Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car, is not your typical glacier. It is 100 miles northeast of Anchorage, and ice climbers and hikers often traverse its icy peaks and slopes in short sleeves because of a weather hole that creates comfortable and sunny conditions. Enjoy this glacier and others while they last. Groups such as the U.S. Geological Survey report that glaciers are retreating faster than ever. L.A. Times staff photographer Robert Gauthier captured the Matanuska Glacier's landscapes of frozen and melting ice. For more photo galleries, visit our photography page, latimes.com/news/local/photography.

-- Kelsey Ramos, Los Angeles Times

Cool: Snowy texture

Cool: Towers of ice

Warm: Wet walk

Cool: On the edge

Cool: Wisps of clouds

Warm: Melting ice

Warm: Moving ice

Warm: Hiking

Warm: Reflections

Warm: T-shirts allowed

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