By far, Juneau's most popular attraction is the mighty, magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. But as mighty as it is, the Mendenhall is just one of 38 glaciers that flow from the Juneau Icefield, an expanse of interconnected glaciers that sits just behind the mountains next to Juneau. The Icefield covers 1,500 square miles.

Here's a four-day itinerary focused on glaciers, scenery, and wildlife viewing.

Day 1:

• Morning: As part of a formal tour or on your own, a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will help you begin to appreciate the enormous size of the Juneau Icefield. Video and interactive displays are available. If you have extra time, the trail system around the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is excellent (allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy it) and black bear viewing occurs June-September. Other activities near the glacier include rafting, kayaking, or trekking up onto the glacier.
  
• Afternoon: Several helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft companies offer unique opportunities to see and experience the Juneau Icefield from the air. Trekking and dogsledding are popular activities, or you can also fly out to the nearby historic Taku Glacier Lodge to view the massive Taku Glacier and enjoy a salmon bake, too.
  
• Overnight in Juneau

Day 2:

• All day: A day-cruise heads southeast of Juneau into the narrow granite Tracy Arm Fjord that culminates at the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning scenery. The tour departs from downtown dock at 8:00 am returns at 5:00 pm.
  
• Overnight in Juneau

Day 3:

• Morning Located just 33 miles west of Juneau, Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Take an early-morning commuter flight over to catch the day-cruise up into famous Glacier Bay - renowned for great whale watching, plus mountain goat, bear, and bird viewing. Spend the night at the Glacier Bay Lodge or a charming bed & breakfast or lodge in the community of Gustavus. Air service available by commuter service or an Alaska Airlines daily jet flight.
  
• Overnight in Gustavus/Glacier Bay.

Day 4:

• All day: Take the morning flight back to Juneau. Spend the day exploring the downtown historic district, visiting museums, shopping, or enjoying a variety of day tours and attractions.
  
• Evening: Celebrate your last night in town (sniff-sniff) with some great local seafood and a pint from the award-winning Alaskan Brewery Company. Toast to new friends - and great memories - made.