Glacier Retreat in Alaska: What It Means for Your Vacation

Published on September 22, 2024

Climate change is reshaping the world, affecting how people travel and the destinations they visit. In USA TODAY’s “Green Travel” series, we explore how these environmental changes are transforming the travel landscape. Alaska, home to the most glaciers in the U.S., is at the forefront of this transformation. With roughly 27,000 glaciers spanning around 80,000 square kilometers, Alaska remains a top destination for glacier viewing.

According to Louis Sass, a glaciologist with the Alaska Science Center, this massive glacier area is comparable to the size of South Carolina or Lake Superior. However, it is shrinking rapidly. “Most glaciers worldwide are melting and retreating faster now than they were before 2000,” Sass explains.

What’s Causing Glacier Melting?

While glacier melting is a natural process, the accelerated rate of ice loss is concerning. Sass describes glaciers as “conveyor belts” that carry snow and ice from high elevations, where it doesn’t melt, to lower areas where the ice does melt. However, the rate of melting and thinning has dramatically increased. Research published in Nature Communications reveals that glacier shrinkage in Alaska’s Juneau Icefield from 2015 to 2019 was five times faster than from 1948 to 1979. A National Park Service report also notes an 8% shrinkage in Alaska’s national park glaciers between the 1950s and early 2000s, with statewide glacier coverage decreasing by 13% between 1985 and 2020.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For visitors hoping to see Alaska’s glaciers, the effects of climate change are already visible. Peter Christian, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, emphasizes that while some glaciers advance, the vast majority are shrinking. Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park, for example, shows pronounced annual retreat, marked by signs along the trail to indicate its retreat over the years.

Matanuska Glacier, about 100 miles from Anchorage, is another example. Though it has retreated only slightly over the past century, its thinning is noticeable. Sass notes, “The ice has deflated as it loses mass.” Access to Matanuska Glacier has also become more challenging, with growing melt puddles and muddy areas making the journey from the parking lot to the ice more difficult than it used to be.

Many tidewater glaciers, the ones that calve into the ocean, are also retreating. Cruise ships offering glacier viewing experiences now have to travel further into inlets to catch glimpses of calving glaciers, which means that views from traditional vantage points may no longer be as dramatic.

Where Can You Still See Glaciers?

Despite the retreat of many glaciers, there are still numerous places in Alaska to experience these natural wonders. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which boasts the largest collection of glaciers in North America, remains a top destination. Mendenhall Glacier, near Juneau, offers an easily accessible spot for glacier viewing, protected by the U.S. Forest Service.

Glaciers aren’t just limited to Alaska. Visitors can explore Glacier National Park in Montana, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, or Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, among other locations. As Brice Esplin, Director of Sustainable Tourism at Leave No Trace, stresses, it’s important to witness these natural systems to foster appreciation for nature and motivate future conservation efforts.

Sustainable Glacier Tourism

Esplin encourages travelers to experience glaciers responsibly, keeping sustainability in mind. He recommends that travelers consider visiting glaciers closer to home to minimize their carbon footprint. For example, Esplin points out that in his home state, Nevada, Great Basin National Park has one glacier left, which may not last another 20 years. “It’s a short drive for me, and I want to appreciate it before it’s gone,” he adds.

If traveling long distances to see glaciers, Esplin advises making the trip count by staying longer and minimizing the impact of short, carbon-heavy trips. He also emphasizes the importance of Leave No Trace principles for those getting up close to glaciers.

What to Know Before Visiting a Glacier

For those planning to see glaciers in Alaska, Louis Sass encourages people to explore them in a way that suits their level of comfort. Whether viewing from a distance by land, air, or sea or getting up close with a guided tour, there are plenty of options to experience Alaska’s glaciers.

Brice Esplin offers key tips based on Leave No Trace principles for travelers wishing to explore glaciers up close:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Booking a guide is essential for glacier exploration. Glaciers are constantly shifting, with crevasses, snow bridges, and other hazards, making them dangerous for those without proper expertise.
2. Watch Where You Step: Sticking to trails and durable surfaces is crucial to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation and promoting erosion near glaciers.
3. Pack Out Waste: All waste, including food and human waste, should be packed out to avoid polluting the environment.
4. Respect Wildlife: Glaciers may seem isolated, but wildlife often uses them as pathways. Visitors should remain mindful of animals in the area.

While the future of glaciers remains uncertain due to the rapid effects of climate change, travelers can still experience these breathtaking landscapes responsibly. From guided tours to eco-friendly travel practices, there are ways to minimize impact and appreciate the natural beauty of Alaska’s glaciers while they are still here.