Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Trail Hike

Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier is a true natural wonder. This guided trail hike through the Tongass National Forest promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Traversing the world’s largest temperate rainforest, hikers will enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking glacier. With a strenuous trek and safety briefing, this 6-hour excursion offers a chance to take in Alaska’s rugged wilderness. The question is, are you ready to embark on this adventure?

Key Points

• This 6-hour guided excursion through Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska, offers panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier.
• The hike includes a 2-hour segment with a 30-minute break for snacks and photos, followed by a 2-hour second segment.
• The tour is priced at $219.45 per person and has a maximum of 12 participants, with pickup and drop-off, waterproof gear, snacks, and water included.
• The hike is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory problems.
• Participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and bring a backpack or daypack for personal items, snacks, and water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Mendenhall Glacier Guided Trail Hike is a 6-hour excursion that takes adventurers on a journey through the stunning Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska.

Set out on a 6-hour guided hike through the stunning Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska.

Priced from $219.45 per person, the guided hike accommodates a maximum of 12 participants and is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 15 days in advance.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, waterproof gear, snacks, and water. However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or recent surgeries.

Travelers can expect a strenuous hike with steep, uneven terrain and a total elevation gain of 800 feet.

Itinerary

Starting at 490 S Franklin St, the tour begins with a 30-minute van transfer to the hiking start point.

Following a 15-minute safety briefing, hikers embark on their journey through the Tongass National Forest.

The first segment lasts 2 hours, offering panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

After a 30-minute break for snacks and photos, the group embarks on the second 2-hour hiking segment.

The tour concludes with a 45-minute van transfer back to the starting point at 490 S Franklin St, completing the 6-hour guided hike.

Highlights

Panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier await hikers on this guided trail adventure. Trekking through the world’s largest temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest, explorers learn about the glacier’s ice age wilderness. Along the way, a provided snack pack and water help fuel the journey.

| Highlights | |

| — | — |

| Experience panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier | ✓ |

| Hike through Tongass National Forest | ✓ |

| Learn about the glacier’s ice age wilderness | ✓ |

| Enjoy provided water and snack pack during the hike | ✓ |

What’s Included

For this guided Mendenhall Glacier trail hike, the package includes pickup and drop-off from downtown Juneau or major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley.

Waterproof clothes and trekking poles are provided, as well as a snack pack and water for the hike.

The tour covers a strenuous 7-mile roundtrip trek through the Tongass National Forest, with a total elevation gain of 800 feet.

It’s an immersive experience exploring the ice age wilderness and panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

However, this hike isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, heart conditions, or low fitness levels.

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Important Information

This hike isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments, heart issues, or respiratory problems.

Wheelchair users and those with recent surgeries or low fitness levels should also avoid this tour.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and closed-toe hiking shoes.

Drones, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

The tour operates rain or shine and doesn’t include glacier trekking.

Expect a strenuous hike with steep, uneven terrain and a total elevation gain of 800 feet over 7 miles in approximately 6 hours.

A minimum of 4 guests is required to operate the tour.

Not Suitable For

This hike isn’t recommended for certain groups due to the strenuous nature of the terrain.

Children under 10, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues, heart conditions, or respiratory problems should avoid this trek.

Individuals with recent surgeries or low fitness levels may also struggle with the 7-mile roundtrip hike and 800-foot elevation gain.

Wheelchair users will find the uneven, steep paths impassable.

Safety is the top priority, so these limitations are in place to ensure all participants have a safe and enjoyable experience on the Mendenhall Glacier trail.

What to Bring

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for the Mendenhall Glacier guided trail hike. Closed-toe hiking shoes are recommended for the strenuous, uneven terrain.

Bring layers, including a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Tongass National Forest. A backpack or daypack is useful for carrying personal items, snacks, and water.

Sunglasses and sunscreen may also be beneficial, as the glacier and forest can be quite bright. Remember to pack any necessary medications and leave prohibited items, such as drones and alcohol, at home.

Customer Reviews

Customers have consistently praised the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Trail Hike, awarding it a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews.

Travelers have highlighted several aspects of the tour:

1. The stunning panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

2. The informative and engaging nature of the guided hike through the Tongass National Forest.

3. The high-quality gear and snacks provided, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

4. The excellent customer service and organization of the tour logistics.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Camera on the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your camera on the hike. The tour allows participants to bring cameras to capture the scenic views and sights along the trail.

Will There Be Restrooms Available During the Hike?

There are no restroom facilities available during the hike. The tour doesn’t include any stops at restrooms along the trail. Hikers should plan accordingly before the start of the 6-hour excursion through the Tongass National Forest.

Is It Possible to Extend the Hike Duration?

Yes, the hike duration can likely be extended. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about options for a longer hike. Additional fees may apply, and the extended itinerary would need to be arranged in advance.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks During the Tour?

No, additional snacks cannot be purchased during the tour. The tour includes a provided snack pack, which is meant to sustain participants throughout the hike. Bringing extra snacks is not necessary and not permitted on the tour.

Do I Need to Be in Peak Physical Condition to Participate?

While the hike is strenuous, participants don’t need to be in peak physical condition. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, but overall fitness levels can vary as long as hikers can manage the 7-mile roundtrip trail.

Final Words

The Mendenhall Glacier guided trail hike offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Juneau’s stunning natural wonders. Traversing the Tongass National Forest, adventurers can bask in the breathtaking vistas of the glacier while seeing Alaska’s rugged wilderness. With a challenging hike, safety precautions, and a small group size, this excursion promises a memorable and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

You can check availability for your dates here: