Hiking trips in Juneau
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 the docks. 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.
About hiking in Juneau
Juneau sits at the base of steep mountains, and its hiking grew out of that setting. Perseverance Trail and Mount Roberts start from the edge of downtown, while Mendenhall Glacier trails lie about 13 miles north. Juneau is reached only by air or sea, so the trails are the main way to leave the waterfront behind.
A port day here usually leaves room for one or two walks. Trailheads behind downtown are reached on foot or by taxi. The glacier trails need a bus from the cruise docks, which runs about every 30 minutes in summer. Hike with a buddy, be bear aware, and watch the weather, since conditions can turn quickly.
- 3 miles round trip Perseverance to Silverbow Basin
- About 1.5 hours Mount Roberts to the Mountain House
- About 13 miles Mendenhall Glacier from downtown
Hiking excursions in Juneau
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person. Each trip says where it goes.
Mendenhall Glacier Trek
Alaska Hike and Canoe Paddle
Private Glacier Trek Hiking
Where to go for Hiking
Each trip shows where it goes.
Mendenhall Glacier
Easy paved and planked trails of a quarter to one mile offer glacier views. The best longer walk leads to Nugget Falls.
Nugget Falls
The easy trail to the foot of the falls is flat and runs about 0.8 miles one way, with views of the glacier, mountains and icebergs in the lake.
Mount Roberts Trail
The Mount Roberts Trail climbs through boreal forest on steep switchbacks, nearly 2 miles to the top of the tram. Above it, trails run through alpine country to the summit.
Perseverance Trail
A moderate out-and-back hike of about 3 miles round-trip, from urban scenery into canyon wilderness. Most people turn around at Silverbow Basin after two to four hours.
Mount Juneau Trail
The trail climbs steeply from near Ebner Falls. The short out-and-back gives you views of Juneau, while the full route continues along the ridge past the summit.
West Glacier Trail
A strenuous 7-mile round trip that climbs from the lake shore to bare rock beside the glacier, with a lookout near the top.
East Glacier Loop Trail
A 3.5-mile moderate loop through forest, climbing above Mendenhall Lake for glacier views. Walk it clockwise to avoid many of the steps.
Auke Lake
A spartan trail wraps the eastern side of the lake through some of Juneau's largest Sitka spruces. Hike with a buddy and be bear aware.
What to expect
Most people hiking here on a port day 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 service from the cruise docks makes these trails a practical choice for a day ashore.
Tour or on your own On your own Trailheads behind downtown are reached on foot or by taxi, while the Mendenhall trails need a bus or taxi from the cruise docks.
Time it takes Half a day Mount Roberts to the Mountain House takes about 1.5 hours one way, and Perseverance to Silverbow Basin takes 2 to 4 hours round trip.
Effort Moderate Many trails climb steep switchbacks, while the Mendenhall lakeside and river paths are flat and easy.
Who it suits Walkers, couples, families Trails here suit walkers, couples, families and experienced hikers, across a range of fitness levels.
Good to know Weather and bears Weather changes fast, trails can be steep or slippery, and some backcountry areas have no cell service.
Best months May to October Snowfields can stay on Mount Roberts into summer, so late-season hikes there call for care.
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 from the cruise docks?
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.
More to do in Juneau
Hiking in other places
The same thing, at the other places that do it well.
Santorini
The walk from Fira to Oia follows the caldera rim on cobbles and cliff steps.
Sailings that stop in Juneau
2,816 sailings on 18 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Carnival Legend
MSC Poesia
Crown Princess
Sources: Outdoor Activities Guide · Juneau Hiking Trails · Mount Roberts (Juneau, Alaska), Wikipedia · Juneau, Wikivoyage
Photo: Dankarl, CC BY-SA 4.0