Well worth the time and effort. It was easy enough to find and book and the times were perfect for our 8 hour layover in Juneau. You'd have to ask them how close they can get. Mendenhall Loop Road eventually turns into Glacier Spur Road and ends at the Visitor Center. MENDENHALL GLACIER - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). We discover that there's a walkable trail to the falls and we have enough time to do it. It is a prime example of a receding glacier it is said to recede up to 150 ft per year. Im just thinking of the 50 lb weight limit on our luggage. You want hiking boots. I already have reservations for our cruises next year. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110649843', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental cars available this summer. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. From the Alaska State Ferry Terminal: 7 miles. My first experience in the Mendenhall ice caves was dreamlike. Juneau Glacier Excursion with the Blue Bus Glacier Express 2023 - Viator Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Is there plenty of parking with not too long of a walk to viewpoints? 01 Matanuska Glacier: Hike or Drive View on Map Being able to walk up to any glacier is a stunning experience, and this big boy is the biggest, and perhaps most impressive roadside glacier, in part because you can easily touch it. There youll see sockeye salmon swimming and spawning as well as the occasional black bear fishing for a meal. Mendenhall Glacier Tours. Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it's a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. 360 Virtual Tour of the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves We had a prebooked tour of the city and glacier. Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it's a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. Once your back downtown, take a ride up the Mt. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. since you can explore at your own pace and go back to town when you wanted. Whether youre, Visiting Southeast Alaska and dont want to miss any of the highlights? Price: $219 per person. Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Kayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. Travel to Mendenhall Glacier aboard an air-conditioned bus on this day trip from Juneau and have some free time to explore the area on your own. You wont believe your ice! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages during your trip. There is a visitor center with a theater showing a 15-minute film on Mendenhall Glacier, a bookstore operated by nonprofit organization Discovery Southeast, and exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Yelp Explore different ways to experience this place. What tours will get me to the Mendenhall ice caves? You type Alaska shore excursions into google, trying to figure, Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice, Anchorage Helicopter Glacier Dogsled & Lower Glacier Landing, Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained. I prefer to avoid cruise ship tours. Sadly, it's receding & we saw an iceberg in the lake that broke off 2wks earlier. The Mendenhall Glacier Trek is a great way to explore the glacier, the ice caves, and the terrain created by it! Both of these options are per group not per person. If you can spend at least a half-day, there are many ways to get up close to this majestic glacier. Tripadvisor gives a Travellers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. From here, there is only one trailhead. Ride the Tramway to the Top of Mount Roberts. Weve got you covered with these. The water is so pure you can drink it. Juneaus weather is fairly mild. This is a bit early in the season and is dependent on the conditions which are not possible to predict very far in advance. All youll need is your basic hi Mount Robert's Trail in Juneau, Alaska, is a difficult hike through wildflowers and forests. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110626212', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise next year. Follow Glacier Spur until you see Mendenhall Loop Road on your left, turn left, and then continue on it. Personally I think it was worth it. If we have time, we would like to take the tram as well. I experienced the magnitude of the forces that shaped many of the hills and valleys in the area. Shuttle service is provided under a permit with the USDA Forest Service. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Like an astronaut stepping on the moon, youll explore this hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly landscape for approximately an hour with your naturalist guide. Of all the Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau is home to, youre bound to find one that will amaze! There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Juneau. The dancing ombre of blues throughout the ice from aqua to sapphire to cobalt captivated me. These caves were a sight to see. What is the cheapest/easiest way to get the glacier that is not on an excursion? Bring your camera. How to do Mendenhall Glacier on our own? - Juneau Forum The glacier is situated 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The Mt. There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Juneau. I was so fortunate to be able to walk on the glacier via a helicopter and then later in the day to go on land and see the glacier via Mendenhall visitor centre trail. On the return walk, we took the short trail to the Photo Point which provides a much better view of Mendenhall Glacier. A quick drive from downtown Juneau to the 'trailhead' parking lot finds you overlooking the nearly half a mile wide face of the glacier. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. A more difficult trail, the East Glacier Loop, leads through ancient forests for views of a waterfall near the glaciers face. The paddle is an enthralling journey in itself as you glide across the (usually) calm waters of Mendenhall Lake, encircled by the towering peaks of giants such as Thunder Mountain, Mt. Consider a day cruise that combines a visit to the glacier with a whale-watching tour of Auke Bay, for example. What restaurants are near Mendenhall Glacier? Don't miss it. Thanks, Which, in other terms, means you don't need any technical skills or equipment to conquer them. There are also shuttles that depart from the tram area. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Mendenhall Glacier: Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau: Address, Phone Number, Mendenhall Glacier Reviews: 4.5/5. Mendenhall Glacier and the cascades are a surreal place to visit. Glaciers In Alaska: Best Ways to See Alaska's Glaciers Things have changed a lot since the years past. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Buses leave every 30 minutes on most days (check the schedule for times). Check out all of the adventurous Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau offers below: Even when you dont see ice caves, these glacier tours will take your breath away! Once youre all geared up with the necessary paddling equipment and in the canoes (each canoe holds either 7 or 12 guests plus a guide) be ready to paddle for 5 miles and sit in the canoe for up to 3 hours. The nature center offers multiple trails, wildlife, and activities for kids and families. If not, what's a closest ppoint that they can drop off from? Car rentals can be $120 or so and work well as you can go to more areas than just the glacier. The high melt rate has thinned the Mendenhall Glacier in the area reducing the elevation of the ice dam and hence the size of the lake in 2019 vs 2018. There is plenty of free parking on site. The weather was great and provided clear views everywhere. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. hiking Mendenhall Glacier trails on our own? - Cruise Critic Im just thinking of the 50 lb weight limit on our luggage. It was cold, bring an umbrella and dress in layers! 215 reviews of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center "Cool glacier and visitors' center. By air: Helicopter tours provide incredible views of the glacier and the larger Juneau Icefield. Winter (October to April) is free (no fee required) and visitor center hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am 4pm. Yes. We walked to the base of Nugget Falls (1 mile one-way easy walk). We saw plenty of bald eagles flying around. The water spray is cold though, so be prepared. Up to an additional hour and a half of tour time (8 hours vs. 6.5 hours), Paddle at your own pace in state-of-the-art tandem kayaks. Youll sleep well while dreaming of glaciers and ice caves after you cross this adventure off your bucket list! Mendenhall Glacier is only about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, which makes it one of the most accessible in the entire state. Taking this option will cost $35 - $45 and takes 23 min. Its unbelievable how fast they melt! Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Red Dog Saloon, learn about Juneaus rich mining history, and pass by the Governors Mansion. Public bus to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau cruise port on your own Great description here: https://www.wanderwoman.ca/bus-to-mendenhall-glacier/. We don't want to book the cruise excursions. The snowline separates the accumulation zone from the ablation (melting) zone and the glacier needs to have more than 60% of its area in the accumulation zone. Your scenic cruise in and out of Tracy Arm will be marked by stunning waterfalls; youll also be in better position to spot wildlife on land than in the wider Glacier Bay. If you have any questions please ask me in the comments below. With Private tours, you have more time to explore the glacier & find cool features like this ice feature! After taking pictures, you'll notice a waterfall to the right of the glacier (with people there - from afar, look like little ants). Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Here, you can still see the glacier, take amazing photos, and even hike out to Nugget Falls. I hiked on top of the Mendenhall Glacier and it was a beauty! Unfortunately however they are much less extensive now due to a cave collapse in July of 2014. The average cost for a home in Juneau was $304,000 in 2009. Or should I just go up myself on a bus? Explore different ways to experience this place. How much is a taxi from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier? (No worries, the bears rarely climb up on the platforms.). Hi, how much was the taxi ride and from where? Taking this option will cost $35 $45 and takes 23 min. Certainly a more economical choice for 3 or more people traveling together. After four miles, it will intersect Glacier Spur Road. Booked an excursion with NCL for our family of 4 (parents w/ teens) which was Mendenhall Glacier w/ Tram Ride. Hands down one of our most popular tours! When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? On a budget and searching for affordable tours in Alaska? See it any way you can while in Juneau. The hike starts near the nature center, so it is a great option for kids and families who are nearby. 12 miles of ice and waterfalls. With more time to spend, there are plenty of additional options as well. Tongass National Forest - Offices - US Forest Service As with the Mendenhall Glacier Trek, if open and accessible, your guide will let you experience the enchantment of the Mendenhall ice caves before continuing up to the top of the glacier. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. could you please let me know how to get a bus at the port on our own for 25.00 round trip each? So what if your cruise ship schedule doesnt allow you time to complete one of the more rigorous Mendenhall Glacier tours Juneau has? There's a city bus that drops you about 1 mile from the visitor center. The only path to the edge of the glacier itself is via the moderately challenging West Glacier Trail which is reached only by taxi or rental car. Lets look at a quick breakdown of what these tours offer over their public equivalents: Very Important Note! Visitors to the popular Mendenhall Glacier ice cave prepare to exit via one of several small openings, each with its own set of challenges, Feb. 16, 2019. What's the Secret to Catching Salmon in Alaska. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Cruise ships dock at Marine Park with 2 berths, Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock. Mendenhall Glacier | How to Visit | ALASKA.ORG You can get a map at the visitor's center. Cruise along the shore to observe true Alaskan wildlife at its finest. This glacier is absolutely amazing. You'll be in a boat with a fully enclosed, heated cabin with restrooms on-board and outdoor decks for viewing. Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it's a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. Tongass National Forest - Offices - US Forest Service Are there taxis available at the Glacier to return back to the dock or does it have to be reserved? Which is better Tracy Arm fjord or Glacier Bay? Visit the glacier as part of a tour, which can include a whale-watching cruise, a glacier hike, and canoeing at Lake Mendenhall. We recommend booking Mendenhall Glacier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Sadly, it's receding & we saw an iceberg in the lake that broke off 2wks earlier. - More time on the water! On a cloudy afternoon, it can be even more impressive as the ice turns a deep and mystical shade of blue. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in the Mendenhall Valley, and stretches over a whopping 12 miles! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. They will drop you at the glacier following your tour, allowing you time to explore Mendenhall Glacier and its surrounding terrain on foot. There are also shuttles that depart from the tram area. Well, once every half hour.) How to do Mendenhall Glacier on our own? (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turn right onto Glacier Highway. We are a group of 3 so each person paying for the shuttle seems ridiculous. I simply couldnt wrap my head around the ethereal beauty of the caves! If your aspiration is to walk on the glacier, youre looking at a strenuous, professional guide-led, full day trip ($200-$400/pp + tax. For all the shuttle bus I searched online, They all charge $45 per person. We want to hike the Mendenhall Glacier trail and do a little shopping in Juneau. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. Read our. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour - Alaska Shore Excursions Glaciers are dynamic, which means they are always changing. This glacier is absolutely amazing. In the past we have used taxi with a pick up time set at drop off and rental van but our in port times were much better. Don't miss it. Budget has some really great rates in Juneau. Thanks. What should I wear to Mendenhall Glacier? Nugget Falls is a 377ft waterfall fronting the Mendenhall Glacier accessed by a 1.5-mile round-trip hike where we saw bears eating salmon near Juneau, Alaska. Know the risks before you visit Mendenhall Glacier's newest ice cave - KTOO Slick conditions on the ice may call for crampons, and its always best to travel with a partner. If youre on a tight schedule, a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides fascinating information as well as excellent views of this ever-changing wonder. Description: Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Wildflower Viewing Area offers a unique opportunity to observe plant succession in action. Dont be fooled into thinking this is a leisurely Sunday afternoon paddle though. You sure can hike the trails on your own! Is there a bus or shuttle service? Is it best to plan on packing hiking boots or are these trails manageable in tennis shoes? Check (if possible). Enjoy hiking trails that run along surrounding terrain, including a moderately easy and well-marked trail to Nugget Falls. The good thing that unlike portage glacier you can still see the glacier from the visitor center. - More time on the water! The area around it is beautiful. I would recommend just getting a ride to visit the Mendenhall Glacier (30min ride from town) excursions with add'l canoe/boat at the glacier not needed. The Mendenhall Ice Caves are sure to amaze no matter what way you choose to see them. Its unbelievable how fast they melt! 99% of travellers recommend this experience. This will also give you a short tour of Juneau and a guaranteed seat on a bus at a guaranteed time. Due to the ice-cold temperature of the water, its only recommended for people who are physically fit and have experience kayaking.