Helicopter Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview – (Private)
Our most exclusive and action-packed Helicopter glacier KAYAK trip! The adventure includes an awesome 20-minute scenic flight of the glaciated Chugach and Kenai Mountains, a 2.5 Mile scenic hike, a 2-to-4-mile iceberg kayak paddle, and a scenic train ride to Grandview.
This trip is PRIVATE per booking party. The adventure includes an awesome 20-minute scenic flight of the glaciated Chugach and Kenai Mountains, a 2.5-mile scenic hike, a 2-to-4-mile iceberg kayak paddle, and a scenic train ride to Grandview — the most scenic tunnels section of the AK Railroad.
- 20-Minute Scenic Glacier Flight of the Chugach & Kenai Mountains
- 2.5-Mile Scenic Hike Next to Spencer Glacier
- 2–4 Mile Iceberg Kayak Paddle on Spencer Glacier Lake
- Scenic Train Ride to Grandview through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon
The Heli GBK is a uniquely Alaskan trip with a remote sense of place from start to finish. The day is a private escape into the high alpine via helicopter, followed by hiking among lush tundra and forest, as the glacial time capsule continues to Spencer Lake. Paddling in Spencer Lake, far from the face of the glacier puts time and space into perspective – proving the massive glacier’s size is impossible to grasp. Take in this one-of-a-kind trip and make this thrilling and peaceful day your trip of a lifetime.
A minimum of 2 Guests is required to book this Helicopter Glacier Kayak Adventure.
Tour Details
- 8:40 AM Helicopter Departure from the Alpine Air Hangar at the Girdwood Airport
- A 20-minute unforgettable scenic flight of the surrounding Chugach Mountains to Spencer Glacier
- This Helicopter Adventure is PRIVATE per Booking Party — minimum of 2 Guests required to book
- Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided. Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available)
- Splash tops, spray skirts, and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all iceberg kayak tours at our Spencer Lake base camp
- Spencer Lake paddle is approximately 2 miles one way, taking between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on weather conditions
- Minimum age for Kayak Tours is 8 years old. All children participate in tandem kayaks with a parent or the most experienced paddler in the group. Groups with children under 8 may join the tour via raft instead — please reach out directly if you have young children
- Maximum weight for kayaks is 240 lbs; maximum height is 6’3″. Guests who don’t meet restrictions can enjoy the same lake tour via raft — please let us know as soon as possible if you think you may need this option
- Alpine Air Helicopter max weight per seat is 290 lbs. An additional $200 charge may apply for the party if an R66 Helicopter is required
- There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. Backcountry options only once on the trail
Optional Glacier Landing Add-On
$420 per booking party (up to 3 guests) — includes a 15-minute landing on Spencer Glacier ice before proceeding to the normal landing zone to begin your hike. The standard landing zone is on the glacier moraine (a gravel surface directly adjacent to Spencer Glacier). Please email us after placing your online order to add this option.
Typical Schedule
Departure Times are dependent on Alpine Air Helicopter Charter availability and guest request. Flight delays are possible up to 12:00 PM.
- 8:00 AM – Girdwood Arrival (Transportation from Anchorage available for an additional $125/person — please email us)
- 8:40 AM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure
- 9:10 AM – Heli Landing next to Spencer Glacier
- 9:15 – 11:00 AM – Short Hike next to Spencer Glacier (0.5 miles out, 2 miles back to kayak basecamp)
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Iceberg Kayak on Spencer Glacier Lake (2–4 Mile Paddle)
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Scenic Train Ride to Grandview through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon — the most scenic section of the AK Railroad
- 5:15 PM – De-board Train at Portage Station for shuttle back to Girdwood
- 5:45 PM – Return Arrival to Girdwood
- 6:45 PM – Return Arrival to Anchorage (for Anchorage guests)
What to Bring
- Warm clothes and synthetic layers
- Warm socks
- Raincoat
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Camera (note: we cannot guarantee it won’t get wet)
- Binoculars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
AK Railroad Cancellation Policy & Change Fee: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change fee for the Railroad portion of the trip cost if a date change is requested within 30 days.
“Paddling in Spencer Lake, far from the face of the glacier, puts time and space into perspective — proving the massive glacier’s size is impossible to grasp. Take in this one-of-a-kind trip and make this thrilling and peaceful day your trip of a lifetime.”
– Briana Sullivan, Chugach Adventures’ Lead Kayak Guide Since 2019
