This five-hour guided hiking excursion in Kachemak Bay State Park starts with a water taxi ride from Homer to the trailhead on the other side of the bay. No matter the weather, the ride is a stunning one. In the sun, spangles of light flitter across the water surface. When overcast, the clouds cling dramatically to the tops of bayside mountains. It's also not uncommon to see otters, seabirds, and other marine wildlife along the quick ride.
Calm water filled with icebergs.
Once on the trail, the route first wanders through stands of cottonwoods and spruce in a mixed old growth forest. Depending on the time of year, there are wildflowers to see and edible berries to sample, many of which the group's guide points out along the way. Leaving the forest, the trail opens onto the outwash plain of Grewingk Glacier. The glacier has retreated three miles in some 35 years and left a freshly scoured landscape yet to be taken over by foliage. The guide points out these features and more, continuing to tell a fascinating natural history story throughout the hike.
The group reaches their turnaround point at the pebble beach of a lake formed at the glacier's toe. Across the lake, the impressive Grewingk Glacier flows around and down the mountains. It calves huge ice chunks into the lake, so the calm water is often filled with icebergs. After a break to take photos and have a snack, the guide leads the group back to the water taxi for a return ride to Homer.
More Details
The guided Grewingk Glacier hike covers about 4.5 total miles with minimal elevation gain. The trail is well established, but covers terrain with roots, rocks, and loose gravel.
What to Bring
Guests should wear synthetic clothes they can comfortably hike in and sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Bring a backpack with rain gear, an extra warm layer, water, and bug spray. Meals are not provided on this hike, so bring snacks and water. Don't forget a camera and binoculars.
Special Instructions
This is an active excursion. Guests must be able to walk at an even pace on a hiking trail with roots and rocks for up to four hours.
Transfers & Meeting Points
The Grewingk Glacier hike leaves from the tour operator office on the Homer Spit. There are several free and pay parking lots in the area.
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 13, but children must be at least 7 years old to participate.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
5/29/21 (Sa) to 9/5/21 (Su)5/29/21 (Sa) to 9/5/21 (Su)
Adult: $160.00
Child: $140.00
The rates above do not include taxes/fees of 8% plus $4.00 and are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"Great nature and glacier hike! The guide was very informative and let us stop to pick berries. The pilot for the water taxi stopped for us to see sea otters."
