Time out at Mendenhall glacier was well worth it. If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. I had a single hour to tour the city before my Mendenhall Glacier Trek, so I started walking. You can embed this widget using the code below: Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour, Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour, High 54.8 F at 4:21am | Low 49.3 F at 9:48pm, Last Updated on Jul 4 2023, 10:30 pm AKDT, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Heres all the info about how to do it. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. Required fields are marked *. Mendenhall Glacier Weather - Alaska Shore Excursions My cruise is also doing Glacier Bay. . They are a husband and wife team and can provide taxi and/or tour services. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. You can get pretty close to a glacier without a lot of work by visiting Mendenhall.We came here while on an Inside Passage cruise. If you want to walk out to Nugget Falls, youll want to give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours. We need more critical thinkers Oh wait, I'm not a climatologist, so what do I know?Our only disappointment was that the trail to the waterfall was closed due to flooding. You can also book a tour on the dock if there is still space available, but if its important to you to get to the glacier I recommend booking in advance. To get back to our starting point, the trail required some bouldering and down-climbing on rock walls. You can always choose the shuttle instead of a tour if you want to be flexible about the time. In Juneau it is referred to simply as the Glacier. Trail of Time: This trail will take you back through time as you explore various vegetation and landscapes which vary based on how long ago the glacier originally retreated from the area. Take 1 or more of the hikes that leave from the Visitor Center, including the Trail of Time, which shows the impact glacial movement has on the surrounding environment. Can do that anywhere. Required fields are marked *. It depends on what you want to do. This includes the entrance fee for Mendenhall Glacier. No food or drink other than water, May through September due to bear . 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. Take in the magnificent sights during your free time at the glacier before being taken to an authentic Alaskan feast at Gold Creek. Advertising - Mendenhall Glacier Ultimate Guide: Tips for Exploring Privacy Statement - The glacier is the homeland of the Aakw Kwaan (Tlingit People). Likes: 0. However, my wife has a bad knee and had the Park Service not burrowed deeply into the rock face and installed a very discreetly hidden elevator, it is unlikely she could have made it to the visitors center. With far fewer crowds in Juneau than usual this summer, its the perfect time to explore this incredible city, and wed love to be the ones to show it to you. 2 Tours & Activities Whale Watching 8 Tours & Activities Outdoor Activities 49 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 3,403 Reviews Badge of Excellence Juneau, United States Save to Wishlist From $183.75 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Book your room at our Juneau hotel today! Walk 1/3 of a mile on the Photo Trail to snap some of the most iconic and unobstructed photos of Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. $240 is steep. Price: $219 per person. I would not make it a priority. I have only done the visitor center once and don't recall the review from there. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Seeing both Orca and humpbacks was wonderful. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. Its a beautiful and at times steep hike through the rain forest, with lots of small creeks and waterfalls and views of the glacier and the Mendenhall Valley. Powered by Invision Community. From October through March, it's open Fri-Sun from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Alternatively, you may use, Pearsons Pond Luxury Suites and Vacation Rentals, Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection, Extended Stay America - Juneau - Shell Simmons Drive. This mile trail is a quick adventure that you dont want to miss! Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. How much does it cost to go to Mendenhall Glacier? Glaciers are formed as snow/ice keeps on accumulating. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. . It originates high in the coastal mountains in the Juneau Icefield and terminates at Mendenhall Lake, which was formed by the glacial retreat of the early 1900s. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Upon your arrival there will be several places to purchase your daily pass to explore the entire area. This is also a terrific way to leave crowds behind as the visitor center area does get very crowded on busy ship days. On busy days, it can take some time to get a shuttle, which operates every 30 minutes from the base of the tram and from the glacier visitor center parking area. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure - Tripadvisor Glacial movements have, and still are influencing where, when, and what plants may occur. Look for the boardwalk near the shuttle bus stop. In the summer months, you can expect daytime highs in the 60s, though some days the temperature can rise to the upper 70s. A locals joint with exactly zero ambiance, this was the perfect end to my day. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. One of the most amazing ways to experience this area is via kayak on Mendenhall Lake. Luckily, the adventure continued even off the glacier. Dine at In Bocca al Lupo a James Beard awarded restaurant on site. But they say theres no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, so I gathered up my. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. This was our 3rd time to AK and we had not been to the glacier before. Just ask how much time there is at the glacier and make sure it matches what you want to do. While you explore the Mendenhall Glacier and other aspects of Alaskas capital city, the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites would be honored to be your home away from home. All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. Juneau Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake Tour. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. If you just want to see Mendenhall and hike around there you have plenty of time. Rangers provide talks at various indoor and outdoor sites in summer. Take Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing. I think you would regret not seeing it since it appears that it is high on your list - just make sure whoever you make your arrangements with gets you back to that ship on time. Alaska Vacations & Travel Advice from Trusted Alaskans Be one of the few to experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier this closely, exclusively, and safely. as the weather often changes several times a day. Theoretically, Juneau has a few Uber and Lyft drivers, but Ive never been able to successfully get a ride (I keep trying because Im curious about this). Shuttle service is provided under a permit with the USDA Forest Service. If youre not traveling on a cruise ship, then you can book it on your own. While you cannot drive to Juneau itself, once youre in Juneau this is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska you can drive to. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. The visitor center has done an excellent job of sharing the impact of climate change on Alaskas glaciers and the Mendenhall Glacier in particular. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike this loop (at least 2.5 hours) as it has some steep sections. The trail starts above the visitor center and is well signed. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Expect this experience to last around 3-4 hours and cost around $300 per person. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Day use only, visitor center area closes at night, A range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier is by far the most iconic and popular attraction in Juneau, and for good reason. The high melt rate has thinned the Mendenhall Glacier in the area reducing the elevation of the ice dam and hence the size of the lake in 2019 vs 2018. , Take advantage of the tourist infrastructure. Come prepared with clothing that is warm even when wet such as wool and polar fleece and with items that can be layered. Gorgeous views in all directions. Updated on 06/06/19 Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images Mendenhall Glacier lies just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, which explains its popularity. Stunningly beautiful Tracy Arm is a fjord 45 miles south of Juneau that actually consists of two deep and narrow fjords Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. If you would like to exchange one tour for a different one, you must create a new reservation for the new tour and send us an email to cancel the other tour. We are in Juneau one day (12 hours) on our Alaskan (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mendenhall glacier worth seeing if going to Glacier Bay? Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska. A lot of people have heard about Mendenhall Ice Caves and like all glaciers, ice caves come and go and melt and collapse. The Steep Creek Trail gives you one of the best opportunities to see bears, especially while they fish for spawning salmon. A slippery hike after the morning rain. You may also land on a different glacier (Herbert Glacier). The full cancellation policy can be found here. Taxis also drop off further away than buses from the visitor center and there is a steep surcharge per person to get dropped off at the glacier. There is visiting center that does cost a small fee to enter if you want to go inside and talk to rangers and see some interesting exhibits and touch glacier ice. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6cad165b4be086c28f72c1866e746d7" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A kayak tour is a really unique way to experience Mendenhall Glacier. . Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. You can book the tour on your ship or independently if youre not on a ship, but make sure to book in advance! The best time to visit the Mendenhall Glacier is May through September, when the weather is mildest, though its trails and outdoor areas are open year-round. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 4.5Facilities 5.0Atmosphere How we rank things to do Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it's easy to see why: aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the. I think I'd enjoy standing next to the waterfall with Mendenhall in the background. The famed naturalist, John Muir, referred to the Tracy Arm area as, A wild, unfinished Yosemite. This glacial fjord is renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, and cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet. There are a lot of stairs on this hike as well as some rock steps, rocky sections as well as some roots and mud. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Walk to the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Venture within yards of the massive, awe-inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Will I get to walk on Mendenhall Glacier? Mendenhall Glacier | How to Visit | ALASKA.ORG We got to Mendenhall about 45 minutes to closing. But Alaska is glaciers (among other things). A helicopter tour over Mendenhall Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Credit: Shutterstock / fon thachakul. Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Car, train, or group tour. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. We felt it was well worth the visit. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I meant to post it here. Beyond just gazing at this massive field of ice from the Visitor Center, here are a few things to do in the Mendenhall Glacier area: While a visit to Mendenhall Glacier is a must while youre in Juneau, there are so many more things to do and places to explore. Would it be interesting for 2 young teens? Share the latest Mendenhall Glacier weather from this weather station on your site. Join the ultimate Alaskan adventure that takes you up close and personal with the Mendenhall Glacier. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. So it sounds like if you can only see Mendenhall glacier from the visitors' center, it isn't worth doing. http://www.juneausightseeingtours.com/3301/index.html, Maybe it's my age but what's the big deal over ziplines. If you are a full time wheelchair user, its extremely important to book transportation to Mendenhall Glacier that is wheelchair accessible. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre on a cruise, book through your cruise ship and book as early as you can because this shore excursion is popular and nearly always sells out! They aren't joking when they say it's difficult to do. The loop is just over 3.5 miles with about 900 feet of elevation gain. You can even get there by bike with miles of relatively flat and easy trails between our hotel and the glacier. I've wondered exactly what you said: should I bother seeing Mendenhall? Duration: 3.5-4 hours. The East Loop Trail has a lot of stairs and steep sections as well as some rocks and roots. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Because of the trails proximity to salmon running grounds, bears are often seen. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Viator You can either stay and take the shuttle back to town/ship or they took us back after about a 1/2 hour stay. But they say theres no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, so I gathered up my rain gear and decided to make the best of my day on a Mendenhall Glacier Trek. Thiswas a strenuous hike and I hurt a lotafterwards but it was worth every ounce of energy. How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier by bus? You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. A difficult thing for people to wrap their head around in Juneau is the limited availability and long wait times for on demand rides. Yes! By car: An easy drive from downtown Juneau, take Egan Drive and turn right at Mendenhall Loop Road which turns into Glacier Spur Road and ends at the Visitor Center. It's totally worth it because you can walk in the water and get really close to the waterfall. Worth seeing - Review of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor - Tripadvisor Mind-freezing Facts About the Mendenhall Glacier - US Travelia Mendenhall Glacier is only about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, which makes it one of the most accessible in the entire state. For those who want to get up onto the ice and walk on Mendenhall Glacier, youll need to do that by helicopter. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Yelp Nugget Falls is about a mile from the visitor center on a flat and wide trail. Is a visit to MENDENHALL GLACIER (Juneau) worth it? Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Juneau seems to me like a place where you can do a lot on your own easily (although my disclaimer is that this is my first cruise). Both whale watching and Mendenhall are probably 30 plus minutes outside of town. From here, you can enjoy the areas top museums, restaurants, and shops, while still being just minutes from some of the areas best hiking trails. Juneau port has the capacity to accommodate 4 cruise ships at a time. If you want to really see Mendenhall Glacier, do a different trip. Spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier and icebergs floating in the lake. However,melted ice is forming Mendenhall lake, which is increasing in size. By shuttle: For a fee, the Glacier Shuttle is quick and convenient with one leaving from downtown every 30 minutes. Of course, that makes instant sense when you recall that glaciers are moving, bringing sediment along with them. During the Summer (May 1st - September 25th) the Visitor Center is open every day 10a.m. Once we wereonMendenhall Glacier, we trekked for about an hour, spending way more timeooohingandaaahhingthan actually walking. Last Updated: Dec 23, 2022. Its also the best trail to observe wildlife, including bears, in the area! Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. How to get to Mendenhall Glacier from a cruise ship, Visiting Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter, How to get to Mendenhall Glacier if youre visiting Juneau on your own. Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? Give yourself an hour to walk there and back, plus however long you want to spent soaking up the waterfall (which might be awhile!). Waterfall lovers will not want to miss this mellow, flat trail to a gorgeous roaring waterfall on the shores of Mendenhall Lake. Enjoyone of our scenicMendenhallGlacier Tours. Archive - We are in Juneau from 1 - 10 p.m. Mendenhall is underwhelming to me. Join Date: May 2005. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! If you can get down to Nugget Falls and spend some time, than it's worth doing. Glaciers form only on land and are distinct from the much thinner sea ice and lake ice that forms on the surface of bodies of water. Wheelchair users can also access both the Photo Point Loop which goes down to the lake with excellent views as well as the trail to Nugget Falls. This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in Juneau! Yes! The bus will set you back $30 . Absolutely! We will also be stopping in Glacier Bay and College Fjord. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek 2023 - Juneau - Viator How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Juneau Cruise Port So, while it is possible, I dont recommend trying to take a taxi or ride share to the glacier. Our hotel offers a delightful range of amenities, including breakfast every morning of your stay, and a rooftop hot tub to unwind in anytime you desire. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is accessible for everyone, making it a great place to learn a lot! Since we are cruising through Glacier Bay, should I worry about seeing Mendenhall? The Glacier has several great opportunities for visitors, whether you just want to take in a view, learn about glaciers and the habitat around this one at the visitor center, or go for a hike. We did the whale watch and Mendenhall glacier combo tour. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? The glacier is huge - much bigger than it appears in pictures. Juneau Sightseeing and Mendenhall Glacier Tour 2023 - Viator Do not try to get there another way unless youre staying in Juneau for a few days with a rental car. To go all the way to Auke Bay to whale watch and then back to town and then back out to Mendenhall is wasting a lot of time. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center offers unique views and trails for guests to get as close to the glacier as possible! We will also be stopping in Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Open hours in summer are daily 8am to 7:30pm. Every step was worthwhile, though, since it led to beautiful views of Mendenhall Lake and our first view of the glacier. 212 Admiral Way Ste. It is about a 30-45 minute ride from the port of Juneau to the glacier. 8 years ago Save We are in Juneau one day (12 hours) on our Alaskan Cruise next week. Mendenhall Glacier offers visitors the rare chance to get close to one of these massive remnants of the last ice age. I've looked at lots of excursions and the longest at Mendenhall glacier is 1 hour. Head northwest on Egan Drive, take a right onto Mendenhall Loop Road which will turn into Glacier Spur Rd. Best 2 Week Alaska Itinerary: Plan a Trip to Alaska by Land & Sea, Into the Wild: 3 Awesome Places to See Wildlife in Alaska, Kayaking in Alaska Among Icebergs is the Coolest Thing Youll Ever Do, North to Alaska: Driving the Haul Road to Prudhoe Bay. I could choose to book our zipline tour through Princess and it would include a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier but it sure doesn't seem worth the additional $60 per person vs. booking our zipline direct, which wouldn't include the glacier. The most important thing is to wear (or bring) a rain jacket. This was a bit disturbing and the most eye opening part of the excursion for me as a picture is worth a thousand words as they say and the pictures/displays here are painting a sad picture relative to this glazier. Yes! The benefits of the tour are mainly having a guaranteed seat at a guaranteed time. Mendenhall Glacier - Wikipedia There are several taxi companies and in my experience you usually have to wait a long time (45 minutes to an hour) after calling for a ride. Was I surprised. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a hub for exploring Juneaus wildlife and nature via scenic walking trails, endless information from knowledgeable U.S. Forest Service Rangers, and stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier itself. The glacier and surrounding landscape is protected as part of the 5,815 acres (2,353 ha) Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, a federally designated unit of the Tongass . In Juneau, for example, you can book the "Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching, and Wildlife Quest" excursion which brings you on a whale watching tour followed by free time to explore Mendenhall Glacier. Just under a mile for the entire loop, this trail will take you through time in about 30 minutes. Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour. Of course, disclaimer again, I haven't been there yet. Take the short hike to Nugget Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mendenhall Glacier. Taxi may be the cheapest for four. Youch! If you have a rental car, you can just drive there and park. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 215 reviews of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center "Cool glacier and visitors' center. There are several Mendenhall Glacier hikes worth taking, some of which are popular and easy to access and others that take a little more effort. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. If adding $30 to a previously arranged tour gives you transportation to and from the Mendenhall Glacier, even for 90 minutes, then I would say do it. Cruise ships dock at Marine Park with 2 berths, Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock. If youd rather be sightDOING than sightseeing, youre in the right place. No food or drink other than water, May through September due to bear activity. Afterwards, the trail became gradually more challenging, moving onto uneven terrain or slick bedrock. You also have a good chance at seeing black bears especially if the salmon are running. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Tripadvisor This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We especially enjoyed the short hike to Nugget Falls. That glaciers aredirty. While youre at the visitor center, explore the short trail of time as well as the Photo Point trail which takes you down to the shores of Mendenhall Lake for excellent photo opportunities. Most visitors have glaciers as one of their must see experiences while visiting Alaska and the Mendenhall Glacier is a unique and easy place to see one. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you'll find anywhere. They wll drop you off by the visitor center. 7,076 Reviews #5 of 76 things to do in Juneau Nature & Parks, Traveler Resources, More 8150 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Tongass National Forest, Juneau, AK 99801 Open today: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Save Premier Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo 441 Book in advance from $160.00 per adult Check availability View full product details DRLaskeyTrips This is as close to the glacier as you can get without stepping foot on the ice. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Dont miss the movie which is excellent. Again, many of these tours have been canceled for the 2020 season, but they are currently taking reservations for the 2021 season ahead. Hikers will not want to miss the East Glacier Loop Trail! I first visited Mendenhall Glacier in 1994 and have been many times since, both as a former Alaskan and a frequent visitor. It seems relatively simple to get transport from the port to Mendenhall visitor center. It costs quite a bit more than the shuttle round trip, although with a bigger group it might work out financially, but its still a hassle. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Our first priority in Juneau is whale watching. If you are in shape and enjoy a challenge, I cant think of anything better to do in Juneau. I'm Jennie. Mendenhall Glacier Tours 4 Tours & Activities Hiking Tours 5 Tours & Activities Outdoor Activities 51 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek 179 Reviews Juneau, United States Share Save to Wishlist From $343.55 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Eventually, we made it to Mendenhall glacier itself. Going into the trip,I knew I would love checking out Mendenhall glacier, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the hiking and climbing sections. Partly due to its geographyits surrounded by mountains and waterJuneau is a compact city. The glacier itself is free to visit. Our hotel is located in the heart of downtown Juneau and offers a welcome respite after a long day of adventure. The ice extends about 150 - 250 feet under the water. The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible including plenty of room to move around the exhibits and in the theater where the film is shown. Eventually, we made it to Mendenhall glacier itself. Outfitted with crampons, helmets, and ice axes, we were prepared to begin the highlight of our trek. Youll also want to make sure you have sunglasses (even if its rainy!)
