Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier
4.5
About
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. 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. The glacier is accessible all year round, but is best visited from May to October for the most pleasant weather. Visit the glacier as part of a tour, which can include a whale-watching cruise, a glacier hike, and canoeing at Lake Mendenhall. – Tripadvisor
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- Stewarts Vacation1,543 contributionsWonderful to wander in glacier areaThis is a brilliant glacier to visit, easily accessible from Juneau. There is a large Visitor Centre with a small charge to enter, however, we skipped this in order to spend our time outdoors: 1) walking to view the glacier from all angles, 2) walking to Photo Point, 3) doing the loop walk to Nugget Falls and 4) walking the Steep Creek Trail boardwalk. Sadly, as with many of the glaciers worldwide, Mendenhall Glacier is also receding at an alarming rate. Well worth a visit while it is still so clearly visible. Apparently by 2050, it might no longer be visible from the Visitor Centre!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 November 2023
- mightymomomMidland, Michigan170 contributionsHiking options from easy (paved paths) to challenging! Beautiful views!Beautiful scenery & great hiking trails! If you’re staying locally in Juneau try to get there before 10 am and beat the cruise ship buses. You can buy your day pass or season pass at a kiosk or at the visitor center. We headed right up to Nugget Falls (a 1 mile walk on a paved path) and there were only a few people there. We were able to get great pics. If you’re more adventurous the East Glacier Trail was amazing! It’s 3.5 miles and an ~800ft climb. The trail is well maintained but some places are rocky. The signs say 2.5 hrs but we did it in just under 2 hours. The visitor center has a great view and free telescopes you can use to see the glacier in more detail. There is also a cute little gift shop.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 May 2024
- Qn4lyfRichmond, Virginia343 contributionsNatural beauty a must seeGreat view! This was my first time seeing a glacier. It was beautiful and the mountains were simply beautiful. There’s no other word I can use to describe it other than beautiful. We didn’t see any animals and I really wish they had guided tours to explain the trees and plants that’s why I’m eating a 4 not a 5. The ladies that works there were kind and knowledgeable about Juneau in general. They were very welcoming!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 May 2024
- ken kOnsted, Michigan4,061 contributionsBeautiful but MeltingThis is beautiful but it is getting very crowded from our last trip here two years ago. The transportation has also doubled to $90 per person round trip. It’s about s 1/2 hour walk to the falls which is a must, but you can see the glacier better from the gift shop. This is a must see in Juneau.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 May 2024
- Ronnie BGlasgow, United Kingdom396 contributionsFantastic scenery.We got a taxi from Auke bay where we had been on a whale watching trip. The taxi provided the passes for the glacier and all in was about 40 dollars. The scenery is stunning even when it was pouring with rain. We walked to nugget falls for photos, the falls are beautiful and not to be missed. We also made a stop to the visitor centre, it has great information on the glacier. We also returned to Juneau by taxi for another 40 dollars, suggest you book this yourself as the people selling the tours to the glacier when you get off the ship as much dearer.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
- Sarah CAshtead, United Kingdom1,304 contributionsAwesome glacierWe did a cycle tour (Bike and Brew) and saw some incredible views of the glacier from across the water. It's so majestic, beautiful too. Cycling was a great way to consume the miles, most of the tracks were actually designated so we were rarely in the traffic and our guides were brilliant at navigating us across the tricky partsVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- Buajar11 contributionsAmazing experienceThe Glacier was stunning! Nothing like it, to get there we took a taxi for $50 for four of us and he dropped us near the park where public bus stops too but still 15-20 mins walk, which was an incredible walk. Taxis can take you all the way to the visitor center but they will charge extra $20 per person. On the way back there were no taxis back so we called a taxi from the visitor center and it came within 15 mins and it was also about $50 to get to cruise ship dock. You can also take a public bus, which is cheap and a great way to get there. Many people assume you should not be taking buses in Alaska since it hinders transportation plans for locals. Its so not true! We took buses in Ketchikan, Anchorage and most of the public buses are empty and only quarter full. There is a misconception spread by possibly tour and cruise ship businesses that you should not take public buses, please do, its the least expensive and least impactful on Alaska' s beautiful nature.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 July 2024
- Kevin BDenver, Colorado816 contributionsHuge glacier with unobstructed viewStopped here a tour including the salmon hatchery in Juneau. Great views from the visitor center and you can walk up to the shoreline for the best photos. Great view of a huge waterfall as well. Walk out to waterfall was going to be like 40 minutes so we did not have quick enough time on tour but seems like it would be worth it. Little gift shop and bathrooms available. I would probably due the float option next time.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 July 2024
- knnjonesCorona, California105 contributionsSo beautiful!We booked with Juneau Shore Tours. The pick up point was right under the tram way and the ride was 15 minutes each way. The husband & wife duo guides were so helpful. We hiked to Nugget Falls. We casually walked the trail and it took 20-30 minutes. The views were postcard perfect and the weather was blue skies. We did not have to deal with rain. We only had about 30 minutes at the visitor's center, so we took in the movie. If we would have walked a little faster, we would have had more time. The bus was prompt in picking us up to get back. We were gone exactly 3 hours with no worry to get back on the ship.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 July 2024
- Kim NUnited States194 contributionsDon't miss this local glacier!Do not miss this opportunity to see a glacier so up close from a park-like setting! We loved touring through this relatively small park with a beautiful glacier and lovely waterfall (a short walk through the park path to get to the base of the waterfall). Awestruck beauty!Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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GoVols79
Chattanooga, TN3,918 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Mendenhall Glacier was our first stop in Juneau during our cruise. We took a tour bus that featured commentary of the city and a brief drive through downtown before heading out to the park. There is a cheaper public transportation option but we liked knowing we had a guaranteed seat and a predictable schedule. The park was crowded as expected but it didn’t hinder our first of many glacier experiences. We hiked out to Nugget Falls and spent some time in the Visitor Center. It was a little rushed but it also gave us time for other activities while in Juneau.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thetravelorganizer
Tega Cay, SC619 contributions
May 2022
Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it’s a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway (right where your ship docks) at least twice/hour and drops you off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the admission ($5) to which is included in your ticket. The only path to the edge of the glacier itself is via the moderately challenging West Glacier Trail which is reached only by taxi or rental car. If your aspiration is to walk on the glacier, you’re looking at a strenuous, professional guide-led, full day trip ($200-$400/pp + tax
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,652 contributions
Jun 2022
Wow!!! Why isn't this gorgeous place a National Park! We visited Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau on a 3+hr excursion from our cruise ship in June. The bus ride from the port to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center was very informative. The bus driver was very humorous and very upbeat about Alaska. The weather was great and provided clear views everywhere.
One could easily spend several hours here hiking all the trails. We walked to the base of Nugget Falls (1 mile one-way easy walk). The huge waterfall is awe inspiring. The water spray is cold though, so be prepared. On the return walk, we took the short trail to the Photo Point which provides a much better view of Mendenhall Glacier. Finally, we walked through the excellent visitor center and watched the movie. The walk down from the visitor center to the parking lot is quite interesting by itself as a nature trail. If you have time, walk the easy Steep Creek boardwalk trail.
Mendenhall Glacier is indeed a gem not to be missed when visiting Juneau. Make sure enough time is available at least to hike to Nugget Falls and Photo Point. 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.
One could easily spend several hours here hiking all the trails. We walked to the base of Nugget Falls (1 mile one-way easy walk). The huge waterfall is awe inspiring. The water spray is cold though, so be prepared. On the return walk, we took the short trail to the Photo Point which provides a much better view of Mendenhall Glacier. Finally, we walked through the excellent visitor center and watched the movie. The walk down from the visitor center to the parking lot is quite interesting by itself as a nature trail. If you have time, walk the easy Steep Creek boardwalk trail.
Mendenhall Glacier is indeed a gem not to be missed when visiting Juneau. Make sure enough time is available at least to hike to Nugget Falls and Photo Point. 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.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhundt67
Milwaukee, WI387 contributions
Jun 2022
We, my daughters (18 & 23) decided to see Mendenhall with my nephew and his family when our Dog Sledding excursion was canceled. We decided to give public transport a go. It was $2.00/adult and $1.00/child so for us it was $11.00 each way (and the driver really didn't even care). It takes a good amount of time, due to the stops, to get out to the Glacier area and the locals kept it interesting, including one fight that occurred between one female and two male locals, lol, think a tourist deescalated the situation. Once out there you have a few mile hike to the Glacier from the bus stop. Weather was decent and we could enjoy the sites from the road and up close. We went down to the shoreline to get a great view and there is another hike to the waterfall if you wish, but we had to hike the miles back to the bus stop to town so we didn't hike that. The short amount of time we were there wasn't anything compared to the bus and hiking time, but it didn't cost much :) and it was a great time with family!
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdurkin24
St. Petersburg, FL162 contributions
May 2023 • Family
We got off the cruise ship, and chose one of the many local buses that take a bunch of people to drive out to see the visitor center and glacier. You really don't need to buy an excursion and I recommend you don't. We took our time at the visitor center - enjoyed the beautiful views. My grandmother waited at the visitor center while I walked the short path up to the glacier's waterfall, which I highly recommend doing as the views are even better there than at the visitor center.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronnie B
Glasgow, UK396 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We got a taxi from Auke bay where we had been on a whale watching trip. The taxi provided the passes for the glacier and all in was about 40 dollars. The scenery is stunning even when it was pouring with rain. We walked to nugget falls for photos, the falls are beautiful and not to be missed. We also made a stop to the visitor centre, it has great information on the glacier. We also returned to Juneau by taxi for another 40 dollars, suggest you book this yourself as the people selling the tours to the glacier when you get off the ship as much dearer.
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeeLittle
Downers Grove, IL1,585 contributions
Sept 2019
We did canoe lake paddle to the glacier, the view was spectacular. My heart always smiles on a site of glacier. It is so sad that all the glaciers are shrinking and what the guide told us this one is shrinking very fast. Still, great site and fun trip.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rossdmd
Panama City Beach, FL792 contributions
May 2022
It is easy to get to the the glacier and worth it. You can stop at the visitors center, take a 1 hour round trip to the base of nugget falls, kayak at the base of the glacier, but we chose to to just walk the 5 minutes to the closer viewing point along the nice paved path. It's breathtaking and you can see the falls. Different viewpoints for all levels of mobility, but all will open your eyes.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buajar
11 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The Glacier was stunning! Nothing like it, to get there we took a taxi for $50 for four of us and he dropped us near the park where public bus stops too but still 15-20 mins walk, which was an incredible walk. Taxis can take you all the way to the visitor center but they will charge extra $20 per person. On the way back there were no taxis back so we called a taxi from the visitor center and it came within 15 mins and it was also about $50 to get to cruise ship dock. You can also take a public bus, which is cheap and a great way to get there. Many people assume you should not be taking buses in Alaska since it hinders transportation plans for locals. Its so not true! We took buses in Ketchikan, Anchorage and most of the public buses are empty and only quarter full. There is a misconception spread by possibly tour and cruise ship businesses that you should not take public buses, please do, its the least expensive and least impactful on Alaska' s beautiful nature.
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert D
Brooklyn, New York4,655 contributions
Jul 2022
You can take one of the shuttles to the Glacier. They run every 20-30 minutes during the peak season. Stop by the Visitor Center and then enjoy the walks. It is a short walk to an excellent viewpoint to see the glacier. You can also take a 40-minute walk to and from Nugget Falls.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long of a walk is it from the Visitor Center to the viewing area of the Glacier?
Written 13 May 2024
Is it best to plan on packing hiking boots or are these trails manageable in tennis shoes? I’m just thinking of the 50 lb weight limit on our luggage. Thank you!
Written 22 April 2022
You want hiking boots. It was a little snow covered with some ice. You could do it in tennis shoes but I would recommend hiking boots
Written 24 April 2022
We are thinking of renting a car in Juneau, how is parking at the Mendenhall Glacier? Is there plenty of parking with not too long of a walk to viewpoints? Thanks
Written 31 December 2019
YaoZhang
Vancouver, Canada
Hi Rick2019748,
could you please let me know how to get a bus at the port on our own for 25.00 round trip each? We are a group of 5 will be visiting Juneau at Aug 28. We would like to book our own trip to the Mendenhall glacier. For all the shuttle bus I searched online, They all charge $45 per person.
Thanks,
Yao
Written 18 August 2019
Sorry, we were with a large group and all shuttles were handled by travel agency
Written 19 August 2019
Hi, how much was the taxi ride and from where? Thanks.
Written 12 May 2019
We did mendenhall glacier as part of a cruise excursion so I’m not sure how much a taxi would be. I know some people did take a taxi but I don’t know how much it was. Sorry!
Written 14 May 2019
How much is a taxi from the cruise ship dock to Mendenhall Glacier? Are there taxis available at the Glacier to return back to the dock or does it have to be reserved?
Written 8 March 2019
There are taxis in Juneau that can take you to the Visitor Center, but I am not sure how much they are. You might be better off financially if you rent a car for the day. Budget has some really great rates in Juneau.
Written 8 March 2019
Hi all - is it possible to Uber/Lyft or taxi from the cruise port to this park?
Written 29 September 2018
There appeared to be taxi service at the "lift" area upon leaving the ship at Juneau. We had a prebooked tour of the city and glacier.
Written 17 November 2018
There’s a whale watching tour with the Glacier tour for $199 is that worth it?
Written 23 July 2018
Personally I think it was worth it. The whale watching tour had lunch included and we spent a couple of hours on the water where we watched a number of humpback whales.
Written 24 July 2018
So there’s a tour for Mendall Glacier for $79 is it worth it? Or should I just go up myself on a bus?
Written 23 July 2018
If you're not doing a tour it would be easy to do by yourself. It was included in our package on our cruise tour.
Written 24 July 2018
Hi, no it's free, but it's about 14 miles away so you can sign up a bus that goes, glacier Express tours was only $24, if you book on the ship its twice as much
Written 17 July 2018
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