Hiking in Juneau
Hiking in Juneau starts almost at the front door. Downtown sits at the base of steep mountains, and trailheads on Basin Road are a short walk or taxi ride from downtown. Most of the day's walking happens in the forest behind town, with glacier views a bit farther north at Mendenhall Glacier. Trails here range from easy lakeside paths to strenuous climbs.
Places to go
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a 377-foot waterfall that drops into Mendenhall Lake, reached on a short, flat trail from the Mendenhall Glacier area. It is one of the most popular walks in Juneau.
Mount Roberts Trail
Mount Roberts is a 3,819 foot peak just east of downtown Juneau. Its trail starts at a trailhead on Basin Road and climbs steeply to the Mountain House and the summit.
Perseverance Trail
Perseverance Trail is the most popular and easily reached trail system in Juneau. It climbs from the end of Basin Road into the Gold Creek valley behind downtown, past old mine ruins.
Mount Juneau Trail
A steep trail above Juneau that climbs to the 3,576-foot summit of Mount Juneau and runs on along the ridge. Most hikers use it as a full-day outing with views over town.
West Glacier Trail
The West Glacier Trail runs along the west side of Mendenhall Glacier, skirting Mendenhall Lake and climbing to bare rock above the ice. It is a strenuous hike, best done with a buddy and with care on the rocks.
East Glacier Loop Trail
East Glacier Loop Trail is a moderate forest hike above the east side of Mendenhall Lake. You get good glacier views and a chance at black bear sightings.
Auke Lake
Auke Lake is a 160-acre lake in Auke Bay, a few miles from downtown Juneau. A spartan trail wraps around its eastern side through some of the largest Sitka spruces in the city.
Mendenhall Glacier
A massive glacier calving into its own lake, and Juneau's most popular attraction. Most visitors look at the face from the visitor center, then walk the trails to Nugget Falls.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people hiking here pick one of two starting points. The Perseverance Trail starts at the end of Basin Road and follows Gold Creek into the valley behind downtown, climbing to the Perseverance Mine ruins in a canyon. The Mount Roberts Trail begins at the same trailhead and climbs nearly 2 miles of steep switchbacks through boreal forest to the Mountain House, where the upper tram station sits. Both can fill a half day.
Mendenhall Glacier adds a different kind of walk. The East Glacier Loop is a moderate 3.5-mile loop above the east side of Mendenhall Lake, with good glacier views and possible black bear sightings. Easier paths lead to Nugget Falls, and the West Glacier Trail goes all the way to the ice. Bus and taxi service reaches these trails from downtown.
Where to go
- Perseverance Trail to Silverbow Basin. A moderate 3-mile round trip from urban scenery into a canyon, ending at the mine ruins in Silverbow Basin. From the Basin Road trailhead behind downtown, by walk or taxi.
- Mount Roberts Trail to the Mountain House. Steep switchbacks through boreal forest to the tram's upper station, with views over the channel and city. From the trailhead behind downtown; about 2 miles one way, by walk.
- Mendenhall Glacier trails. East Glacier Loop, Nugget Falls and the West Glacier Trail, with glacier views near the visitor center. About 13 miles north of downtown, by bus or taxi from downtown. A trip that goes here: Mendenhall Glacier Trek, 6 Hours, $280 a person
- Nugget Falls Trail. A flat, easy 0.8-mile walk to the foot of a powerful waterfall, with icebergs in the lake. Near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, by bus or taxi, then walk.
Getting there
Trailheads for Perseverance and Mount Roberts are on Basin Road behind downtown, reached on foot or by taxi. The Mendenhall Glacier trails sit about 13 miles north of downtown. Taxis run to the glacier trails, and buses serve them in summer.
When to go
Most trails here are open from May to October. Snowfields can remain on Mount Roberts into summer, and the weather can turn quickly, so check conditions before setting out.
Good to know
- Hike with a buddy when you can, and be bear aware on the trails.
- Carry layers and rain gear, since the weather can change fast.
- No food or soft drinks are allowed in the Mendenhall recreation area, and dogs must be on leash.
- Some backcountry areas have no cell service, so plan your turnaround time.
Questions
How long is the Mount Roberts hike in Juneau?
The Mount Roberts Trail to the Mountain House is 2 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, with steep switchbacks through boreal forest. The trailhead is on Basin Road behind downtown. The summit route is 4.5 miles and takes about 4 hours.
Can I hike in Juneau without a car?
Yes. The Perseverance and Mount Roberts trailheads are behind downtown on Basin Road and can be reached on foot or by taxi. The Mendenhall Glacier trails are about 13 miles north and need a bus or taxi.
What is the easiest hike near Mendenhall Glacier?
The Nugget Falls Trail is a flat, easy 0.8-mile walk to the foot of the waterfall, about 30 minutes each way. Several paved or planked trails near the visitor center are also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
