Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike
Love Hiking? This one is for you!
Duration
Day Trip
6-Hours
Activity
Hiking
Highlight
Rainforest hiking, glacier views
Price
From $199 per person + tax
Difficulty
Strenuous
Transportation
Meet at "C" Sign by the Mount Roberts Tramway
Experience The Trip
Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, enveloped in majestic Sitka spruce and hemlock trees. Your experienced guide will lead you through this lush wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed bedrock, where the trail fades into the wild.
Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Mendenhall Glacier’s jagged facade and its majestic ice river. Here, we pause to savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. As you gaze upon the glacier, admire the deep blue crevasses and cascading icefall at its base. This captivating vista not only encompasses the glacier but also the surrounding mountains and the mighty Nugget Falls.Â
This invigorating Juneau wilderness hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It’s a memorable journey that promises unforgettable natural wonders. If you require a fast or slower pace, or would like to get closer to the glacier, please consider booking the Privately Guided Mendenhall Glacier Hike.
The Trip Itinerary
6 Hour Trip
Pick up from Downtown Juneau
Van transportation to ABAK
Gear Outfitting and Orientation
Get to know your guide and gear!
Questions about the gear sizing?
Hike approximately 3.5 miles to the Glacier Viewpoint
A fun jaunt through temperate rainforest via the West Glacier Trail
Viewpoint – photography and snacks
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier!
Return Hike to the Trailhead
Don’t worry, it’s mostly downhill!
De-gear and Return Van Transport
Practical Info
Client Pickup Information
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the “C”-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown Juneau area.
Clients arriving at AJ Dock:
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
Clients Staying Locally:
Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley. Â
Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.
ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location information at 907-364-2333 or info@beyondak.com. Â
Price
From $199.00
Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 12
Minimum Age: 10
Clients must be able to hike for at least 4 hours/7 miles round-trip on steep, rocky, slippery, uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack, and provide their own hiking boots with adequate ankle support.
Private Group Size:Â Minimum of 2, Maximum of 12
Duration: 6-8 hours
Minimum Age:Â Â 8 years old
Included In The Price
- Professional guides
- Roundtrip van transport
- US Forest Service permits
- Rain gear (hooded jacket and pants) and backpack
- Hearty, healthy snack
- Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)Â
- All safety gear including trekking poles if needed.
Not Included In Price
- Boots! Clients must provide their own hiking boots for this trip.
- Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay here.
- Professional Photography
- Gratuity for your guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.
Important Notes
- This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough to dress appropriately.
- Glacier Access and feature exploration: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding daily. Because the glacier is in a state of constant change, not all features may be present to be viewed. Groups will stop at the panoramic overview. This tour does not continue to the edge of the glacier.
- A specific amount of time hiking cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time at the glacier is dependent on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
- Clients must be able to hike for at least 4 hours/7 miles round trip on steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack.
- Clients must provide their own sturdy hiking boots for this trip.
- Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restrictions or limitations that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
- Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
- A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the trek due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace.
- Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
- Due to inherent risk involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
Departure Times: Please click on the Book Your Trip tab to find updated departures times.
Dates of Operation: May 1st – September 30th, 2024
Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 12
Minimum Age: 10 years old. Families with children under 10 need to book a privately guided trip, for which the minimum age is 8. We do not permit clients to carry their infants/toddlers due to safety concerns.
Activity Level: Challenging & Strenuous – Participants need to be in good physical shape and able to climb over rocks, slippery surfaces, and have no major mobility issues. No hiking experience necessary.
Documentation Needed
- Name of each client
- Cell phone contact number of client
- Desired trip date and departure time
- Name of cruise ship or hotel
- Clients’ ages, especially anyone under the age of 18
- Rain gear sizing (please specify male or female)
- Any pertinent medical issues, allergies or dietary restrictions
- Primary language spoken, if other than English
