A person stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast, winding river surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Mat-Su, Alaska

The Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway

There are road trips, and then there is the Glenn Highway. Designated as a National Scenic Byway, this stretch of asphalt isn’t just a route. It’s a corridor through time, carved into the landscape between the jagged peaks of the Chugach Mountains and the rolling granite of the Talkeetna Mountains. Running from the urban edge of Anchorage through the heart of The Mat-Su and deep into the interior, the Glenn offers some of the most accessible deep Alaska experiences in the state. This is where every mile marker reveals a new chapter of the Alaskan story: from the rich silt of the Palmer farmsteads to the ancient blue ice of the Matanuska Glacier. Here, the drive is the destination.

Milestones of the Mat-Su

As you head northeast from the Valley floor, the landscape transforms from lush agricultural plains to rugged mountain passes.

three people enjoying a scenic hike in the mat-su alaska

Adventure Around Every Bend

The Glenn Highway isn’t just for viewing. It’s for doing.

A hiker's perspective from inside a yellow tent, looking out at a breathtaking mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, a serene lake, and a red camping stove in the foreground in Mat-Su, Alaska

Palmer u0026 The Knik River (Mile 42-50)

The gateway to the byway, where the river braids across the valley floor and the Mat-Su grown heritage of the Matanuska Colony is on full display.
A cluster of rustic wooden buildings nestled in a lush green valley surrounded by rolling hills in Mat-Su, Alaska

Sutton u0026 The Coal Fields (Mile 61)

A turn into the industrial past. Explore the Alpine Historical Park and look for plant fossils in the nearby riverbeds that hint at a tropical Alaskan era.
Three paddleboarders navigate through vibrant blue glacial waters surrounded by towering ice formations in Mat-Su, Alaska

Glacier View Glaciers (Mile 102)

The undisputed crown jewel. The highway clings to the mountain wall, offering breathtaking overlooks of the 27-mile river of ice that spills from the Chugach Range.
Three ATV riders in full gear explore a rugged, icy landscape with snow-capped mountains in the distance in Mat-Su, Alaska

Eureka Summit u0026 Lake Louise (Mile 129-160)

Rise above the treeline for panoramic views of the Wrangell-St. Elias peaks in the distance. Enjoy year-round recreation, from lake trout fishing to winter snowmachining.

Hiking the High Peaks

Accessible trailheads like Lion’s Head and Gunsight Mountain offer adventurous hikers a bird’s-eye view of the glacial corridor. Keep your eyes on the cliffs for Dall sheep and look to the sky for the thousands of raptors that use the Glenn’s thermal updrafts during spring migration.

Hit the Trails
three people enjoying a scenic hike in the mat-su alaska

Byway Partners & Roadside Services

From historic wilderness lodges and cozy roadside cafes to world-class glacier guides and remote outfitters, the Glenn Highway’s community is ready for your arrival. Use the directory below to find the partners and local experts who make this National Scenic Byway a legendary travel experience.

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BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Our multi-day itineraries are filled with helpful suggestions as you sculpt your own Alaska journey. If you’re staying in nearby Anchorage, check out our day-trip ideas.