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Juneau · Alaska · United States
Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike
Starting From
From $219.45 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike, a thrilling 6–7-mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, enveloped in majestic Sitka spruce and hemlock trees. Your experienced guide will lead you through this lush wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed bedrock, where the trail fades into the wild. Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Mendenhall Glacier's jagged facade and its majestic ice river. Here, we pause to savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. As you gaze upon the glacier, admire the deep blue crevasses and cascading icefall at its base. This captivating vista not only encompasses the glacier but also the surrounding mountains and the mighty Nugget Falls. This invigorating hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It's a memorable journey that promises unforgettable natural wonders.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest
- Embark on a thrilling 67 Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike, a remarkable adventure
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier’s jagged facade and its majestic ice river
- Challenge yourself on this invigorating hike, which demands exceptional balance and surefootedness
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
30 min. - Van transport to the West Glacier Trailhead 15 min. - Gear orientation/outfitting 2hrs - Trail hike to the glacier 30 min. - Viewpoint – photos and snacks 2hrs - Trail hike back to the parking lot 45 min. - De-gear and Return van transport
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Juneau
Hiking at Mendenhall Glacier.
Continued
Juneau
Hiking at Tongass National Forest.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Professional Guides All Equipment & gear Rain jacket & pants Forest Service permits Roundtrip van transportation
Not Included
Hiking boots with ankle support Polyester or synthetic layers Sun glasses/hat (weather dependent) Hat/gloves (weather dependent) Warm, thick socks Camera/binoculars Guide Gratuities
What to Bring
Glacier View: This tour does not include trekking on the glacier or exploring around the glacier's edge. This tour will stop at the panoramic overview. A specific amount of time spent at the glacier viewing area cannot be guaranteed. The amount time is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions.
Restrictions
Clients must be able to hike for at least 6 hours/9 miles roundtrip on steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack and all personal gear/equipment. Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate. The smallest shoe size we can accommodate is youth 2 size. Largest shoe size we can accommodate is men’s size 14. Challenging & Strenuous Active Adventure Tour – Clients need to be in good physical shape and able to climb over rocks, slippery surfaces, and have no major mobility issues. Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip. ABAK strives to accommodate various conditions, restrictions and/or limitations and can better do so with prior knowledge of such.
Meeting & Pickup
Our centralized downtown meeting location is the “C” Sign, located directly between the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building near the cruise ship docks. All clients cruising into Juneau and staying in the downtown area will be picked up here. CLIENTS ARRIVING AT AJ DOCK: Clients on cruise ships docking at the AJ Dock with 30 minutes or less between their ship’s arrival time and ABAK’s trip departure time will be picked up directly from the pier at AJ Dock. Clients Staying Locally: Clients staying at major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley, Downtown, or at an Airbnb or VRBO please contact us at 907-364-2333 for details on meeting location.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Please provide the following information for EACH passenger: - Age: - Height: - Weight: - Rain Gear Size: - Shoe Size: - Any medical/diet restrictions:
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 10 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-07-23
4.00 / 5
The views at the top are spectacular! The guides were knowledgeable and very friendly. As a regular hiker, I think that the description of the hike should be a bit more detailed. We had very novice, but fit people on our hike, but some were really afraid of heights & didn’t realize we would have to scramble & etc. I’m not sure how to word it, but I don’t think we would have brought our less experienced hikers with us. Having said that, they did make it & were pleased with the views.
2026-07-18
5.00 / 5
This was a very beautifully, challenging hike with a very informative guide.
2025-08-07
5.00 / 5
Great scenic hike for our family of 6 including the pre-teens. Heather was patient and helpful as we navigated over the rocks.
2025-05-22
5.00 / 5
Overall, great hike. Julia (the main guide) and Forest (the shadow guide) were knowledgeable and helpful on the hike. They ensured our safety and were patient on the tricky parts of the trail. The gear was appropriate, and the snacks were filling. Of course, the views were spectacular. This hike is moderately difficult. If you have bad hips, knees, or ankles, this hike is not for you as there were large rocks to step over, steep paths, and boulders to scramble over.
2024-06-15
5.00 / 5
Gorgeous hike, professionally outfitted, responsive, helpful, and kind guides. Shoutout to the wonderful Halle and Julia!
2024-05-17
5.00 / 5
What a hike! This is a no joke excursion that will keep your heart pounding and legs tested. Views and staff are beyond words! Thanks for an amazing adventure!
2019-09-28
5.00 / 5
Super day with experienced, knowledgeable and personable guide. He quickly attuned to the skill level of each participant and assisted as necessary. The snacks were plentiful and good.
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