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When hiking the trails around Mendenhall Glacier, be mindful of trail etiquette. Yield to other hikers going uphill, stay on designated trails to protect the fragile vegetation, and pack out any trash or waste you bring in. Be considerate of fellow hikers and maintain a respectful distance from others on the trail. Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be prepared for changing conditions. Dress in layers and bring appropriate rain gear as rain showers are common in the region. Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for the possibility of cold temperatures, wind, or fog, especially when hiking near the glacier.
Option 1: Shuttle Service
If you’re planning to hike, waterproof footwear and possibly rain pants are a good idea. You’ll also want to make sure you have sunglasses (even if it’s rainy!) as the weather often changes several times a day. A lot of people have heard about Mendenhall Ice Caves and like all glaciers, ice caves come and go and melt and collapse. At the time of this writing, there are not ice caves at Mendenhall Glacier you can safely access. The real highlight of landing on the Mendenhall Glacier is getting to go dog sledding in the middle of summer on the ice of the glacier! This is a truly incredible splurge if you’re looking for something really special and expensive on your trip.
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Please let the bus driver know that you are going to the glacier when you board the bus, and listen for the announcement for “Dredge Lake Road” so that you do not miss your stop. Visitors will then need to follow the sidewalk from the bus stop 1.5 miles to the end of Glacier Spur Road. I took bus route 3 called the Mendenhall Valley bus route from the downtown transit center to Mendenhall Glacier. So in addition to the one hour you will spend getting to and from the bus stop, you may spend one more hour walking the Mendenhall Glacier trails. If you’re still at home, you can change the “depart at” time to get a better idea of bus timings available. It may also be helpful to change the day of the week, as weekdays vs weekends may be different.
Rider Info
The glacier is easily accessible, making it a perfect destination for cruise ship passengers who want to explore the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers. Visitors can take advantage of the various trails and viewpoints to get an up-close and personal look at the glacier. Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is a relatively straightforward process, with several transportation options available. Whether you prefer a guided tour or venture out on your own, there’s a method to suit your preferences and time constraints. This is also a terrific way to leave crowds behind as the visitor center area does get very crowded on busy ship days. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike this loop (at least 2.5 hours) as it has some steep sections.
How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port
The shuttle ride takes about 20 minutes, and the cost is typically included in your cruise fare. It’s a stunning natural wonder that’s easily accessible from Juneau, the state capital. If you’re visiting Juneau on a cruise ship, there are a few different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier.
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Make sure you’ve got your hiking boots laced up and your backpack filled with all the essentials for a trek through the stunning wilderness surrounding Mendenhall Glacier. Before setting off, it’s important to research transportation options from the cruise port to the glacier. Exploring on your own can be fun, but these organized tours offer unique benefits such as expert guides, transportation convenience, and access to exclusive locations. Consider guided hikes or helicopter rides for a unique experience exploring this magnificent natural wonder.
What is the best time of year to visit Mendenhall Glacier?
Many cruise lines and local tour operators provide shuttle services from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. These shuttles offer convenience and often include informative commentary along the way. They typically run on a regular schedule, allowing you to plan your visit accordingly and ensuring you don’t miss your ship’s departure time. The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall’s grand edifice plunges from the immense Juneau Icefield, dropping 4,500 feet over 13 miles.
Research Transportation Options
Birdwatching enthusiasts may enjoy glimpses of songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl that inhabit the area. For a unique perspective of the glacier, consider joining a kayak or canoe tour on Mendenhall Lake. Paddling through the calm waters allows you to get up close to the glacier and experience the magnificent ice walls from a different vantage point. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the glacier and the surrounding wilderness. These added experiences provide a well-rounded adventure, allowing you to make the most of your time at Mendenhall Glacier and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
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This is when the weather is warmest and the glacier is most accessible. However, the glacier is also very popular during the summer months, so you may have to share the experience with other tourists. The easiest way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the airport is to take a taxi or bus.
However, I don’t recommend it because it takes a long time (1.5-2 hours each way depending on your walking speed and where your ship is docked). It also involves a three mile round trip walk to the bus stop which is not doable for everyone. It does only cost $2 (cash only), so if you have lots of time and enjoy walking, go for it. While you cannot drive to Juneau itself, once you’re in Juneau this is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska you can drive to.
Since I had already walked a lot by that point, it would have been nice to only have to do a one-way walk to Mendenhall Glacier. You could generally just start walking towards town, and there will be booths selling tickets for the Mendenhall Glacier shuttle. Your options for getting to the Mendenhall Glacier for the rest of the summer 2023 are a little more limited than they were earlier this summer… read on. On another Alaska cruise, I did a different kind of Mendenhall Glacier tour.
From the viewing platform at the 580-foot level, capture images of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island and the Chilkat Mountains. During our visit, we simply wanted to see the glacier and take a nice hike. However, the shore excursion to the glacier would have cost us just over USD$200. You will get a better view of glaciers compared to seeing the Mendenhall Glacier from the visitor center, which is what most people do.
The Photo Point Trail also offers stunning viewpoints for capturing memorable photographs. Guided tours typically include transportation from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier, taking the stress out of arranging transportation on your own. The tour operators ensure that you have a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the scenery. Shuttle services typically operate on a regular schedule, ensuring that you have ample time to explore Mendenhall Glacier before returning to the cruise port.
Remember to bring enough water and snacks for your trip, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. By dressing in layers, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt to any weather changes that may occur while exploring Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a base layer that is moisture-wicking and breathable, followed by a warm mid-layer like a fleece or sweater. On top of that, bring a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect you from rain or strong gusts of wind. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates during the day.
With its crystal blue ice, towering ice walls, and cascading waterfalls, Mendenhall Glacier is a sight to behold. You will pass the visitor center on your way to Nugget Falls, so you can go before you start the Nugget Falls Trail, or you can save it for afterwards. But taking the bus to get to Nugget Falls is not for everyone, because it requires around 3 miles extra of walking, on top of the walk you will do on the actual Nugget Falls Trail. It was easier earlier in the Alaska cruise season because there were tons of shuttles to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area that you could take from the cruise port. As of July 2023, it has become a little bit more difficult to do Nugget Falls from the cruise port, but it’s still possible. The Nugget Falls Trail is one of the most popular things to do from the Juneau cruise port.
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