Glaciers and fjords in Juneau

Most people who come for glaciers in Juneau start at Mendenhall. Buses and taxis run to the glacier about every 30 minutes in summer, and the ride out takes about 40 minutes. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, run by the US Forest Service, gives a clear view of the glacier face and the lake it feeds. A quick stop at the pavilion takes about 90 minutes. Visitors who want more can walk the trails around the lake, or head to Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall, which is a longer walk.

The glacier is about a half-mile wide, with ice 300 to 1,800 feet deep, and it keeps moving and changing with the seasons. Commercial operators offer hiking, biking, rafting, canoe and kayak trips around the glacier in summer. For a longer day on the water, boat tours reach Dawes Glacier at the head of Endicott Arm, about 50 miles southeast of downtown. That trip runs 7.5 hours round trip and suits people who want to see tidewater ice from the boat.

• Mendenhall Glacier. A half-mile-wide glacier calving into its own lake, and Juneau's most popular attraction. Hikes and water trips start from here. About 13 miles north of downtown, by bus or taxi, about every 30 minutes. A trip that goes here: Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour, 2 Hours 45 Minutes, $86 a person
• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Run by the US Forest Service, with a clear view of the glacier face and easy trails nearby. Admission is charged May to September. About 13 miles north of downtown, by bus or taxi. A trip that goes here: Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour, 2 Hours 45 Minutes, $86 a person
• Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm. A tidewater glacier at the head of a glacially carved fjord, seen on a boat tour. About 50 miles southeast of downtown, by boat tour, 7.5 hours round trip. A trip that goes here: Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour, 2 Hours 45 Minutes, $86 a person

Buses and taxis run to Mendenhall Glacier about every 30 minutes in summer, and the trip out takes about 40 minutes. Bus services charge a low fare, and a taxi costs about the same as a bus for five or more people. The bus stop is about 1.5 miles from the visitor center, so plan for that walk if you ride the city bus.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center runs from May to September, with reduced hours in winter. Glacier views are often best on overcast, rainy days, so an overcast forecast is not a reason to skip the trip.

• No food or soft drinks are allowed in the Mendenhall recreation area, and dogs must be on leash.
• Cell service can be limited in backcountry areas, so plan your route and turnaround time before you go.
• Weather in Juneau can change quickly, and trails can be steep or slippery, so bring layers and sturdy shoes.
• The visitor center charges an admission fee for adults from May to September, while children under 16 enter free.

How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau?

Buses and taxis run to Mendenhall Glacier about every 30 minutes in summer. The trip takes about 40 minutes. Bus services charge a low fare, and taxis cost about the same as a bus for five or more people.

How much time do I need at Mendenhall Glacier?

A quick stop at the visitor pavilion takes about 90 minutes. Walking trails, Nugget Falls or a kayak or canoe trip on the lake add more time, so allow a longer half day for those.

Is a glacier boat trip from Juneau a full day?

The boat trip to Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, about 50 miles southeast of downtown, takes 7.5 hours round trip. Plan for most of a day if you choose this trip.