For years, Alaskans have been gathering on the Fourth of July for a unique and destructive tradition known as the Glacier View Car Launch. While most towns and cities in America celebrate the holiday with fireworks displays, local bans on pyrotechnics make it illegal throughout much of the state. The alternative? Launching junkyard vehicles off a 300-foot cliff into an old quarry.
The display is nothing short of a demolition extravaganza.
In 2025, the event was captured in 4K from a drones POV, which followed the cars as they soared into thin air, plummeting into the valley below. The spectators cheer for the carnage unfolding before them. Then, when its all said and done, everyone cleans up the debris and shrapnel together to minimize environmental harm.
Check out the video to see this past years highlights.
Runtime: 1:12 minutes

'RIFF': Dynastar Athletes' First Ski Film Highlights an Incredible Stroke of Alaskan LuckFilmed in Utah and Alaska, 'RIFF' is a Level 1 ski edit that follows Dynastar athletes as they go big and shred gnar. Read more
A Jacket for Every Hunt, A Price You’ll Like: Kings Camo XKG Pinnacle Jacket Review
Rod Johnson, Founder of Midwest Mountaineering, Dies at 76
Hollywood Greenlights Psychological Thriller Based on Badwater 135 Ultra Race
Lightweight Support for Epic Trails: Salewa Launches Its All-New Pedroc 2 Powertex Shoe
2026 Nissan Pathfinder Gets a Facelift and Small but Useful Changes
Find the Right Gift for the Outdoors Lovers on Your List at Backcountry
2026 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Is Cheaper, If You Want It Loaded
‘People Think I Haven’t Learned My Lesson’: Exclusive Q&A With Michelino Sunseri