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Mendenhall Glacier Guide’s Choice Trail Hike

On this Mendenhall Glacier shore excursion, put on your hiking boots, fill your lungs with fresh air, and experience a day of world-class hiking. The pace will be brisk, the day unforgettable. Cascading waterfalls, quiet forest glens, and breathtaking glacier views are just a few of the treasured places reached only on foot. Along the way your naturalist guide will provide knowledge and perspective on the region`s natural and cultural history, and will share some of his or her favorite local stories.

Mendenhall Glacier Views

Your guide will choose from several excellent trails for your Mendenhall Glacier hike, based upon the day’s hiking conditions. Weather will be of particular consideration; in this region of mountains and fjords, conditions can vary quickly and dramatically. You may find yourself hiking high above a shimmering glacial lake or along a mossy covered glacier moraine. Explore this lush habitat and learn more about the significance and secrets of the Tongass National Forest.

During much of the hike the views are panoramic, encompassing expanses of glacier-carved wilderness. Wildlife is often sighted, but not guaranteed. There are many opportunities for photography along the trail, and frequent interpretive stops. Join us as we, in the words of John Muir, “climb to the mountains to get their good tidings.”

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Tour Time: 4.5 hours
Sea Time: None
Trail Time:3.5 to 4 hours
Elevation:600′ to 1000′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Includes: Water, granola snack, hip pack and all transportation *We encourage guests to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic use*
Adult Price:$109.00
Child Price:$79.00

THIS OUTING IS SUITED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO HIKE, AND ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO DO SO FOR UP TO 4 HOURS. THE TRAIL IS MAINTAINED BY THE USFS AND HAS SECTIONS OF UNEVEN GROUND, WITH MANY STEPS AND PLACES TO STOP AND REST. WEAR STURDY FOOTGEAR. DEPENDING ON THE TRAIL CHOSEN FOR THE DAY, YOU WILL HIKE APPROXIMATELY FOUR TO SIX MILES, WITH A POSSIBLE ELEVATION GAIN OF 600 TO 1000 FEET. IF NECESSARY, RAIN PONCHOS AND WALKING STICKS ARE ALSO INCLUDED. THIS TOUR OPERATES IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Select Your Cruise Line to Book this Tour : why ?

Reserving shore excursions online is the fastest, most convenient way for you to confirm your tours. Your cruise line will handle the request and in most cases have your tickets waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. If the cruise ship delays or if there is inclement weather, then the shore excursion department will take steps to inform you of any time changes or cancellations. And if your tour runs late, the ship will remain in port or they'll arrange transportation to the next port of call at no expense to you.
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Whale Watching Juneau
Photo by Photo By Cody Phan

TOUR GUIDE OF THE SEASON

Chosen by Juneau cruise line passengers. Highlights:

  • Mendenhall Glacier views
  • Moderate to strenuous hiking pace
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Explore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest

Guide lines

I love this hike. Whether ascending through the lush, moss-draped old growth rainforest or being awe-struck by glacial rivers of ice flowing down the mountainside, the scenery is always breathtaking and a genuine pleasure to share with others. – Richard Stokes

Gastineau Guiding supports responsible viewing practices adhering to the Alaska Humpback Whale Approach Regulations and does not intentionally approach whales within 100 yards. Our tours are operated under special use permit in the Tongass National Forest. We are an equal opportunity service provider. Persons with disabilities should inquire at least 48 hours in advance about the specific risks and challenges associated with this tour.