences and run tours even for just two people demonstrates real commitment to quality. Traffic around Anchorage can occasionally slow things down, but the guides make the most of every moment with engaging stories and flexibility.
My family did the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview tour. What a great experience. Kayaking on Spencer Lake and hiking Spencer glacier was spectacular. The provided lunch was more than expected and delicious. The train ride was an added bonus. Seeing some of Alaska's best scenery from the comfort of the Alaskan Railway viewing car was great. Saw a lot of wildlife, the train stopped each time something special was identified so we could take photos. Our guide team, lead by Micah, included Blake, Abby, River and a few others were great. Highly recommend this adventure.
rory Herbster
July 5, 2026
My family did the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview tour. What a great experience. Kayaking on Spencer Lake and hiking Spencer glacier was spectacular. The provided lunch was more than expected and delicious. The train ride was an added bonus. Seeing some of Alaska's best scenery from the comfort of the Alaskan Railway viewing car was great. Saw a lot of wildlife, the train stopped each time something special was identified so we could take photos. Our guide team, lead by Micah, included Blake, Abby, River and a few others were great. Highly recommend this adventure.
rory Herbster
July 5, 2026
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