From Anchorage take the Glenn Highway to Glennallen, then turn south to Valdez on the Richardson Highway. From Fairbanks, drive south to Valdez on the Richardson Highway, or from Valdez drive north 32 miles (about 40 minutes) on the Richardson.
Worthington Glacier is at 29 mile on the Richardson Highway. It's impossible to miss, unless it's whiteout conditions.
Nestled in the Chugach Mountains in Thompson Pass, Worthington Glacier is a popular tourist destination as it is right off the highway and has easy access. We offer guided tours of Worthington Glacier for those wishing to explore inside the glacier. There are paved trails to the viewing platform and well packed gravel trails to the glacier face. From the viewing platform to the glacier, it is maybe a 10-minute walk. Most people who are able to walk stairs unaided should be able to walk to the face of the glacier without difficulty. DO NOT approach within 100ft of the face of the glacier. Rocks fall off the face of the glacier and have caused injuries and a fatality.
There is ample paved parking with parking for both passenger cars and RV's. There are four outhouses and no running water. We operate the concession building where snacks, drinks and some souvenirs are available for purchase. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
The glacier is receding at a fast pace and the face of the glacier becomes taller and more steep each year.
Pets are permitted on leashes. Leashes must be no more than 9ft.
Hiking
There is Worthington Glacier Ridge Trail a steep trail to the left of the paved area that leads to the viewing platform. This is a maintained trail and is kept in good condition, but it is an aggressive hike the follows Worthington Glacier along the southern ridge.
In the late 1990's the glacier extended to the pond, and the viewing deck, in the past two decades it has retreated over a quarter mile.
Naming: Worthington was a local name reported in 1900 by F. C. Schrader, USGS.
