13 Glacier Hikes Across the World That Are Easily Accessible
Dreaming of crunching across ancient ice under open sky, but not sure where to start? Good news: you don’t need to be a mountaineer or extreme adventurer to see the planet’s coolest glaciers on foot. There are plenty of glacier hikes across the world that are easy to access, beginner-friendly, and completely unforgettable. This list gives you the lowdown on where to see glaciers up close—no extreme gear or remote travel required. Grab your boots, your camera, and let’s talk glacier adventures you can actually reach.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
You don’t need to travel far from civilization to reach one of Patagonia’s greatest wonders. The Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is famous for its massive ice field, vivid blue hues, and crackling calving events. A network of wooden walkways (suitable for walkers of all types) offers amazing views, and guided mini-treks take you straight onto the ice with minimal effort. You’ll see towering spires and ice caves, and rangers keep the experience safe and family-friendly.
Athabasca Glacier, Canada
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta is a world-famous road trip, but you can park mere steps away from the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield. Sign up for a guided walking tour, or venture out on the short marked trails that get you close to the glacier’s edge. Guided hikes provide crampons and local insights as you tread above millions of years of history.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Located just outside Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is the highlight of a region packed with natural beauty. The visitor center’s trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making this one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. The easy Photo Point Trail gives sweeping views, while the short Nugget Falls Trail takes you to a thunderous waterfall right next to the ice. Pro tip: Plan in summer for a chance to see bears salmon fishing nearby!
Byron Glacier, Alaska
For a beginner ice experience the whole family will love, head to Byron Glacier near Portage. This highly accessible Alaskan trail is mainly flat and less than two miles (round trip), winding through a lush valley to the snout of the glacier. In summer, bright wildflowers frame your photos. Winter brings magical ice caves you can peek into when conditions are right.
Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland
If Iceland is on your bucket list, then Vatnajökull—Europe’s largest glacier—should be, too. The easy footpaths in Skaftafell National Park (now part of Vatnajökull National Park) take you from the visitor center to tongue of the glacier in just an hour. Guided glacier hikes for all ages are offered year-round.
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
You’ll love how close you can get to the Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island—even without a helicopter ride! Several easy trails start from the parking lot and head toward the glacier face, passing waterfalls and lush rainforest. Guided walks include safety gear if you want to step onto the ice (no special experience required).
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Not far from Franz Josef, Fox Glacier offers similar ease of access with its popular valley walk. Smooth trails wind up to a viewpoint just a stone’s throw from the glacier. Guided options bring you right onto the ice—perfect for travelers seeking an accessible taste of Kiwi adventure without the hard slog.
Exit Glacier, Alaska
Just outside Seward, the Exit Glacier trails are flat and welcoming to almost every ability. Walk a half-mile paved path to reach a close-up overlook. Interpretive signs share stories of the slow retreat of this blue giant. Bonus for the planners—there are ranger-led hikes and plenty of parking.
Mount Rainier’s Emmons Glacier, Washington
Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the contiguous U.S., is easy to approach via the Glacier Basin Trail. This route starts from the sturdy White River Campground and climbs gradually above flower-filled meadows, providing glacier views without tricky terrain. Early summer means minimal snow and mild hiking.
Trail of the Cedars / Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana
If you want to combine forest beauty with glacier landscapes, try the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park. The boardwalk and paths here are wheelchair accessible, surrounded by old cedar trees and leading to an alpine lake with mountain views. The trail is popular for families and casual hikers alike. Many Glaciers Road is where you’ll find most of the parks remaining glaciers. You can read about other scenic stops in the park at Montana’s breathtaking natural sites.
Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine, Chile
In stunning Patagonia, Grey Glacier can be reached by easy, well-trodden trails from the Refugio Grey sector. The viewpoint trail is mostly level and offers unforgettable views of the bright blue ice looming at the lake’s far end. Boat tours are available, too, if you want to see the glacier from water level!
Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland
Less than two hours from Reykjavík, Sólheimajökull is a popular stop for easy, short walks to the ice. Outfitters here provide guided hikes with all the necessary gear, so you can crunch over crevasses with confidence—no prior glacier experience required. The approach trail is mostly flat, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Aletsch Glacier is the longest in the Alps and easily accessible via cable car from Fiesch or Bettmeralp. Panorama loops, paved paths, and accessible viewpoint trails give you the best seats in the house (no mountaineering experience needed).
Conclusion
You don’t need to scale mountains or cross treacherous snow fields to see the magic of glaciers up close. From the easy walkways of Perito Moreno to accessible adventures in Alaska, New Zealand, and even Minnesota, glacier hikes like these open the icy wonders of the world to everyone. Whether you’re planning a big once-in-a-lifetime trip or want an easy hike you can tackle this weekend, there’s a glacier out there waiting. Add one of these stunning hikes to your bucket list, lace up your shoes, and get ready to be wowed—no climbing ropes required!
