Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Hike Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Juneau cruise pier!
  
• Van transfer to Mendenhall Valley!
• Forest Service permits!
• Trekking poles and safety equipment are provided!
• Rain gear is provided (hooded jacket and pants)!
• The 2.5-hour strenuous hike to the Glacier Viewpoint!
  
• 2-hour strenuous hike back to the trailhead!
  
• Complimentary bottled water and a healthy snack!
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Juneau and the surrounding area!
  

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s wild beauty on the Mendenhall Glacier Hike, a challenging and rewarding 6-7 mile adventure designed for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Your experience begins with a 3-mile trek deep into the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest on Earth. Surrounded by towering Sitka spruce and hemlock, your expert guide will lead you past serene beaver ponds and along rugged terrain as the trail gradually fades into untouched wilderness. Be prepared for some scrambling over exposed bedrock as you ascend toward the final ridge.

Upon emerging from the forest, you’ll be rewarded with a truly breathtaking sight, the jagged face of Mendenhall Glacier and its cascading icefall stretching out before you like a frozen river. Take a well-earned break to enjoy panoramic views, savor a hearty snack, and capture once-in-a-lifetime photos of this awe-inspiring landscape. From this vantage point, you’ll witness not only the glacier’s dramatic blue crevasses but also sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the powerful Nugget Falls.

This is not your average walk in the woods, the hike includes around 800 feet of elevation gain and traverses rocky, uneven, and often slippery terrain. It requires excellent balance, sure-footedness, and a spirit for adventure.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Juneau cruise pier.
• Van transfer to Mendenhall Valley.
• Forest Service permits.
• Trekking poles and safety equipment are provided.
• Rain gear is provided (hooded jacket and pants).
• The 2.5-hour strenuous hike to the Glacier Viewpoint.
• 2-hour strenuous hike back to the trailhead.
• Complimentary bottled water and a healthy snack.
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Juneau and the surrounding area.

Excursion Notes

• This is a strenuous activity.
• Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies, and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
• Due to the constantly changing nature of the glacier, the specific features or areas you visit cannot be guaranteed. The choice will be based on your safety, and the guide's decision will be final.
  
• We suggest you do not plan any additional activities for a minimum of one hour after this excursion.
  
• We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof. 
• It is important to have sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support while hiking on rocky terrain.
  
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
  
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion; no refund will be granted if requirements are not met.
  

Where we meet

For this Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Trek Excursion, you will meet your local excursion guide close to all of the Juneau piers. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Hike Excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• 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.
• All guests must hike with a backpack for the entire trip. We provide a backpack that weighs approximately 10-15 pounds and holds mountaineering gear, snacks/water, and any extra clothing that you bring.
• PLEASE NOTE...THERE IS A USD 250.00 CHARGE FOR EACH/ANYONE THAT CAN NOT COMPLETE THE TRIP AND MUST BE ESCORTED DOWN. THIS IS PAYMENT IN ADDITION TO ON-SITE.
• All guests must sign a waiver.
• Pregnant women and guests with any neck, back, or leg ailments are not allowed to participate in this excursion.
• Prior experience hiking on rocky terrain, although not required, is strongly recommended.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.