Sightseeing and scenic rides in Juneau
Juneau's scenic side is mostly about height and water. The Goldbelt Tram lifts riders from the downtown docks up Mount Roberts, with views over the city, Douglas Island and Gastineau Channel. Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles north of downtown, is the other big draw, with a view of the glacier calving into its own lake. A short walk or a bus ride ties the scenery together.
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.
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.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The most direct scenic outing starts downtown. The Goldbelt Tram runs from sea level up Mount Roberts to 1,800 feet. At the top, the views reach over the harbor, West Juneau and Douglas Island, and out across Gastineau Channel. The upper station is also the start of the hiking trails, and the Mount Roberts Mountain House sits there.
Mendenhall Glacier is the main outing for many visitors. The visitor pavilion gives a view of the glacier face and is a quick stop, about 90 minutes for those short on time. Buses run from downtown about every 30 minutes in summer. Chapel By The Lake, a 1950s log cabin church, has a picture-window view of Auke Lake and the glacier.
Where to go
- Goldbelt Tram to Mount Roberts. Ride from sea level to 1,800 feet for views over Juneau, Douglas Island and Gastineau Channel. The Timberline Restaurant sits at the summit. From the downtown docks, by tram.
- Mendenhall Glacier visitor pavilion. A quick stop for a view of the glacier face and its lake, about 90 minutes for those pressed for time. About 13 miles north of downtown, by bus or taxi. A trip that goes here: Helicopter Icefield Excursion, 2 Hours 30 Minutes, $583 a person
- Chapel By The Lake. A 1950s log cabin church with a picture-window view of Auke Lake and Mendenhall Glacier.
- Glacier Highway scenic drive. A paved drive north from town past Auke Bay and the ferry terminal toward Berner's Bay, with scenic stops along the way. By car. A trip that goes here: Helicopter Icefield Excursion, 2 Hours 30 Minutes, $583 a person
Getting there
The tram starts at the downtown docks. For the glacier, buses run about every 30 minutes in summer, and the trip is about 40 minutes one way from downtown. A taxi is a second option for groups.
When to go
Glacier viewing is often best on overcast and rainy days, so cloud should not stop a visit. The tram runs on seasonal hours, and the Mendenhall visitor center is open daily from May to September.
Good to know
- Check the tram's status before you go, since it was listed as temporarily closed for maintenance.
- Bring cash or buy tickets at the kiosks on the dock for the glacier bus.
- No food or soft drinks are allowed in the Mendenhall recreation area, and dogs must be on leash.
- Weather can change quickly, so bring a rain layer for the tram top and the glacier.
Questions
What is the best scenic view in Juneau?
Many visitors pick the Goldbelt Tram, which rises from the downtown docks to 1,800 feet on Mount Roberts. The views reach over the city, Douglas Island and Gastineau Channel. The Mendenhall Glacier pavilion is the other main choice, with a view of the glacier face.
How do I get to Mendenhall Glacier from downtown Juneau?
Several bus services run to Mendenhall Glacier from downtown about every 30 minutes in summer. A taxi is also an option, and the trip takes about 40 minutes one way. Some bus stops are a long walk from the glacier.
Is Juneau's glacier view worth it on a cloudy day?
Yes. Glacier viewing in Alaska is often best on overcast and rainy days, so cloud cover does not have to spoil the outing.
