You could do it in tennis shoes but I would recommend hiking boots, We are thinking of renting a car in Juneau, how is parking at the Mendenhall Glacier? Our hiking path to the waterfall was flooded out, so we only could view it from a distance, but what a BEAUTIFUL area. Anytime youre out exploring the Mendenhall Glacier or Mendenhall ice caves, its always best (and safest!) This excursion ended up being two completely different things with the tram being an xtra ride that was not worth our time (other than great views, spent most of time waiting in the long line to get up (45min) and down (45min) - had to get back to ship already - no time to enjoy trail at top). A popular day hike for the locals, expect to see others out enjoying the frozen lake in snowshoes, cross country and nordic skis, as well as on foot. Wow!!! Absolutely fantastic! Now I know youre all thinking, how can I get a piece of this delightfully enchanting ice cave pie? View Details. There are numerous trails to choose from once you get to the top, or just enjoy the ride. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. These caves were a sight to see. Several trails radiate from the visitor center offering access to a variety of habitat types and stages of plant . Hands down one of our most popular tours! The bus ride from the port to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center was very informative. Im just thinking of the 50 lb weight limit on our luggage. We recommend booking Mendenhall Glacier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. While none of the following Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers will get you onto the Mendenhall Glacier or into the Mendenhall ice caves, they get you out to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. https://juneaucapitaltransit.org/. Experience the magnitude of the forces that shaped many of our mountains and valleys. Follow Glacier Spur until you see Mendenhall Loop Road on your left, turn left, and then continue on it. Youve come to the right spot! Make sure enough time is available at least to hike to Nugget Falls and Photo Point. For all the shuttle bus I searched online, They all charge $45 per person. It is also not to early to contact them for next summer. Entrance to the visitor center is included in your ticket price. How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier by bus? However, if you reserve 1-2 hours, you would spend more comfortable time over there. Your Guide to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Thanks. Mendenhall Glacier is only about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, which makes it one of the most accessible in the entire state. Am I guaranteed to see the Mendenhall ice caves? You can take many nice photos. Both fjords are over 30 miles long. Turn right onto Glacier Highway. The glacier itself is free to visit. Buses leave every 30 minutes on most days (check the schedule for times). They also offer movies and activities for kids to learn about Alaskan nature. Hike the Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska - The Outbound By far, a rental is the most convenient option for us (especially once the shuttles went up to $45/person!). Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. So theres a tour for Mendall Glacier for $79 is it worth it? Explore different ways to experience this place. $35 - $45 The fastest way to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is to taxi. Juneau's Big Five are a list of front range summits that are Walk Up summits. It's the. Customizable & personalized to your groups specifics interests, including photography, proposals, weddings, additional glacier or ice cave exploration, etc. For the more adventurous, guided hiking tours will take you across the glaciers surface and into the breathtaking ice caves. I recommend joining an excursion group because they can provide the proper equipment needed to s At a shop in Juneau, I saw a photo of from the top of a mountain that blew me away. I already have reservations for our cruises next year. How much is a taxi from the cruise ship dock to Mendenhall Glacier? You have saved and planned for this Alaska trip for what seems like, Planning your Alaskan cruise can take a lot of work, and depending on your desired experience and shore, If you are visiting Southeast Alaska one of the first questions you might be asking yourself is, where, Trust me, I understand. There are taxis in Juneau that can take you to the Visitor Center, but I am not sure how much they are. to go on a tour with a well-trained guide who will not only keep you safe but will do so while giving you the experience of a lifetime! Multiple trails varying in length and degrees of difficulty. What should I wear to Mendenhall Glacier? You can also visit the nature center to learn more about the wildlife and culture of Alaska. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110626406', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car can cost and the car allows more exploring. I experienced the magnitude of the forces that shaped many of the hills and valleys in the area. You can take many nice photos. Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center. We are a group of 5 will be visiting Juneau at Aug 28. Even better in the winter. This is a bit early in the season and is dependent on the conditions which are not possible to predict very far in advance. We had a prebooked tour of the city and glacier. Went with the family and had an enjoyable time walking around. Mendenhall Glacier is by far the most iconic and popular attraction in Juneau, and for good reason. View ourPrivacy Policyto learn more. The area around it is beautiful. From here, there is only one trailhead. For more ideas on things to do and places to eat in Juneau, check out JUNEAU BLOG POST. From downtown: 12 miles. Before my Alaska trip Ive seen photos of other people standing next to the waterfall and seeing the glacier, this is no longer possible, the glacier now is hidden from that place and you have you go further away to see it. Read our. Cruises, planes, trains, automobiles! The glacier and cascades are a once in a lifetime sight. This excursion ended up being two completely different things with the tram being an xtra ride that was not worth our time (other than great views, spent most of time waiting in the long line to get up (45min) and down (45min) - had to get back to ship already - no time to enjoy trail at top). Thank you! Duration: Summer, 5-8 hours. Can you walk to Mendenhall Glacier from cruise ship? Tripadvisor gives a Travellers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Raingear, hats, gloves and sturdy shoes or hiking boots are strongly recommended. You wont believe your ice! Juneaus weather is fairly mild. I was so fortunate to be able to walk on the glacier via a helicopter and then later in the day to go on land and see the glacier via Mendenhall visitor centre trail. Have your cameras ready no matter which glacier tour you choose! Think you want to spend more time on the glacier or have a more personalized and customized experience for your family or group? Re: Getting to Mendenhall Glacier on own? Keep an eye out for black bears. Tripadvisor. MENDENHALL GLACIER - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) How much is a taxi from the cruise ship dock to Mendenhall Glacier? We are a group of 5 will be visiting Juneau at Aug 28. While the Mendenhall Glacier is accessible all year, the best time to visit is May through October. Are there any glacier treks/Ice caves available in April 2020? Yao, Sorry, we were with a large group and all shuttles were handled by travel agency. For all the shuttle bus I searched online, They all charge $45 per person. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Also no (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do you need to book in advance to visit Mendenhall Glacier? 4. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect . A paved, flat .6 mile trail leads to Photo Point with a head-on view of the face across the lake against a coastal mountain panorama. Mendenhall glacier is beautiful. Thank you! How to do Mendenhall Glacier on our own? - Juneau Forum To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Booked an excursion with NCL for our family of 4 (parents w/ teens) which was Mendenhall Glacier w/ Tram Ride. Mendenhall Glacier. The water spray is cold though, so be prepared. It is probably about a half of a mile at most. May through September open daily 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. There is an eagle that they have rescued, which is blind, and they are keeping it and helping take care of it. Mendenhall Glacier and the cascades are a surreal place to visit. For the less experienced, there are guided canoe tours you can book through many cruise lines. Thank you for commenting. Mendenhall Loop Road turns into Glacier Spur Road and ends at the visitor center. Here, you can still see the glacier, take amazing photos, and even hike out to Nugget Falls. Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. Kayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. If you can spend at least a half-day, there are many ways to get up close to this majestic glacier. Certainly a more economical choice for 3 or more people traveling together. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. And, if youre like most people traveling to Alaska, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't miss it. TheTrail of Timeshows the power and long-term impact that the glacier has on the surrounding environment. One could easily spend several hours here hiking all the trails. ------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ALONG ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonsvoyage1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonvoyage1_/ Budget has some really great rates in Juneau. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110649843', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental cars available this summer. The unpaved paths may hold bears, evident by the salmon carcasses on the ground. What's the best way to see Mendenhall Glacier? Yes. Turn left onto Mendenhall Loop Road. ", Here is a list of companies that have a permit (and Uber/Lyft are not on it): https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=fseprd495443. The Tracy Arm Fjord is 45 miles south of Juneau, but worth the trek. You don't say that I saw when you are going but in Sept watch sunset times as it will be between 7:30-800pm. 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved Mendenhall ice caves? There is visiting center that does cost a small fee to enter if you want to go inside and talk to rangers and see some interesting exhibits and touch glacier ice. Want to propose to your significant other in the Mendenhall ice caves or even get married atop the glacier??? Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages during your trip. By shuttle: For a fee, the Glacier Shuttle is quick and convenient with one leaving from downtown every 30 minutes. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Mendenhall Glacier: Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. 12 miles of ice and waterfalls. I began searching and soon found that it was taken atop Mount McGinnis, one of Juneau's Big Five Summits. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the area's ecosystem and wildlife, then follow the Photo Point Trail up to an overlook for the best views of the glacier, before heading on a hike to the popular Nugget Falls. You could do this all in about 90 minutes. Then, as you exit the downtown, enjoy the scenery as your guide delivers you to Auke Bay or Mendenhall Glacier. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It's truly a wild experience! You'd have to ask them how close they can get. If you have any questions please ask me in the comments below. How much is a taxi from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier? Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it's a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. On the return walk, we took the short trail to the Photo Point which provides a much better view of Mendenhall Glacier. Once your back downtown, take a ride up the Mt. The good thing that unlike portage glacier you can still see the glacier from the visitor center. Juneau port has the capacity to accommodate 4 cruise ships at a time. Venture within yards of the massive, awe-inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. More experienced hikers should try the West Glacier Trail, which follows the edge of the lake and glacier, providing access to the ice itself. There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Juneau. The huge waterfall is awe inspiring. . Are there taxis available at the Glacier to return back to the dock or does it have to be reserved? The Mendenhall Glacier, formerly known as Sitaantaagu ("the Glacier Behind the Town"), is a 12 mile long glacier about 12 miles outside Alaskas capital Juneau. Glacial movements have, and still are influencing where, when, and what plants may occur. Travel Juneau uses cookies to improve our site and provide a better userexperience. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1c536688230e7bc57ef6df5cf0e3ab8" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is lichen on the trees, which means the air is very clean there. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. All the trails are well-marked, well maintained, and of course, totally . As you walk away from the glacier you pass through changes in the landscape and vegetation that correspond to the length of time that has passed since the glacier's retreat. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Certainly a more economical choice for 3 or more people traveling together. $$$ A quick drive from downtown Juneau to the trailhead parking lot finds you overlooking the nearly half a mile wide face of the glacier. The bus driver was very humorous and very upbeat about Alaska. Use caution, and have fun exploring the land of the bluest ice. Can You Go To Mendenhall Glacier On Your Own? - FAQS Clear more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Geologic Formations, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in the U.S., loved for its dazzling blue glacial ice that stretches for 13.6 miles. Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. I saw some international travelers who turned back half-way on their hike to the falls because they had to get on their tour bus; they certainly missed out on a great experience. Ride the Tramway to the Top of Mount Roberts. The glacier is located about 12 miles north of downtown Juneau. The view will put you at awe, and the surroundings are utterly peaceful. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If your aspiration is to walk on the glacier, youre looking at a strenuous, professional guide-led, full day trip ($200-$400/pp + tax. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Your email address will not be published. OVATION OF THE SEAS playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOA5q9Z0EtMvsmLiHvPTjZ9w8A6L67YgNThanks for watching!#bonvoyageletsadventure #mendenhallglacier #juneau #royalcaribbean #ovationoftheseas #cruise #getoutthere #alaska #alaskacruise #cruisetips #coldweathercruising #alaskacruiseroyalcaribbean #firsttimecruisers #alaskacruise # #cruisetips CHECK OUT MY CHANNEL! Getting to Mendenhall Glacier on own? - Juneau Forum 97% of travellers recommend this experience. If you're not doing a tour it would be easy to do by yourself. We saw plenty of bald eagles flying around. The bus driver was very humorous and very upbeat about Alaska. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I have a playlist on the OVATION OF THE SEAS, a Royal Caribbean ship! There 3 mile out and back hike/cross country ski/snowshoe across the frozen Mendenhall Lake, culminating at extensive ice caves for some mild spelunking, 8 miles and 2000 vertical feet cumulative elevation change offers a challenging yet rewarding approach to the glacier. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. Or should I just go up myself on a bus? We hiked and saw the glacier. If youre thinking about booking one of the incredible Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers, my best recommendation is, just do it! Are there taxis available at the Glacier to return back to the dock or does it have to be reserved? Juneau is the port for glaciers and whales! Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours exploring the glacier before returning to the canoe. Required fields are marked *. It's FREE! - More time on the water! Tripadvisor. Too bad about the taxi "scam" and the $45 shuttle. Also check the bus from cruise ship docks schedule carefully. Don't think there're any grizzlies. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I already have the America the beautiful pass so it includes the $5 admission anyway. and through a stream to reach the glacier. Be at the park by 9 am to miss most of the cruise crowds. Juneau: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip. This is a really nice hike around the enchanting Mendenhall. How we rank things to do. Roberts Tram or enjoy a fresh king crab leg at Tracys King Crab Shack. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Due to the exclusivity of these public & private tours, small group sizes (6:1 client to guide ratio), and the high demand to visit Mendenhall Glacier and explore Mendenhall ice caves, these tours fill up extremely fast! This glacier is absolutely amazing. If you like to walk and discover some natural beauties, please visit the Mendenhall Glacier. It was a little snow covered with some ice. If the weather is poor or you dont want to walk quite as much as we did, wed recommend taking the shuttle bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. The Glacier Shuttle is a quick and convenient way to travel to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors' Center. Not sure of current pricing. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. You'll be in a boat with a fully enclosed, heated cabin with restrooms on-board and outdoor decks for viewing. Which thankfully was a freak event. Learn how far the glacier face has receded, Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but its a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. could you please let me know how to get a bus at the port on our own for 25.00 round trip each? If open and accessible, your guide will escort you from the top of the glacier to its magnificent underbelly. After a quarter mile, the road will curve right and become Mendenhall Loop . 1 fti Alaska Destination Expert for Alaska Level Contributor 19,398 posts 39 reviews 102 helpful votes 1. 2. Kayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. July can be hot but its best to check the weather to see if rain gear is needed. It was a little snow covered with some ice. For this reason, we never guarantee visits to, or entrance into the Mendenhall ice caves on any tour. could you please let me know how to get a bus at the port on our own for 25.00 round trip each? Thanks, 1. taxi (roughly $35 each way plus entrance fee at Mendenhall which is $5 per adult but taxis often charge a lot more (find out in advance). Visit the glacier as part of a tour, which can include a whale-watching cruise, a glacier hike, and canoeing at Lake Mendenhall. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Why isn't this gorgeous place a National Park! Is there a good way to get to Mendenhall Glacier on your own (not a tour), so you can stay as long/short as you want? Know the risks before you visit Mendenhall Glacier's newest ice cave - KTOO What a privilege it is to see the glacier. There is plenty of free parking on site. There is lots of information on Mendenhall including the answers to your questions and much more on the internet. Otherwise there is a public bus but that leaves you with a 1+ mile walk in each direction from the nearest bus stop to the glacier area. Great description here: https://www.wanderwoman.ca/bus-to-mendenhall-glacier/. By car: An easy drive from downtown Juneau, take Egan Drive and turn right at Mendenhall Loop Road which turns into Glacier Spur Road and ends at the Visitor Center. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are taxis in Juneau that can take you to the Visitor Center, but I am not sure how much they are. From the Juneau International Airport: 5 miles. (No worries, the bears rarely climb up on the platforms.). The fastest way to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is to taxi. There are a couple of roads when you exit the highway, but stick to the right and you will end up in an obvious parking lot. Select your cruise ship and well display only the tours that work with your Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle or Blue Bus Glacier Express - $45 pp round trip (I believe that includes the entrance fee). Please note: 100% Guaranteed whale sightings or full refund on the whale watching portion of your tour. It's a well-known fact that Mendenhall Glacier has been receding at an alarming rate over the past decade, which has brought both beautiful and heartbreaking changes to the glacier and surrounding landscape. My background has been in travel for most of my life, so it seems fitting that I show you the how to's and whys of anything travel! 95% of travellers recommend this experience. Don't miss it. Sadly, it's receding & we saw an iceberg in the lake that broke off 2wks earlier. Well worth the time and effort.
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