How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port
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After landing, you will have the opportunity to walk on this huge mountain of ice that looks like a river that was frozen in its tracks. The tour is great and you will learn very interesting things about the ice field and the climate change. Then, hop aboard an open-sided shuttle to tour the rest of the 50-acre property. The tour also stops at several viewpoints that overlook the Mendenhall Valley, Gastineau Channel, and Chilkat Mountains. Dont be fooled into thinking this is a leisurely Sunday afternoon paddle though.
How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau
We booked this City Tour and Mendenhall Glacier Bus Tour on our second trip to Juneau. The Mendenhall Glacier is about 13 miles outside of Juneau, making it easy for tourists to visit. Depending on which route you take, the bus ride can take about 1 hour. Please let the bus driver know that you are going to the glacier when you board the bus, and listen for the announcement for “Dredge Lake Road” so that you do not miss your stop. Victoria, British Columbia offers visitors a chance to explore an enchanting blend of old-world charm, lush gardens, and vibrant coastal culture.
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Guided tours often include transportation from the cruise port, allowing you to sit back and relax while the guide takes care of all the arrangements. They may also incorporate additional activities such as wildlife viewing, glacier hikes, or visits to other scenic spots in the area. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take advantage of Juneau’s public transportation system to get to Mendenhall Glacier. The Capital Transit bus system offers regular service from the cruise port to the Mendenhall Loop Road, the main access road to the glacier.
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This is also a terrific way to leave crowds behind as the visitor center area does get very crowded on busy ship days. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike this loop (at least 2.5 hours) as it has some steep sections. It’s quite wet on this trail even when it’s not actively raining and waterproof footwear is a good idea. However, I don’t recommend it because it takes a long time (1.5-2 hours each way depending on your walking speed and where your ship is docked). It also involves a three mile round trip walk to the bus stop which is not doable for everyone. It does only cost $2 (cash only), so if you have lots of time and enjoy walking, go for it.
Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare Service
First cruise ship of season expected to match last year’s record-high traffic arrives Tuesday - Juneau Empire
First cruise ship of season expected to match last year’s record-high traffic arrives Tuesday.
Posted: Sat, 06 Apr 2024 20:06:07 GMT [source]
You can go shopping, catch the aerial tram, and eat at popular restaurants without walking too far. The pier is very flat, so those who require wheelchairs can easily depart. You will definitely want to snap a photo in front of the city sign to commemorate your time in this one-of-a-kind capital city. This is the option we would have normally taken, but our cruise was only scheduled to be in Juneau from 7 am to 3 pm.
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It’s astonishing to learn that ice has melted back 1/3 mile in the last 15 years. We got a business card for the taxi and texted for a ride back about 20 minutes before we needed it. When we arrived back at the taxi area, multiple taxis were waiting, so we may not have needed to make that call. Many companies run services to the glacier, so make sure you know when the last bus leaves for Juneau.
Crammed with tourists, Alaska's capital wonders what will happen as its magnificent glacier recedes - The Associated Press
Crammed with tourists, Alaska's capital wonders what will happen as its magnificent glacier recedes.
Posted: Sun, 06 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Although the visitor center is a very busy place in the summer, parking is no problem since most visitors are arriving by bus. Visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau Cruise Port offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you opt for a cruise excursion, private tour, public transportation, or helicopter tour, each option has its advantages and considerations. Choosing the option that aligns with your budget, time constraints, and desired level of convenience and adventure is essential. Whichever way you explore Mendenhall Glacier, you’re guaranteed to be mesmerized by its beauty and create lifelong memories in one of Alaska’s most stunning destinations. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers a spectacular opportunity to witness the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, with it’s vast expanse of ice and picturesque surroundings.
The entire store is dedicated to Alaska T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items. Their store is located directly in front of the cruise ship pier and tram terminal. You can choose to ride in the back of the sled or sit in front of your guide. This tour has many great things, from the helicopter ride to holding and playing with the husky puppies. The Juneau Mendenhall Glacier float tour is an easy way to get up close and personal with Alaska’s most famous glacier. Pedicab drivers narrate the tours as they take you through Juneau’s hidden gems, downtown, and along the Juneau Seawalk.
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You may even spot smaller mammals like squirrels and shrews scurrying along the trails. Birdwatching enthusiasts may enjoy glimpses of songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl that inhabit the area. Next, we’ll provide essential information about the hiking trails available at Mendenhall Glacier. Aside from the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier, Mendenhall Glacier also serves an important role in scientific research. The glacier provides valuable data for scientists studying climate change and its impact on glacial retreat. The glacier is part of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, which spans over 5,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities and stunning landscapes.
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular tourist attractions and for good reason. The glacier is located within the Mendenhall Valley, a part of the Tongass National Forest. Just past the sign, information-style kiosks line the dock, filled with information about everything to see and do in and around Juneau. You can book last-minute excursions here, but I wouldn’t wait to book a tour, especially if your port time is limited. When your cruise ship arrives at the port, you will disembark at the cruise ship dock, which is located in the middle of downtown Juneau. For ambitious backcountry hikers, the 3.4-mile (one way) West Glacier Trail skirts the western shore of the lake, leading to a trail junction with a route to Mt. McGinnis.
You will cross the street and take the 1 1/2 mile walk on the road up to the Mendenhall Visitor Station. The whole trip will take you 1 1/2 hours each way, including the walk. On this walk, we saw a mama black bear and two young cubs fishing in a stream on the side of the road. Rated as one of the most popular Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau has, this tour trades in hiking boots for rain boots as you paddle across Mendenhall Lake. We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit.
Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a more extended adventure, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. With its stunning scenery and endless activities, it’s the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Last Frontier. Once you’re at Mendenhall Glacier, there are plenty of things to do. You can hike on the glacier itself, take a guided nature walk, or simply enjoy the views from the Visitor Center.
While public transportation offers convenience and affordability, it’s important to consider a few factors when planning your visit to Mendenhall Glacier. The Glacier Shuttle operates on a fixed schedule, so it’s essential to check the departure and return times to ensure they align with your desired visit duration. Using public transportation to reach Mendenhall Glacier offers an affordable option compared to other transportation methods. The fare for the Glacier Shuttle is typically nominal, allowing you to save money while experiencing the beauty of the glacier.
From transportation options to time management strategies, preparation is key in making this extraordinary voyage from cruise terminal to Mendenhall Glacier a reality. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. Located just a short drive from Juneau, the glacier is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors a glimpse into the beauty of the Last Frontier.
The spectacular Mendenhall Glacier offers visitors a close-up view of a glacier. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and enriching experience while visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, joining a guided tour is an excellent option. Guided tours provide a wealth of knowledge, convenience, and the opportunity to explore the glacier and its surroundings with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. There are many different tour options available for visiting Mendenhall Glacier.
Follow Glacier Spur until you see Mendenhall Loop Road on your left, turn left, and then continue on it. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier, including the pros and cons of each option. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your visit to this natural wonder. You’ll be treated to several waterfalls and streams as you traverse the boulders and tree roots on the trail.
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