Worthington Glacier is a valley glacier beside Thompson Pass in southeastern mainland Alaska. Covering 5,774 acres, it is one of the few glaciers in the United States reachable by paved highway, and it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968.[1]
| Type | Valley glacier |
|---|---|
| Area | 5,774 acres (2,337 ha) |
| Highway | Richardson Highway, milepost 28.7 |
| Distance | 28.7 mi east of Valdez |
| Recreation site | 113 acres |
| Landmark status | National Natural Landmark, 1968 |
Location and access
The glacier lies next to Thompson Pass at about 61°10′N 145°45′W. It sits at milepost 28.7 of the Richardson Highway, 28.7 miles east of Valdez, which makes it one of the few U.S. glaciers that can be reached by a paved highway.[1]
Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site
A 113-acre roadside park run by the state of Alaska gives a view of the glacier. The glacier was named a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1968.[1]
Retreat
The glacier is receding. It has retreated steadily for about 150 years, though less dramatically than many other Alaskan glaciers.[1]
Location and access
Worthington Glacier is a valley glacier in southeastern mainland Alaska next to Thompson Pass, covering about 5,774 acres. It lies on the Richardson Highway at milepost 28.7, about 46 km east of Valdez, and is described as one of the few U.S. glaciers reachable by paved highway [2].
Recognition and recreation
The glacier was listed as a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1968. The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, a 113-acre roadside park run by the State of Alaska, offers a view of the glacier [2].
Retreat
Like most Alaskan glaciers, Worthington has been steadily retreating for the last 150 years, though less dramatically than many others, and it is listed as receding [2].
FAQs
Where is Worthington Glacier? Beside Thompson Pass on the Richardson Highway, east of Valdez.
Can you drive to it? Yes, by paved highway.
Is it retreating? Yes, steadily for about 150 years.
Where is Worthington Glacier? At milepost 28.7 of the Richardson Highway, about 46 km east of Valdez [2].
Is it a National Natural Landmark? Yes, it was listed in 1968 [2].
Sources
Key facts
- 5,774 acres
- Landmark 1968
Quick checkWhich highway reaches Worthington Glacier?Show answer
The Richardson Highway
Sources
- Wikipedia. Worthington Glacier. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-13)
- Wikipedia. Worthington Glacier. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue