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Mendenhall Glacier Hike

4.96
Mendenhall Glacier Hike the 1st Next Tour Image Mendenhall Glacier Hike the 2nd Next Tour Image
6 Hours Duration
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From pick-up to drop-off
Physical Fitness Required
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For full-day hiking and glacier traverse
Food and Gear Provided
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Includes a hearty snack and all equipment
Glacier Views
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Incredible, up-close glacier viewing!

Description

Tour Update: This tour does not include trekking on the glacier. We will arrive at panoramic views of the glacier with distant views of the crevasses and icefall at the toe of the glacier.

Juneau tours don’t get more challenging, or rewarding, than this one! The Mendenhall Glacier Hike is not your everyday adventure, and neither is the challenging hike to get there, but what an experience when you reach the majestic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and it's blue world of ice, from deep crevasses and moulins (steep shafts) to crystal-clear meltwater streams and emerald-green pools. You will have the opportunity to learn some hiking skills as you climb your way up for the best views Juneau has to offer! Your full-day adventure begins with a hike through rainforest along the shores of Mendenhall Lake. The trail grows increasingly strenuous until a final rock scramble takes you to the top, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding peaks! For those up to the challenge and with the necessary physical fitness, the Mendenhall Glacier Hike is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Like our other Juneau tours, your adventure begins with pick-up from the cruise docks or your hotel and a scenic drive to the Mendenhall Valley and West Glacier Trailhead. At the trailhead, you’ll meet your expert guides and be fitted with a backpack containing all the gear you’ll need for hike toward the glacier, plus food and water. Take it easy on the first mile as your guide leads you over a well-maintained trail through temperate rainforest. From here, the trail gains elevation and gets rougher with some steep, uneven sections and rock scrambling. Reach the top, take time to soak in the stunning views, then head across the final patch of bedrock to the explore and soak in the stunning panorama around you. The return hike may take a different route but will be just as strenuous as your hike toward the glacier. Of all the Juneau tours, this is the most physically challenging, but the rewards for your effort are stupendous! Don’t believe us? Just check out the reviews!

For less hiking, you might consider the Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Hike. Or, for an exclusive private tour, check out the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike.


What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation
Knowledgeable Guides
Hearty Snack & Bottled Water
All Safety Gear including Trekking Poles (if needed).
Rain Gear (Hooded Jacket and Pants), and Backpack
US Forest Service Permits
Guide Gratuities
Hiking Boots

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the tour still operate if it's raining?
Because much of SE Alaska is a rainforest, these Juneau tours do operate rain or shine. Rain jackets and pants are provided on this trip. If weather conditions are unsafe, the trip will be canceled and we will provide a refund (minus non-refundable fees).
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.
What can I do to prepare physically for this trip?
Cardiovascular training is a must. You will be hiking approximately 8 miles roundtrip for 7+ hours on uneven terrain. Cardiovascular training will increase your endurance making for a more pleasant experience on the trail. In addition, get yourself out on a hike and choose trails that are uneven. We oftentimes get people who are in good physical condition (i.e. train at the gym daily, run several times a week), but struggle on the uneven surface because they are used to exercising on flat ground, which does not require much balancing and much use of the small muscles in the legs and ankles.
What about restroom facilities along the way?
You'll have a chance at the gear base to use the restroom but after that we will be entering the great outdoors. We recommend all guests follow 'Leave No Trace Principles' and should the need arise, we request packing all trash from the trip including toilet paper. If this is of concern for you, we recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag for easy packing.
How many guests are on this tour?
There can be up to 12 participants on this trip and there is a minimum of 2 guests for the trip to operate. With advanced notice we can accommodate larger groups on private tours.
Will we see/explore ice caves?
No, this tour does not visit ice caves. Because the caves are dynamic and change rapidly, we do not guarantee their presence, and for safety reasons, we do not include them in our tours.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 10 years old
Due to continued glacial ice melt, trekking on the glacier is no longer an option. Guests will hike along the rocky moraines near the face of the glacier.
This tour is rated as strenuous, guests must be in good shape. Includes about 7 miles of hiking (about 4 hrs roundtrip) on steep, rocky, wet, uneven terrain.
Because this tour involves strenuous hiking, this is not a wheelchair accessible tour.
This tour involves inherent risks, and for their safety, pregnant guests are not allowed on this tour.
Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the tour due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace. Clients that require a rescue due to an injury incurred on the trek will not be charged rescue fees, nor will those who have disclosed information regarding medical conditions (and have been approved to participate) prior to the trip date.
Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Juneau

Duration
6h 00min

Guest Rate
$230


Itinerary • 6h 00min • 5 activities

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Your guides will pick you up at Mount Roberts Tramway, right by the cruise docks, or at several local hotels, to transport you to the trailhead for outfitting.

Duration
45 minutes
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Hike about 3.5 miles under soaring glacially carved peaks and alongside Mendenhall Lake as you journey towards the receding glacier.

Duration
2 hours
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Enjoy the views of the Mendenhall Glacier with time for plenty of photos and snacks.

Duration
30 minutes
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You'll return on the same trail you took to reach the glacier, while your guide continues to educate you about the local flora, fauna, and geography.

Duration
2 hours
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After returning your gear, your guides will return you to your hotel or Mount Roberts Tramway, where you can check out downtown or hop back on your cruise ship.

Duration
45 minutes

Customer Reviews 132

Total score
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