Earn panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier on Juneau’s most physically demanding guided hike. This is a true backcountry challenge designed for strong, active travelers who want sweeping alpine scenery far beyond the standard visitor experience.
Starting from the remote West Glacier Trail, you’ll hike through dense Tongass rainforest before climbing into rugged, uneven terrain with sustained elevation gain (approximately 800 feet). Expect rocky footing, bedrock sections, and about 7 miles round trip. This is a serious workout — and that’s exactly the point.
At the high overlook, you’ll stop for a well-earned break with expansive views across Mendenhall Lake toward the glacier and surrounding peaks. This tour provides panoramic glacier views from elevated terrain. It does not include walking on or directly accessing the ice. The glacier is seen at a distance as part of a dramatic mountain landscape.
Your hike is led by highly trained wilderness guides who specialize in backcountry travel and group safety. They manage route finding, pacing, terrain assessment, and dynamic conditions throughout the day, using professional-grade gear and established safety protocols to ensure a well-supported adventure from start to finish.
For guests who want more flexibility, a private option for groups of up to 12 is available. A private tour allows your group to set a comfortable pace, take longer photo breaks, or move steadily without concern about matching a public group’s speed. It’s ideal for families, friend groups, or strong hikers who want a more personalized backcountry experience.
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 Gratuity
Hiking Boots
Travel Insurance
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: 8 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 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 hours 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.
Meet your professional hiking guide at Mount Roberts Tramway near the Juneau cruise docks or your confirmed hotel. After a safety briefing, enjoy a scenic transfer to the West Glacier Trail area.
Duration
45 minutes
Hike Through Tongass National Forest
Begin your guided hike through Tongass National Forest on a steady uphill trail featuring exposed roots, rocky footing, and wet terrain as you gradually gain elevation toward the Mendenhall Glacier overlook.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Climb Toward Mendenhall Glacier Viewpoint
Continue the ascent as the forest thins and the terrain becomes more rugged. Expanding views of Mendenhall Lake appear below while you approach the elevated glacier overlook above the lake basin.
Duration
30 minutes
Glacier Overlook Break
Pause at the scenic Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint for photos and a hearty snack with bottled water. Take in panoramic views across Mendenhall Lake and surrounding peaks from this elevated vantage point.
Duration
30 minutes
Descend Forest Trail
Begin your careful descent along the same rainforest trail, navigating uneven and occasionally slick terrain. Your guide maintains a safe pace while sharing insights about Juneau’s glacial landscape and ecosystem.
Duration
2 hours
Return Transfer To Downtown Juneau
Arrive back at the trailhead, return provided rain gear and equipment, and regroup before transportation back to Mount Roberts Tramway or your hotel, completing your six-hour Juneau glacier hiking experience.
