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.
Not your everyday adventure, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike is among the most exclusive and in-depth excursions in Juneau Alaska. Similar to the standard Mendenhall Glacier Hike but with a guide leading your own private party, this involved and exciting outing allows you to explore a stunning world of crystal blue ice up-close and personal. Conditions permitting, it even features the opportunity to explore the otherworldly Mendenhall Glacier ice formations! Particularly if you’re looking to customize the pace or content of your glacier experience, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike is quite simply one of the premier excursions in Juneau Alaska.
Your epic adventure begins with pick-up from the cruise docks or the place of your choosing, followed by a lovely drive to the famed Mendenhall Valley. Then it’s time to suit up with your trekking gear and, guided by your personal expert guide, head out toward the glacier itself! You’ll head up a scenic (and fairly strenuous!) trail toward the ice, skirting Mendenhall Lake through stunning temperate rainforest. Thanks to this tour’s private nature, you get to decide what’s next! On the hunt for even more incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier ice formations? Your guide will lead the way! Whatever your glacier dream entails, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike has you covered! As it’s of the most exclusive excursions in Juneau Alaska, though, this trip has very limited spaces, so book early to guarantee your spot! Note: Price per person varies depending on group size. See the Additional Information tab for pricing specifics.
For stunning glacier-front views and less hiking, you might consider the Private Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Hike. To learn more about glacier caves, check out this article on Mendenhall Glacier ice caves, part of our Nature & History series.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the tour still operate if it's raining?
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
What can I do to prepare physically for this trip?
What about restroom facilities along the way?
Will we see/explore ice caves?
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 8h 00min • 5 activities
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.
Hike about 4-5 miles under soaring glacially carved peaks and alongside Mendenhall Lake as your journey towards the receding glacier.
When you reach the glacier's edge, you'll explore the ice features that have formed on the edge and take in the massive river of ice.
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.
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.