Mendenhall Glacier: Day Trips and Tours from Juneau, Alaska

Estimated to be over 3,000 years old, the Mendenhall Glacier is the only glacier in southeastern Alaska that is accessible by road. The dazzling blue ice spans over 20 kilometers in length and the area is home to a diverse range of local wildlife.

Mendenhall Glacier day trips from Juneau are a must for anyone visiting the Alaskan capital. This is your chance to see one of the state’s most incredible natural wonders and enjoy activities like whale watching, canoeing and hiking.

Below is everything you need to know about visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, an incredible destination for a day trip from Juneau.

How do I get from Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier?

Not only is the Mendenhall Glacier one of the most beautiful glaciers in the US, but it is also one of the most accessible. The ancient glacier is located in the Mendenhall Valley within the Tongass National Forest, just 20 kilometers northwest of downtown Juneau.

From Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier by car

Driving from Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier is fairly straightforward as all you need to do is head in a northerly direction on Egan Drive until you reach Mendenhall Loop Road, at which point you can simply follow the signs.

The car ride should take roughly 20 minutes depending on road conditions and visibility. The area is prone to rain and it is essential that you drive carefully.

From Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier by bus

An affordable public bus leaves from downtown Juneau and makes a stop at Dredge Lake Road, which is the closest stop to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. However, you’ll still need to walk an additional 2 kilometers to reach the center.

Although the distance between Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier is only around 20 kilometers, the bus ride can take up to 1.5 hours because of the multiple stops along the way.

Guided tour to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau

Make your way to the famous Mendenhall Glacier in a comfortable, private vehicle when you book a guided tour. A professional local guide will take care of all your travel arrangements for you so that you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Guided tours to the Mendenhall Glacier are typically half-day experiences, lasting around 5 or 6 hours.

What's the cost of the ticket to visit the Mendenhall Glacier?

When you reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Centre, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, which is just US$5 per person for anyone over 16. If you are joining a guided tour, the cost of the entrance ticket is typically included in the cost of your excursion.

If the visitors center isn’t open at the time of your visit, then you may enter the grounds free of charge.

When can I enter the Mendenhall Glacier protected area for free?

If you visit during the winter season, from October to April, the entrance fee to the area surrounding the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is free.

You don't have to pay any fees if you are only planning to go on a hike through the glacier.

What is the itinerary of a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier?

While the itinerary of your Mendenhall Glacier day trip may look different depending on your tour operator and the type of tour you choose, you can expect to leave Juneau in the morning and make your way to the Mendenhall Glacier in a comfortable, private minivan.

Your tour operator may offer to pick you up from your hotel or you may need to meet your guide somewhere in downtown Juneau. Once you arrive at the glacier, you’ll get to enjoy the incredible scenery and perhaps take part in outdoor activities like hiking and/or canoeing.

It’s important to read specific tour inclusions when making a booking so that you know what to expect. Make sure that you book a tour that is well-suited to your interests and preferences to make the most of your time at the Mendenhall Glacier.

Most tours are inclusive of snacks and beverages to keep you hydrated and nourished during your excursion. At the end of your trip, you’ll be taken back to Juneau in the private minivan where you will part ways with your guide.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Mendenhall Glacier?

When looking for a Mendenhall Glacier tour from Juneau, you have plenty of different types of tours to choose from, including guided tours, shuttle transfers and private excursions.

Guided tours to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau

Guided tours to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau are the most popular type of excursion available and there are plenty of guided trips to choose from. You'll join a small group of like-minded travelers as you spend most of the day exploring the Mendenhall Glacier.

Your professional local guide will lead the way as you see the best of what the area has to offer its visitors. Most guided tours focus on a specific activity, such as canoeing, whale-watching or hiking, but there are also combination tours for those who are looking for a comprehensive trip.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau

If you want to explore the Mendenhall Glacier at your own pace, then you may be interested in a shuttle transfer without a guide. The shuttle leaves near the docks of Juneau’s cruise ship terminal and drops you right at the doors of the visitors center.

The driver provides commentary throughout the drive, giving you the opportunity to learn more about southeastern Alaska on your way to the glacier. The shuttle returns to Juneau from the Bear Shuttle Stop every hour.

Private tour to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau

Private tours cater solely to you and your travel companions, providing you with a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to chat with your local guide. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Juneau or the Mendenhall Valley and make your way to the glacier via private vehicle.

There aren’t as many private tours to choose from as there are guided tours, but you can always ask to tweak tour itineraries to suit your preferences. Most private tours are inclusive of a full-day guided hike across the glacier, after which you’ll make your way back to Juneau.

How much does a day trip to Mendenhall Glacier cost?

The cost of a Mendenhall Glacier day trip from Juneau is typically dependent on the tour operator, the type of tour and what activities are included. Basic shuttle transfers, without a guide, typically cost US$45 per person for a roundtrip transfer.

Guided tours, which are led by a professional guide, usually cost anywhere between US$180 and US$380 per person depending on what types of activities you’ll be doing. Canoeing trips and combination tours are usually the most expensive.

Private tours, in which you and your travel companions are the only participants, usually cost around US$420 per person for a full-day excursion.

What will you see and do?

There are three main things that attract people to the Mendenhall Glacier, namely the vast number of outdoor activities on offer, the diverse array of wildlife and the breathtaking natural scenery.

Activities

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when visiting the Mendenhall Glacier. Some of the most popular activities offered by tour operators include hiking, canoeing, whale watching and even helicopter flights.

Scenery

The area surrounding Mendenhall Glacier is filled with dramatic cliffs, snow-capped mountains and lush forests. The incredible views around every corner make for great photographic opportunities.

Wildlife

The Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding ecosystems are home to a diverse range of animals, including humpback whales, mountain goats, otters, minks, eagles, beavers, bears, deer and many more.

Mendenhall Lake

The Mendenhall Lake is a proglacial lake that sits alongside the Mendenhall Glacier. This is where most canoeing excursions take place, and may also get the opportunity to see Nugget Falls, a 100-meter-high waterfall.

What are the opening times?

Between May and September, the Mendenhall Glacier Vistor Center is open from 8 AM until 7:30 PM every day of the week. Between October and March, the visitors center is open from 10 AM until 4 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Due to training purposes, the visitors center is typically closed during April. However, the area surrounding the visitor center is open from 6 AM until midnight throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit the glacier?

The best time to visit Mendenhall Glacier generally falls between May and September. During these months, you'll experience warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and better accessibility.

The summer months, in particular, are ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as for participating in tours and boat excursions. Keep in mind, however, that this is also the peak tourist season, so you might encounter more crowds.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting in May or September, when there are fewer visitors but the weather is still pleasant.

Travel tips

• Wear layers, as weather can change quickly, and make sure to include rain gear.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear for hiking.
• Before you go, check the current trail conditions and weather forecasts.
• Carry bear spray if you plan on hiking in more remote areas.
• There might be parking or entry fees, so come prepared with cash.
• There are limited food services, so bring enough snacks and water for your trip.
• Stop by the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for maps, information, and to learn about the glacier's history and ecology.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• For your safety and environmental protection, stick to marked trails.
• Respect the environment by packing out all your trash and leaving natural objects as you find them.
• The area is rich in Tlingit cultural heritage – treat any cultural sites you encounter with respect.