how to get to mendenhall glacier from juneau

(Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaska's top tourist attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier . Limits to commercial tourism, put in place by the USDA Forest Service to protect local ecosystems, natural resources, and visitor experiences, are being reached faster as the . While Mendenhall Glacier can be visited independently from Juneau, save the hassle of driving on Alaska's icy roads and opt for a combo tour to the glacier instead. Youll set out and paddle something like five or 6 miles around the lake while taking in exceptional (close) views of the Mendenhall Glacier and other sites like Nugget Falls. You dont typically have the ability to just stroll up to a glacier. COVID-19 Information:The visitor center will remain open and following scheduled hoursas long as the community risk levels related to the pandemic allow for safe entry for visitors and employees. You can also book a kayaking adventure tour in Mendenhall Lake for around $230. Embarking on a river raft adventure is another way to explore Mendenhall Glacier Lake. Glaciers are not always the easiest places to visit. Visitors can walk to Mendenhall Lake at the foot of the glacier via the wheelchair-accessible Photo Point Trail. We'll be there again in a few weeks and will get another car. https://eventseeker.com/san-francisco/jul-8-2023/448602918-san-francisco-symphony-ratatouille, https://eventseeker.com/berkeley-ca/jul-8-2023/447316316-pete-escovedo, https://eventseeker.com/berkeley-ca/jul-8-2023/449472449-the-mother-hips, https://eventseeker.com/saratoga-ca/jul-8-2023/446163665-lyle-lovett, https://eventseeker.com/san-francisco/jul-9-2023/451290120-a-trak, https://eventseeker.com/redwood-city-ca/jul-9-2023/451623466-albert-lee, https://eventseeker.com/concord-ca/jul-9-2023/444162168-shaggy-en-vogue-sean-kingston, https://eventseeker.com/mountain-view-ca/jul-9-2023/440950913-nickelback-brantley-gilbert, https://eventseeker.com/saratoga-ca/jul-9-2023/445947835-russell-peters, https://eventseeker.com/rohnert-park-ca/jul-9-2023/444673310-nickel-creek, https://eventseeker.com/oakland-ca/jul-12-2023/447465299-jane-monheit, https://eventseeker.com/oakland-ca/jul-13-2023/447355766-chief-adjuah. Might not work for getting in at noon. So what if your cruise ship schedule doesnt allow you time to complete one of the more rigorous Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau has?
July can be hot but its best to check the weather to see if rain gear is needed. Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area Prospectus, About Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (MGRA) Conceptual Development Plan. Be prepared to meet wildlife, including black bears, porcupines, beavers, bald eagles, and seasonally returning arctic terns, waterfowl, and sockeye and Coho salmon. Prices are about $550. 6 Stunning Mendenhall Glacier Hikes To Take In Juneau Those get continuously disturbed by ocean currents and have frequent major calving events. You'll be walking on a paved path located alongside the road. Am I guaranteed to see the Mendenhall ice caves? Not interested in whales? Sitka, Alaska (KINY) - Sitka District Ranger, Eric Garner, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, has announced that the limit for Sockeye Salmon within the Redoubt Lake watershed increased beginning 12:01 a.m. Jul. More experienced hikers should try the West Glacier Trail, which follows the edge of the lake and glacier, providing access to the ice itself. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour in Juneau, Alaska There is plenty of free parking on site. Youve come to the right spot! Thanks to the natural AC effect, the temperature near Mendenhall Glacier can drop about 10 compared to the outer valley so make sure that you are dressed for the temperature swing. You type Alaska shore excursions into google, trying to figure, Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice, Anchorage Helicopter Glacier Dogsled & Lower Glacier Landing, Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained. One of the most trafficked Mendenhall Glacier hikes is the, If you want to meet some locals (i.e., wildlife), then try, One of the more challenging Mendenhall Glacier hikes is the, Finally, one of our favorite Mendenhall Glacier hikes to take is the, Skip the crowds at Mendenhall Glacier and take the, Instead of taking the tram to the top, hike the. Its an amazing experience because youll end up right at the foot of the Mendenhall Glacier, offering you an unforgettable encounter with this massive river of ice.. Top Alaska tourist attraction Mendenhall Glacier to hit capacity for Required fields are marked *. Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) - A Minto woman was recently sentenced for embezzling money from the Native Village of Minto while employed in a position of trust. One of the most stunning sites to behold would have to be the ice caves that form under the Mendenhall Glacier. Keep an eye out for small icebergs floating in the lake! Dine at In Bocca al Lupo a James Beard awarded restaurant on site. Seeing Mendenhall Glacier from the air is one of the most impressive views you could have in Juneau. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You can venture up to the ice field further back on the Mendenhall Glacier via a helicopter and experience firsthand what its like to go dogsledding. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Contact One of the most interesting natural features near Juneau, this spectacular waterfall plunges about 377 feet down the rugged mountainside into Mendenhall Lake about three-quarter miles south of the active face of Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - During the 49th Annual Meeting, President & CEO McHugh Pierre reviewed the company's audited financials from the 2022 fiscal year, reported on the current operations and profitability, and engaged in a Q&A with Chair Todd Antioquia. So if you have at least two people wanting to go to Mendenhall you'd be about break even with the shuttle. Taxi from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier. As you go, your guides will take you (carefully) to the edge of deep crevasses and allow you to peer into moulins echoing with the trickle (or sometimes roar) of water as it flows to the bottom of the glacier. Its a good trail for encountering dense pioneering vegetation such as willow, alder and cottonwood and also for exploring the rainforest. Juneau Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake Tour. Dont expect to see much calving at this glacier though. First, its just a very accessible glacier. Its only about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, and you can get there by driving, public transit, and even by bike. If you want awesome views and to get close to the glacier then you need to hike from the other side of lake via the West Glacier Trail. These popular Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers can also be booked as private tours! Driving a rental vehicle from these areas to the glacier will take you about 22 minutes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. July 8, 2023 by Andrew Kitchenman, Alaska Beacon. Learn how glaciers produce that brilliant glacier blue color. When to Visit While the Mendenhall Glacier is accessible all year, the best time to visit is May through October. There are plenty more Juneau hiking trails worth taking some of which are accessible from right here at our downtown Juneau hotel. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. As a verified user, you will be granted access to our quick upload forms, that allow you to upload content faster. Can I bring and consume food and beverages inside the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Areaand surrounding trails? Right in the middle of downtown Juneau. Three directors were elected to serve on the board of directors for a three-year term. How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port **This tour is not accepting new reservations for the 2023 season** The glacier is approximately 13 miles long, stretching from the coastal mountains to Mendenhall Lake. https://www.traveljuneau.com/plan-your-trip/maps-and-travel-tools/viewable/. Add in the park fee. This means tour operators are also facing limits in the second half of the summer season on how many tours have permits to visit the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, which is overseen by the U.S . The Forest Service does not recommend any business in particular. It is completely overwhelming. This can be your hotel, a restaurant, or the downtown transit center. Told renting a car would be a pain in the butt just for driving to Mendenhall and that I should just take a taxi. That doesnt sound too bad but the closer you get to the glacier, the less maintained the trail becomes and you may be dealing with a lot of wild tree roots and muddy conditions requiring a bit of technical work. (If youre doing a hike you can have some snacks in your pack.). Similar Events. Ill cover things like hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and how to see things like the ice caves. Here are the options: Even from a distance, the Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning sight to behold! Its a short walk to get to the turn around point where youll have magnificent views of the Mendenhall Glacier located across the Mendenhall Lake. You also want to check out the Steep Creek Trail which is a series of boardwalks and paved paths. We have even more ideas and ways to enjoy your time visiting Mendenhall Glacier! The Mendenhall Glacier is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age, cradled high in the coast mountains lofty peaks. 4th Street And Seward Street Bus lines to Mendenhall Glacier Transport in Juneau Savikko Road at Treadwell Ice Arena Glacier Highway at Auke Bay (Deharts) Lemon Creek Commuter Downtown/Valley Express If you dont feel comfortable leading yourself, you can book a guided adventure. Fees also fund fish and wildlife restoration projects, the live cams that spotlight the Photo Point tern nesting area, Steep Creek salmon spawning, and local beaver activity, and all the various maintenance activities that make the Mendenhall an Alaskan treasure, such as keeping the sidewalks and Nugget Falls Trail plowed all winter. If you have time consider catching the 15 minute film that covers the history of the glacier. While we love these Mendenhall Glacier hikes, and they offer a wonderful experience at Alaskas most accessible glacier, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the spectacular wilderness of Southeast Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier - Wikipedia As for hours, during summer months (May September), the visitor center is open from 8:00am 7:30pm daily. And we are not herded around (which sometimes that is not a bad thing!). As this river of ice continues to change, ice caves are formed and can last for months, weeks, or only a matter of days before melting and collapsing. Pick up and drop off is located at the cruise ship terminal. You can also book a tour on the dock if there is still . With trekking pole in hand youll navigate your way over large, loose rocks, muddy glacial silt pits (ask your guide about glacial facials on the way back!) For sure! Ill also provide you with a lot of practical tips on things like transportation so that you can have as smooth as a visit as possible. The Mendenhall Glacier is part of the massive Juneau Icefield, which you can learn more about at the Visitor Center. Of all the Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau is home to, youre bound to find one that will amaze! No need to start purchasing your own ice trekking equipment yet, as weve got you covered with our Mendenhall Glacier tours in Juneau! I havent looked at that. From our downtown Juneau hotel, you can quickly launch yourself into incredible adventures in the stunning wilderness of southeast Alaska. Experience the splendor of Mendenhall Glacier at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mandy Massey Real Estate and Home Show brokered by EXP Realty, Juneau Radio Center - Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce - Congressional Candidate Forum 2022. 1 post 106 reviews 71 helpful votes Cost of taxi to Mendenhall glacier visitor centre 1 year ago Save Hi, My cruise will be in Juneau on June 17 and I would like to do a walking trail at Mendenhall Glacier. By air: Helicopter tours provide incredible views of the glacier and the larger Juneau Icefield. Please select the account you would like to continue with. Get the latest news & insider deals from Juneau Alaska and The Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites. Are there any glacier treks/Ice caves available in April 2020? Guests 16 years and older will be required to pay a $5 day use fee, anyone younger is free of charge. San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC. If you can handle something more strenuous, the West Glacier Trail would be my preferred choice. Then, as you exit the downtown, enjoy the scenery as your guide delivers you to Auke Bay or Mendenhall Glacier. Fees are not necessary for accessing the: If you have an annual national parks pass such as the America the Beautiful pass, Senior Pass, or Military Pass you can use those to get in for free. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The park ranger on the phone will likely have a direct view of the glacier when theyre talking to you, so you can get real-time information. Thank you for commenting. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app. Weve got you covered with these. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. Juneau, AK 99801-8546 Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Valley, Juneau, AK. Now I know youre all thinking, how can I get a piece of this delightfully enchanting ice cave pie? Be one of the few to experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier this closely, exclusively, and safely. Book a stay with us today! A portion of this trail is closed during the peak salmon run but you can still check out some of the raised observation decks which can offer you an amazing (and safe enough) views of black bears and salmon (sockeye and Coho). How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port Explore Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area's sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. Either way, you will want to have crampons if you plan on stepping on the glacier. Canoeing is another option that might be better suited for people not comfortable in a kayak or who are interested in traveling with more fellow travelers. Has anyone done this trip to Mendenhall from pier? But by the mid-1700s, the glacier began to retreat creating the lake you see you today. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While having experience will certainly help you enjoy these experiences, experience is not necessary. Official websites use .gov A .gov HOW TO GET HERE Located in Juneau, Alaska's capital city, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center overlooks the Mendenhall Valley. 212 Admiral Way Ste. I'd rather grab a local, give them $25 and have them drop us off. Mendenhall Glacier - Juneau, Alaska - Atlas Obscura Avis just moved. McGinnis. You can also book a shuttle bus for $45 roundtrip that will take you to and from the glacier and allow you to spend as much time as you would like there. If youve never seen a glacier before, it really is a sight to behold. Stroll through a moist rainforest laden with moss or meander along the shore of Mendenhall Lake to Nugget Falls, counting ice bergs as you go. united states . Visitors may reach the visitor center by city bus, taxi, tour bus or rental car. A more difficult trail, the East Glacier Loop, leads through ancient forests for views of a waterfall near the glaciers face. [6] The US Forest Service, which manages the Mendenhall Glacier, says "because glaciers are a product of climate, they respond to climate change ." [7] For me the rental car is the best solution. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Trail of Time: This trail will take you back through time as you explore various vegetation and landscapes which vary based on how long ago the glacier originally retreated from the area. Note: Please seperate each email address with a comma. Take Egan Drive out of town past the turnoff to the Juneau International Airport and turn right on Mendenhall Loop Road. At this point I'm really wishing I could just Uber. You can accomplish this with a helicopter tour that will take you over the glacier. But if youre not able to get up in the air then kayaking or canoeing in the lake among the icebergs and face of the glacier would be quite the experience. The dancing ombre of blues throughout the ice from aqua to sapphire to cobalt captivated me. Mendenhall Glacier is located at: 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801. State-of-the-art exhibits, a 15-minute film featuring the dynamic interplay between the Tongass National Forest and its many glaciers, and the Discovery Southeast bookstore will enrich your Visitor Center experience. Due to the ice-cold temperature of the water, its only recommended for people who are physically fit and have experience kayaking. Experience the splendor of Mendenhall Glacier at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. **THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2023 SEASON** Photo Point Trail: This trail is about mile round trip and is highly accessible with it being paved. Your expert guides will lead you on a journey across Mendenhall Lake where you will paddle together with a small group past icebergs, giant waterfalls, and wildlife. TheTrail of Timeshows the power and long-term impact that the glacier has on the surrounding environment. At the very least I would recommend a visit to the visitor center and doing the Nugget Falls Trail along with Photo Point. 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. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska - TripSavvy Mendenhall Glacier -Steep Creek - Alaska Department of Fish and Game They are near the AJ dock also. Day use passes sell for $5 per person and collectible season passes will be for sale for $15 for the card holder and one guest the entire season. We have a midsize car for the day at $67.85 grand total - I booked it in May *LAST YEAR*. Alaska's top tourist attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, is reaching its capacity for commercial tours this year sooner than in previous years, due to the growing number of visitors.. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The project is expected to take two years to guide future facility developments within the MRGA. While the Mendenhall Glacier is accessible all year, the best time to visit is May through October. Its the ultimate way to take in that mesmerizing glacier blue and to view an otherworldly landscape that you just cant mimic anywhere else. Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained On a cloudy afternoon, it can be even more impressive as the ice turns a deep and mystical shade of blue. Here are the top Mendenhall Glacier hikes to consider this summer. Public bus to mendenhall glacier | Visting Alaska | Kelsea Ventures The main trail leads about 3.5 miles to a rock outcrop with a spectacular view of the glacier. Getting in a kayak or canoe is probably the best way to experience the face of the glacier. You could do this all in about 90 minutes. There are 3 ways to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area by bus, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. I chose renting a car, because we can do whatever we want. Be sure to pay attention to the size requirements when it comes to kayaks. If youre visiting during a rainy time or when there is a lot of cloud cover, consider calling the visitor center before you head over and ask about the visibility of the glacier. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo, Whale Watching, Glacier, Juneau City Tour, 8 Things Your Cruise Ship Wont Tell You About Shore Excursions, 7 High-Demand Alaska Cruise Tours Youll Want to Book Early, My Alaska Travel Tips: How to Get the Perfect Alaska Cruise Photos, Your Guide to Inside Passage Weather in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Alaska Map and Walking Guide, Up to an additional hour of tour time (9 hours vs. 8 hours), Allows children as young as 8 years old to participate (vs. 10 years old on public). Mendenhall Glacier Tours. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Best & Most Cost Effective Way to Get to Mendenhall Glacier? This trail is about 6 miles long (out and back) with elevation gain of about 1,200 feet. Whether youre in town for a day or week, there are many ways to experience the glacier. Once you reach the edge of the glacier, slide into your micro-spikes, harness, and helmet for the glacier trekking portion. Yes! 1. If you want some views, large windows brilliantly showcase the glacier and Nugget Falls. If hiking 8-10 miles roundtrip doesnt sound like your cup of tea, keep reading to learn about other Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers! Fax:907-228-6215, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5400800, https://www.discoverysoutheast.org/store/, Getting from downtown Juneau to the Visitor Center & Recreation Area, Recreation Area Permitted Tour Companies& Wedding Venue Company. Find his full bio here. I'm pretty sure that the shuttle bus that includes the Mendenhall entrance fee is round trip, not each way. This is basically just an extension of the West Glacier Trail that takes you down to the glacier. Explore the Hiking Trails: There are several short walks and hikes around the Mendenhall Glacier. Comparing ship excursion rates just for Mendenhall Glacier to the car rental - it's just a no brainer. How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau - Ordinary Adventures We recommend using bug spray as the dense forest can often be full of mosquitos! So if you only have one day that might be the way to go. TICKET. Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Steep Creek Trail: With raised boardwalks and and paved trails, this one is great for the entire family. The paddle is an enthralling journey in itself as you glide across the (usually) calm waters of Mendenhall Lake, encircled by the towering peaks of giants such as Thunder Mountain, Mt. Copyright 2021 Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is accessible for everyone, making it a great place to learn a lot! Considering that challenge, the agency is asking for the publics patience and understanding. [2022] . With so, If youve already booked your Alaska cruise, its a pretty safe bet that youve also been bombarded by, At Alaska Shore Tours, 5% of our profits go directly to organizations that help preserve Alaskas natural resources, When booking tours for your Alaskan cruise, its important to know how early in the season a given, The time has finally arrived. Your guides on the Paddle & Trek will determine whether the caves are safe to enter. We also offer an unbeatable range of guest rooms, each unique and designed for a broad range of guests, from solo travelers to families and groups traveling together. However at this late date it may be difficult to find a car. Your email address will not be published. Entrance to the visitor center is included in your ticket price. Watch the famous Nugget Falls grow in scale and grandeur as you paddle closer, passing icebergs with Arctic Terns perched atop like silent sentinels. Mendenhall, one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America, is just 13 miles from downtown Juneau and a few minutes from the airport. We arrive in Juneau at noon and depart at 9pm. 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. This could result in some commercial services being unavailable to visitors who arrive in the second half of the summer season. The geographic scope of this effort will include all three Units of the MGRA (Visitor Center, Dredge Lakes and West Glacier) a total area of nearly 6,000 acres. They advise you to not have any food on you when you come here which I think is probably a good idea. Then be transported out to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. If you plan on doing a tour that is dependent upon air travel try to leave yourself with some open dates and brace yourself for cancellations because of how rainy the area can be. Three or more, you're way ahead including entrance fees for the glacier. Experience the perfect day sightseeing at the most popular attraction in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier, followed up by an all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon bake. There are many different bucket-list worthy ways to explore Mendenhall Glacier and in this article Ill break down all of the different ways you might want to spend time visiting Mendenhall Glacier. You can also book flight seeing tours. Check. Here, you can enjoy views of the thirteen-mile-long river of ice, which terminates on the far side of Mendenhall Lake, and watch blue icebergs floating in the water amidst reflections of southeast Alaskas coast mountains. This area technically is a fee zone although its a little confusing to me. McGinnis or the Towers. The other docks would be about a 15-20 minute walk from Juneau Car Rental. Whats the advantage of booking a private tour? The Steep Creek Trail gives you one of the best opportunities to see bears, especially while they fish for spawning salmon. We know the selection of glacier tours can be overwhelming, so weve put together a list to make it easier! Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - More visitors are stopping by the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area this year, and it is taking its toll on the tourist-related activities there.

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how to get to mendenhall glacier from juneau