This is Juneau’s demanding and most rewarding guided hiking adventure — a true backcountry climb to panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding alpine landscape.
After transportation to the West Glacier Trail area, you’ll gear up and head into the Tongass National Forest. The first stretch moves through rainforest before transitioning to steeper, rockier terrain with sustained elevation gain and uneven footing. Plan for approximately 7 miles round trip and about 800 feet of elevation gain. This tour is designed for strong, confident hikers.
At the elevated viewpoint, you’ll pause for snacks and photos while taking in wide views across Mendenhall Lake toward the glacier in the distance. This tour does not include glacier trekking or direct access to the ice. The glacier is viewed from afar as part of a sweeping mountain panorama.
Your experienced wilderness guide handles navigation, pacing, and terrain management while outfitting you with high-quality technical gear, so you can focus on the challenge knowing safety is the top priority.
For guests who prefer greater flexibility, a private option for groups of up to 12 allows you to set your own pace and enjoy a more personalized experience. This is especially appealing for families, friend groups, or experienced hikers who want the challenge without the dynamics of a public group.
What's Included
Roundtrip Transportation
Knowledgeable Guides
Hearty Snack & Bottled Water
All Safety Gear including Trekking Poles (if needed).
Rain Gear (Hooded Jacket and Pants), and Backpack
US Forest Service Permits
Guide Gratuities
Hiking Boots
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the tour still operate if it's raining?
Because much of SE Alaska is a rainforest, these Juneau tours do operate rain or shine. Rain jackets and pants are provided on this trip. If weather conditions are unsafe, the trip will be canceled and we will provide a refund (minus non-refundable fees).
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.
What can I do to prepare physically for this trip?
Cardiovascular training is a must. You will be hiking approximately 8 miles roundtrip for 7+ hours on uneven terrain. Cardiovascular training will increase your endurance making for a more pleasant experience on the trail. In addition, get yourself out on a hike and choose trails that are uneven. We oftentimes get people who are in good physical condition (i.e. train at the gym daily, run several times a week), but struggle on the uneven surface because they are used to exercising on flat ground, which does not require much balancing and much use of the small muscles in the legs and ankles.
What about restroom facilities along the way?
You'll have a chance at the gear base to use the restroom but after that we will be entering the great outdoors. We recommend all guests follow 'Leave No Trace Principles' and should the need arise, we request packing all trash from the trip including toilet paper. If this is of concern for you, we recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag for easy packing.
How many guests are on this tour?
There can be up to 12 participants on this trip and there is a minimum of 2 guests for the trip to operate. With advanced notice we can accommodate larger groups on private tours.
Will we see/explore ice caves?
No, this tour does not visit ice caves. Because the caves are dynamic and change rapidly, we do not guarantee their presence, and for safety reasons, we do not include them in our tours.
Know Before You Book
Minimum Age: 10 years old
Due to continued glacial ice melt, trekking on the glacier is no longer an option. Guests will hike along the rocky moraines near the face of the glacier.
This tour is rated as strenuous, guests must be in good shape. Includes about 7 miles of hiking (about 4 hrs roundtrip) on steep, rocky, wet, uneven terrain.
Because this tour involves strenuous hiking, this is not a wheelchair accessible tour.
This tour involves inherent risks, and for their safety, pregnant guests are not allowed on this tour.
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.
A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the tour due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace. Clients that require a rescue due to an injury incurred on the trek will not be charged rescue fees, nor will those who have disclosed information regarding medical conditions (and have been approved to participate) prior to the trip date.
Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.
Your guides will pick you up at Mount Roberts Tramway, right by the cruise docks, or at several local hotels, to transport you to the trailhead for outfitting.
Duration
45 minutes
Hike to Glacier View Point
Hike about 3.5 miles under soaring glacially carved peaks and alongside Mendenhall Lake as you journey towards the receding glacier.
Duration
2 hours
Mendenhall Glacier Viewing
Enjoy the views of the Mendenhall Glacier with time for plenty of photos and snacks.
Duration
30 minutes
Return Hike
You'll return on the same trail you took to reach the glacier, while your guide continues to educate you about the local flora, fauna, and geography.
Duration
2 hours
De-Gear & Return Transportation
After returning your gear, your guides will return you to your hotel or Mount Roberts Tramway, where you can check out downtown or hop back on your cruise ship.
