KNIK GLACIER · KNIK RIVER VALLEY · PALMER, ALASKA
Wild Alaska. Comfortable Ride.
Guided UTV tours in the Knik River valley and glacier area — one of Southcentral Alaska's most spectacular destinations, just a short drive from Anchorage.
The Gold Buckle Experience
Alaska's backcountry, the way it was meant to be seen.
Step into a fully enclosed, heated and air-conditioned UTV and venture deep into terrain most never reach. Depending on the route and conditions, the adventure may include dirt trails, sand, mud, creeks, river crossings, and dry cobble beds, with Knik Glacier and the surrounding mountains as your backdrop. Outside: raw, wild Alaska. Inside: comfortable, climate-controlled, and built for the journey.
Choose Your Expedition
Three routes. One wild Alaska.
One Hour Tour
Knik River scenery, riverbed trails, and opportunities to spot moose on a shorter Alaska adventure.
Terrain
River valley · Riverbed trails · Sand
GREAT for
Guests short on time · Families · First-time UTV adventurers
Adventure & Glacier View Tour
Ride deeper into the backcountry to Friday Creek, where you'll stop, stretch your legs, skip rocks, and take in distant views of Knik Glacier.
Terrain
Dirt · Sand · Creeks · River crossings
GREAT for
Guests wanting more trail time and glacier views without committing to the full glacier expedition
Glacier Experience Tour
Take the full backcountry journey to the glacier lagoon, where floating ice, incredible views, a hot lunch, and an optional polar plunge await.
Terrain
Backcountry trails · River crossings · Cobble riverbeds
GREAT for
Guests ready for Gold Buckle's fullest Alaska adventure and a full day in the backcountry
The Gold Buckle Difference
Why guests choose Gold Buckle
Fully enclosed. Comfortable in Alaska weather.
Ride in a fully enclosed Kawasaki Ridge Crew Cab with heat, air conditioning, a windshield, and wipers. More comfort means more people can experience Alaska's backcountry, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Raised outdoors. Gold Buckle at heart.
Steve and Dallas grew up hunting, fishing, camping, riding horses, and exploring the outdoors together. That lifelong love of adventure eventually brought them to Alaska, where they created Gold Buckle Tours to share the kind of wild places they love with others.
More than the ride. It's the experience.
The trail is part of the adventure, but so is everything around it. Gold Buckle tours are built to give you time to take in the scenery, experience Alaska's backcountry, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Authentic backcountry routes
Leave the pavement behind and venture into the Knik River Valley, across riverbeds, creek crossings, sand, and rugged backcountry terrain, with the mountains and Knik Glacier shaping the landscape around you.
KNIK GLACIER · ALASKA
Go where the road doesn’t. Worth the journey.
Before You Go
What to expect on the trail
Every tour is a little different. The route, terrain, and conditions are part of the adventure. Here’s what you can expect when you ride with Gold Buckle.
Varied terrain
Depending on your tour and conditions, you may travel across dirt trails, sand, mud, creek crossings, and dry cobble riverbeds. Expect some bumps along the way. That's part of exploring Alaska's backcountry.
Comfort built in
Ride in a fully enclosed UTV with heat, air conditioning, windshields, and seat belts. With room for up to six guests per vehicle, you can experience Alaska's backcountry without being completely exposed to the elements.
Wildlife and scenery
Keep your eyes open along the way. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Knik River Valley offers plenty to take in, from wide-open landscapes and mountain views to the chance of spotting Alaska wildlife along the route.
Follow guides who know the land
Follow Gold Buckle guides who know these routes and the terrain that comes with them. They'll lead the way through the backcountry in their own machine, help you navigate the adventure, and make sure there's time to enjoy where you are.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND GOLD BUCKLE
Cowboys at heart. Wild about Alaska.
Steve and Dallas grew up together in Preston, Idaho, spending their time hunting, fishing, camping, riding horses, and exploring the outdoors. Years later, Dallas fell in love with Alaska and knew he wanted to build something here. Gold Buckle Tours grew from that love of the outdoors and a simple idea: create a way for more people to experience Alaska's backcountry, not just the most adventurous among us. Valerie brings more than 20 years of customer service experience and helps keep the operation running behind the scenes. Together, they've built Gold Buckle around the things that have always mattered to them: adventure, hospitality, and sharing a place they genuinely love. And no Gold Buckle team introduction would be complete without Kody, the guide dog.
Guest Reviews
What guests are saying
"Spending the day with this team was the best day of our Alaskan Adventure! I planned the activity for my husband, 82yo mother (62yo in spirit and adventures) and myself. Val, Dallas, and Steve were super attentive, professional, and supportive from beginning to end. Our time at the glacier area was breathtaking."— Tammy Thrift Google Review
"They made it so much fun, and gave very clear and amazing directions so even if you're not experienced they make it super easy for you! Such a beautiful trail."— Emyley Beaver Google Review
"An amazing off road trip to Knik Glacier! Eight hours of fun in a high quality, heated UTV! Great radio communication with stops and then a hot, freshly smoked pork sandwich at the glacier. Viewing the glacier from the waterline was incredible. Dallas was a great guide."— Kathy Hoover Greenich Google Review
Common Questions
Good to know before you go
What if the weather is bad?
Tours run in a wide range of Alaska weather. Fully enclosed, heated and air-conditioned UTVs help keep you comfortable along the way. If river flooding or other conditions make the trail unsafe, the tour may be cancelled or rebooked.
Do I need experience to drive?
No prior UTV or 4x4 experience is required. Drivers must be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license, know how to drive a car, complete the pre-tour machine orientation, and follow guide instructions throughout the ride. You can also ride as a passenger.
What should I bring?
Dress in layers and bring a jacket for stops outside the UTV. We also recommend closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, gloves, and a camera. Alaska weather can change quickly, so it’s always smart to have an extra layer with you.
Ready to ride?
Ready to go where the road doesn’t?
Choose your tour, pick your date, and let us handle the rest. Your adventure begins at Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer, where Alaska’s backcountry is waiting just beyond the pavement.
Have questions before you book? (907) 232-5177 or email [email protected].