Glacier Phenomenon

Juneau's most popular attraction is the mighty, magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Everything about the Mendenhall is massive: its face is 100 feet tall and 1.5 miles wide; its length is over 6 miles. Large as it is, the Mendenhall is just a tiny part of the Juneau Icefield, an expanse of interconnected glaciers that sits just behind the mountains next to Juneau. The Icefield covers 1,800 square miles.

Visitors wanting to experience the glaciers have a multitude of options. One can spend as little as an hour or as long as several days exploring and discovering the glaciers in and around Juneau.

Day 1:

Morning
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center- As part of a formal tour or on your own, you will begin to appreciate the enormous size of the Juneau Icefield. Video and interactive displays available. If you have extra time, the trail system around the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is excellent. (2 to 3 hours).

Afternoon
Juneau Icefield from the air- several helicopter and fixed wing aircraft companies offer an unique opportunity to see and experience the Icefield. Ask about trekking opportunities. Call toll free 888 581 2201 for more information. (1 to 4 hours)

Overnight in Juneau


Day 2:

Sawyer Glacier- Located in Tracy Arm Fjord, southeast of Juneau, this daylong boat trip provides an up-close visit to a magnificent tidewater glacier. Enjoy waterfalls, wildlife and stunning fjords. Several companies offer this excursion, which departs from downtown (8 hours)

Overnight in Juneau


Day 3:

Morning
Glacier Bay/ Gustavus- Located just 37 miles west of Juneau, Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. The area is accessible by scenic ferry or commuter aircraft. (Alaska Airline offers afternoon flights).

Afternoon
Explore Gustavus- Enjoy an afternoon kayaking, fishing, hiking or playing around of golf.

Overnight Gustavus/Glacier Bay
The area is famous for its incredible country inns and lodges. Call toll free 888 581-2201 for more information.


Day 4:

Morning
Glacier Bay National Park- Embark on a full day cruise aboard the Spirit of Adventure. Watch for wildlife while viewing the spectacular scenery and glaciers. (7 hours)

Late Afternoon
Return Juneau- Enjoy another night in Gustavus or return on Alaska Airlines jet service late in the afternoon or scenic ferry.


Other Ideas:

• Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
  If you are traveling from the downtown area to the Mendenhall Valley, don't miss these impressive temperate rainforest gardens.
    
• Mountain Flying Service
  Provides glacier landing around Glacier Bay.
    
• Taku Glacier Lodge
  Dine on salmon while viewing glacier. Arrive at this remote day lodge via floatplane trip over Juneau Icefield.
    
• Glacier Trekking
  Professional guided Icefield trek. Great outdoors adventure.
  

Return