Explore The Stunning Worthington Glacier State Recreation Area For An Out-Of-This-World Experience

There are some pretty spectacular places to see in the Last Frontier, and Worthington Glacier in Alaska is high on top of that list. This huge, 5,774-acre glacier is a stunner to see in person. Pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and head out on the Richardson Highway to explore this famous Alaskan landmark.

Worthington Glacier is a huge glacier right off the Richardson Highway, outside of Valdez.

This impressive natural feature was made a National Natural Landmark in 1968. When you have the chance to visit it in person, it’s easy to see why! It’s one of the best glaciers to visit in Alaska.

It’s a 5,774-acre valley glacier, located right outside of Thompson Pass.

The glacier itself is over four miles long! There are a couple of hikes in the Worthington Glacier State Recreational Site that allow you to get closer to this mammoth ice feature.

All require a little bit of effort, and although they’re short hikes, some only one mile long, they all include at least a little bit of rock climbing.

The easiest way to view the glacier is to follow the path to the viewing platform. It’s paved the entire way, and is handicap accessible, offering beautiful views of Worthington Glacier.

The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Area is one of the most visited sites along the Richardson Highway.

The entire park is 113 acres, and open to be explored by the public. If you go off trail, just remember to be careful out in Alaska’s backcountry.

Visiting Worthington glacier is best mid June through the middle of September.

Heavy snowfall during the winter time can obscure good views of the glacier when it’s covered with up to dozens of feet of fresh snow! But spring, summer, and fall can be great opportunities for exploring, depending on the weather.

There’s a day pass to park and visit the area.

The recreation area has public outhouses, picnic pavilions, and plenty of parking. This makes a great stop on your trip to or from Valdez.

Go on a cloudy day; I’ve found that the blues in the glacier really pop on a darker, rainy day.

The glacier itself is so majestic standing near it.

The ice is a cool blue color that is absolutely stunning. Make sure you don’t duck under the ice, as people have been trapped in glacier cave-ins in Alaska before.

The next time you’re on the Richardson Highway, save enough time to see this amazing glacier in person.

This is one item that belongs right at the top of your bucket list. You will love every minute of it!

Have you ever visited Worthington Glacier in Alaska? What did you think? Did you hike any of the trails? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to visit the glacier in person, make sure to Hike This Easy Trail Out To One Of Alaska’s Most Beautiful Glaciers. Make sure you gear up from REI!