Info on Hubbard Glacier
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Hubbard Glacier: North America's Majestic Ice Giant
The Hubbard Glacier is a remarkable natural wonder—both a tidewater glacier and a mountain (valley) glacier. As it flows down from the rugged peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains, it ends dramatically in the icy waters of Disenchantment Bay, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea. This spectacular process, known as calving, is one of the glacier’s most defining features.
Fast Facts About Hubbard Glacier:
- 📏 Length: 76 miles
- 📍 Width at terminus: 7 miles
- 🧊 Height at terminal face: 600 feet (with 350 feet visible above water and 250 feet below)
- 🏔 Source: Begins at Mt. Logan (19,850 ft) in the Yukon Territory, the second tallest mountain in North America
- 📍 Ends within: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
- 🧬 Age of ice at terminus: Up to 500 years old
- 🧊 Ice thickness: Over 2,000 feet in some areas
- 📈 Status: Still thickening and holding a stable position after advancing for more than a century
Named in 1890 for Gardiner Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society, the glacier continues to captivate scientists and visitors alike with its dynamic behavior and colossal scale.
Scenic Cruising Experience
Hubbard Glacier is a highlight of Alaskan cruise itineraries, offering unforgettable views from the comfort of your ship. As part of the scenic cruising experience:
- The captain will rotate the ship in quarter turns to allow all sides optimal viewing opportunities.
- The ship may hold position for 15–30 minutes at each angle, offering incredible photo ops and a chance to witness ice calving events.
- Guests can enjoy the views from their private balconies or any of the ship’s public observation areas.
Whether you're marveling at its size, listening to the thunderous crack of calving ice, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, Hubbard Glacier offers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of nature’s greatest forces.