Mendenhall Glacier

The basics

Mendenhall Glacier can be visited independently from Juneau. However, consider saving the hassle of driving on Alaska's icy roads and opt for a combo tour to the glacier instead. Such tours typically combine Mendenhall with whale-watching experiences, glacier hikes, and salmon bakes, and include guides and round-trip transportation. Adventurous travelers can also paddle down the river in a raft, kayak, or canoe to see the glacier up-close or visit Mendenhall on a guided hiking and ice exploration.

Things to know before you go

• The visitor center houses various exhibits, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater that shows a film about the glacier every 20 minutes.

• If you plan on walking, dress accordingly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

• Those visiting by cruise ship can take a tour of Mendenhall Glacier as a shore excursion.

• Due to bear activity, the U.S. Forest Service does not allow food and drinks (except water) from May through September.

• Look out for Nugget Falls, a salmon-viewing platform overlooking Steep Creek, and for six hiking trails of varying difficulty.

• The visitor center is wheelchair accessible, but paths closer to the glacier may not be.

How to get there

Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. You can reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by taxi, car, or bus. The city bus drops visitors roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the visitor center, so plan accordingly.

When to get there

From May through September, the visitor center is open daily between 8am and 7:30pm. October through April, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The trails and outdoor areas are open all year.

Famous glaciers around the world

If you've got a taste for glacier exploration, consider adding one of the world’s other most impressive glaciers to your itinerary. Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier is a classic, situated within the sweeping Patagonia National Park; Iceland's Vatnajökull is among the world's largest glaciers; and New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier is a favorite for adventure travelers.

Ways to explore

Mendenhall Glacier can be visited independently from Juneau—it’s only 13 or so miles (20 kilometers) from downtown. However, you can skip the hassle of driving on Alaska's icy roads and opt for a combo tour to the glacier instead. Such tours typically combine Mendenhall with whale-watching experiences, glacier hikes, and salmon bakes, and include guides and round-trip transportation. Adventurous travelers can also paddle down the river in a raft, kayak, or canoe to see the glacier up close, or visit Mendenhall on a guided hiking and ice exploration tour.

Accessibility

The visitor center (pass required, US$5) is accessible to people in wheelchairs, with an entrance ramp, and a paved .3-mile (.5-kilometer) trail provides access to an overlook.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Rain jacket, water bottle, snacks, camera, binoculars, insect repellent in summer

What to wear

Layered waterproof clothing, hiking shoes, sunglasses/hat, weather-appropriate accessories like gloves

Not allowed

Drones, disturbing plants and wildlife (including feeding)

Amenities

Visitor center with exhibits, theater, bookstore, restrooms, and rangers, plus picnic area, parking, paved photo overlook, and trails

Address 

Mendenhall Glacier is just a short drive from downtown Juneau, in the Tongass National Forest. It’s easy to get there on your own or via tour.

Driving

From downtown Juneau, take the Glacier Highway to Mendenhall Loop Road—it’s 20 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is free at the visitor center, but the lot can fill up in summer.

Public transportation

Cruises offer shore-excursion buses, and taxis and rideshares are available, too. Other than that, tours abound, and most offer transportation from Juneau.

Best times to visit

If you’re visiting from May to September and want to avoid the cruise-ship crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit, so long as the visitor center is open and the weather is decent.

Best months to visit

July and August offer the warmest temperatures and the most reliable trail access, though these are the busiest months. April and October provide fewer crowds but possibly chilly temps and reduced hours at the visitor center.

Special events

The visitor center sometimes runs programming, including ranger talks and hikes. Follow the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on social media to see what’s on when you visit.