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Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike

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Description

Tour Update: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding on a daily basis causing drastic changes to the surface of the glacier. For this reason, it is not safe to walk on the glacier. This trip will spend time exploring the glacier up close and hiking around the edges of it safely from the bedrock. The edge of the glacier has some of the most stunning features you will find; this is where ice formations, tunnels, and tubes tend to form creating those beautiful blue colors. These features are never guaranteed but do form throughout the summer.


Do you consider yourself an adventurer? A lover of exciting journeys to stunning and remote destinations? If so, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike could be just the unique adventure you’re looking for! In many ways a parallel to the standard Mendenhall Glacier Trek, but reserved for your own private group, this highly involved and somewhat technical outing gives you the chance to explore first-hand a dazzling world of crystal-blue glacier ice! Especially if you’re on the hunt for a highly customized glacier experience, or if you want to make sure your group can travel at whatever pace best suits it, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike is, simply put, one of the absolutely premier excursions in Juneau Alaska.

Your awesome adventure starts with convenient pick-up from either the cruise docks or the place of your choosing. Then it’s off for a stellar drive to the famed Mendenhall Valley, where you’ll don your hiking gear and head out alongside your expert guide toward the glacier itself! Next, you’ll start up a fairly strenuous, but immensely beautiful trail toward the ice, passing around lovely Mendenhall Lake via an ancient temperate rainforest. Later, along the toe of the massive glacier, you’ll have a front-row seat to some breathtaking panoramic views.

And because it’s an exclusive private tour, you get to decide what’s next! No matter what your glacier dream day consists of, the Private Mendenhall Glacier Hike has you covered! This popular and adventurous excursion has very limited availability. Make sure you book early!

Note: Price per person varies as a function of group size.

If you’re down for glacier-front views but would prefer a shorter hiking portion, perhaps you’d be interested in the Private Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek.


What's Included

You will be provided with all necessary safety gear, orientation from a professional guide, backpack, helmet, harness, ice axe or trekking pole, crampons, rain gear (jacket/pants), hearty snack/bottled water, and roundtrip van transportation from near the cruise ship docks and many major hotels in Juneau.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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 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.
Are we guaranteed to see ice caves?
We don't guarantee ice cave visits. Because the caves are dynamic and change rapidly, visits are condition-dependent. Your guides will ultimately make the call whether or not it is safe to enter an ice cave.
What's the weather like on the glacier? Is it cold?
Juneau temperatures during the summer are typically between 50 and 65 degrees, with an average of 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The temperature on the glacier is about 5 degrees cooler, but can feel up to 15 degrees cooler due to katabatic winds (cold downslope winds coming down the glacier). Please bring layers of clothing including a warm hat and gloves.
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).

Quick Facts

Juneau

8h 00min

The minimum age for participants is 8 years old.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days 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.

$462

$321

$289

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