is mendenhall glacier worth seeing

I'm just not sure how to fit in all in in one short day. A slippery hike after the morning rain. Give yourself plenty of time to experience this incredible town by staying with us at the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites. The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall's grand edifice plunges from the immense Juneau Icefield, dropping 4,500 feet over 13 miles. How would you recommend we get there? If you are driving on your own, there is ample wheelchair accessible parking in the parking lot. Your email address will not be published. One of the most amazing ways to experience this area is . Learn more about me. This article will tell you everything you need to know to visit the glacier from the perspective of a former resident and a frequent visitor as well as a tour guide. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59558564', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cruise next week. We were there two weeks ago and took the blue bus, $10 round trip since we rebooked our Glacier ride/dogsled with Era via a booth outside by the dock. Explore the Hiking Trails: There are several short walks and hikes around the Mendenhall Glacier. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. Rangers provide talks at various indoor and outdoor sites in summer. The glacier ride and dogsled was the highlight of our trip. They wll drop you off by the visitor center. What should I wear to Mendenhall Glacier? Nugget Falls is about a mile from the visitor center on a flat and wide trail. They aren't joking when they say it's difficult to do. Rural Alaskan communities have to import fuel by air, causing some cities to charge as much as $9 per gallon for gasoline. Mendenhall Glacier: Worth seeing - See 757 traveler reviews, 467 candid photos, and great deals for Juneau, AK, at Tripadvisor. Best 2 Week Alaska Itinerary: Plan a Trip to Alaska by Land & Sea, Into the Wild: 3 Awesome Places to See Wildlife in Alaska, Kayaking in Alaska Among Icebergs is the Coolest Thing Youll Ever Do, North to Alaska: Driving the Haul Road to Prudhoe Bay. While you cannot drive to Juneau itself, once youre in Juneau this is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska you can drive to. Mendenhall Glacier is located near the town of Juneau, Alaska in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska. Quick View. , Enjoy Juneaus walkability. Review. Most visitors have glaciers as one of their must see experiences while visiting Alaska and the Mendenhall Glacier is a unique and easy place to see one. You also have a good chance at seeing black bears especially if the salmon are running. The 30 or 40 minutes were off track. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. If youre in Juneau on an Alaska cruise and you want to visit Mendenhall Glacier, you have two options a tour or a shuttle to the glacier. While there are other ways to get to the glacier (like a kayaking or helicopter tour discussed below), its very straightforward to take a tour or a shuttle from the cruise ship docks. Also have something to cover you camera from the water. The water is still extremely cold! I first visited Mendenhall Glacier in 1994 and have been many times since, both as a former Alaskan and a frequent visitor. Its a short walk to get to the turn around point where youll have magnificent views of the Mendenhall Glacier located across the Mendenhall Lake. I live in Juneau and don't know much about the package tours but I see a blue school bus that goes between town and the glacier that's operated locally for a reasonable price. I'm Jennie. It is part of the Tongass National Forest and is about 40 miles east of Ketchikan along the Inside Passage. You can always choose the shuttle instead of a tour if you want to be flexible about the time. Beautiful to see. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest and is one of many in the Juneau Icefield, which altogether encompasses a massive 1,500 square miles. Book your room at our Juneau hotel today! So, while it is possible, I dont recommend trying to take a taxi or ride share to the glacier. Should we consider doing the two things separately? It rains more days than not in the Juneau area, so anticipate clouds and rain during your visit (but don't be discouraged - overcast days can make for the best photos!). If adding $30 to a previously arranged tour gives you transportation to and . 6 Stunning Mendenhall Glacier Hikes To Take In Juneau Cruise ships dock at Marine Park with 2 berths, Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock. The glacier is huge - much bigger than it appears in pictures. How much is a taxi from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier? Afterwards, the trail became gradually more challenging, moving onto uneven terrain or slick bedrock. I would not make it a priority. . BTW we did a zip line once (but over 40 years ago). from $345.45. We got to Mendenhall about 45 minutes to closing. 7-10 days is the most common. The glacier itself is free to visit. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. If you want to combine your visit to the glacier with Juneaus other must do activity, whale watching, Juneau Tours offers a combo that takes you to both in one tour. There is visiting center that does cost a small fee to enter if you want to go inside and talk to rangers and see some interesting exhibits and touch glacier ice. If you haven't already done so I would check out the Cruise Critic website which has a wealth of informaiton about cruising - if you go into Boards and then Alaska you will certainly find answers to anything you can think of! Where does Princess cruise dock in Juneau? Is Tracy Arm fjord in the Inside Passage? Hope to see that up close next time. The average cost for a home in Juneau was $304,000 in 2009. Learn from the Experts: U.S. Forest Service Rangers located around the facility have lots of information to share with everyone. We'd like a bit more time to take pictures, etc. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Visitors can walk to Mendenhall Lake at the foot of the glacier via the wheelchair-accessible Photo Point Trail. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Trail of Time: This trail will take you back through time as you explore various vegetation and landscapes which vary based on how long ago the glacier originally retreated from the area. Walk to the capital, all downtown offices, and the harbor. While you explore the Mendenhall Glacier and other aspects of Alaskas capital city, the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites would be honored to be your home away from home. 7,076 Reviews #5 of 76 things to do in Juneau Nature & Parks, Traveler Resources, More 8150 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Tongass National Forest, Juneau, AK 99801 Open today: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Save Premier Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo 441 Book in advance from $160.00 per adult Check availability View full product details DRLaskeyTrips . Currently these glaciers are about 20 kms long but have been receding since around 1700. I had a single hour to tour the city before my Mendenhall Glacier Trek, so I started walking. The glacier is located about 12 miles north of downtown Juneau. The hours of operation vary based on the cruise ship schedules. Mendenhall Glacier is by far the most iconic and popular attraction in Juneau, and for good reason. The bus will set you back $30 . From October through March, it's open Fri-Sun from 10:00am - 4:00pm. If I feel like doing a lot of stuff I'll also do the tram, also on my own, since it's right next to the port. Ive taken the Juneau Tours Shuttle out to the glacier and highly recommend it as long as youre ok with the possibility of having to wait in line (if youre not, go for a tour instead). These trails are both wide, mostly flat and barrier free. A kayak tour is a really unique way to experience Mendenhall Glacier. Mobile ticket Offered in: English Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Yelp Read our, Ways to Experience Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Specialty Museums, Historic Sites, History Museums. Juneau Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake Tour. All three make a wonderful and memorable sight. I've looked at lots of excursions and the longest at Mendenhall glacier is 1 hour. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6cad165b4be086c28f72c1866e746d7" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Going into the trip,I knew I would love checking out Mendenhall glacier, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the hiking and climbing sections. The gardens are the creation of Steve and Cindy Bowhay a guide tell you the unforgettable tale of the Flower Towers, named America's Most Interesting Landmark in 2012 Reader's Digest. The full cancellation policy can be found here. With global warming, Mendenhall glaciers may fully disappear in 100 years. In Juneau, for example, you can book the "Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching, and Wildlife Quest" excursion which brings you on a whale watching tour followed by free time to explore Mendenhall Glacier. From here, you can enjoy the areas top museums, restaurants, and shops, while still being just minutes from some of the areas best hiking trails. Juneau prospered, and was established as Alaskas capital in 1906 when the government was transferred from Sitka. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? A difficult thing for people to wrap their head around in Juneau is the limited availability and long wait times for on demand rides. Hitch from the bus stop. Experience the perfect day sightseeing at the most popular attraction in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier, followed up by an all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon bake. It is 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Juneau in the southeast of the U.S. state of Alaska. Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Wildlife-- mountain goats, bears, beavers, spawning salmon in season. We recommend using bug spray as the dense forest can often be full of mosquitos! The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible including plenty of room to move around the exhibits and in the theater where the film is shown. My plan for Juneau is to take it easy b/c it's my middle day of 3 ports in a row. Look for the boardwalk near the shuttle bus stop. The easiest and most straightforward way to get to Mendenhall Glacier from your cruise ship is to book a shore excursion that includes a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The glacier is about 12 miles (19 km) long, located in the Mendenhall Valley. October through April open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During,one of the anchorages in Juneau, we visited Mendenhall glacier. Because of the trails proximity to salmon running grounds, bears are often seen. This is a truly incredible splurge if youre looking for something really special and expensive on your trip. Taxi may be the cheapest for four. Harv and Marv dropped us off at Mendenhall. By shuttle: For a fee, the Glacier Shuttle is quick and convenient with one leaving from downtown every 30 minutes. No food or drink other than water, May through September due to bear activity. If you would like to exchange one tour for a different one, you must create a new reservation for the new tour and send us an email to cancel the other tour. I think I'd enjoy standing next to the waterfall with Mendenhall in the background. Overwhelmed by choices? Trust me on this and save yourself a big headache! No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier. Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? Glacier Bay was disappointing since mostly melted about 2.5 weeks ago. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Keep an eye out for small icebergs floating in the lake! One of the most amazing ways to experience this area is via kayak on Mendenhall Lake. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. Sep 2019 - SUZANNE J. They are very nice and should be willing to customize something for you. If you aren't able/interested in running down the trail to see the glacier and waterfall, then I would advise skipping it. Take Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing. How much time do you need at Mendenhall Glacier? Taking this option will cost $35 $45 and takes 23 min. Credit: Shutterstock / fon thachakul. Youch! Nugget Falls cascading down the mountainside near the glacier. It was a good day seeing glaciers and whales! Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Tripadvisor 212 Admiral Way Ste. If youre not traveling on a cruise ship, then you can book it on your own. How to Visit Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau - Ordinary Adventures The view of the 377-foot waterfall with the glacier in the background is breathtaking - and it is as close as you can get to the glacier short of taking a tour to actually walk on it. This 2 miles roundtrip trail will take you out to the gushing Nugget Falls. Our first priority in Juneau is whale watching. It is about a 30-45 minute ride from the port of Juneau to the glacier. The loop will take the average visitor about 2.5 hours to complete but will offer guests an escape from the crowds and different views of the Mendenhall Glacier. A must IMHO, seen Glacier, Tracy Arm, Hubbard and College Fjord, Mendenhal is a great hiking experience! The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centeris open daily from May through September from 8:30am - 7:30pm. Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour. In Juneau it is referred to simply as the Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center offers unique views and trails for guests to get as close to the glacier as possible! Anyone with a handicap should ask about this before attempting the trail approach. Thanks Mayday, I agree with the $240 youch comment. Eventually, we made it to Mendenhall glacier itself. Spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier and icebergs floating in the lake. **THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2023 SEASON** In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Mendenhall glacier worth seeing if going to Glacier Bay? So, my question is - Is Mendenhall Glacier worth the time given we will also be seeing glaciers in Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Travelers described the glacial scenery as incredible and breathtaking, and recommended bringing along a quality set of binoculars and a camera to capture the scene. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. the Alaskan Bar. Hikers will not want to miss the East Glacier Loop Trail! The trail starts above the visitor center and is well signed. Likes: 0. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Mendenhall glacier worth seeing if going to Glacier Bay? Open hours in summer are daily 8am to 7:30pm. You can also book a tour on the dock if there is still space available, but if its important to you to get to the glacier I recommend booking in advance. Do not try to get there another way unless youre staying in Juneau for a few days with a rental car. The full cancellation policy can be found here. I will check out cabs when we finish our zipline adventure that day and see if that is cheaper for our family. If youre planning to hike, waterproof footwear and possibly rain pants are a good idea. If youre one of the lucky travelers spending more time in Juneau on your own than just a day in port on a cruise ship, you have the same options for getting out to the glacier. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Tracy Arm Fjord Reviews | U.S. News Travel You can take the city bus to Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age, cradled high in the coast mountains lofty peaks. Mendenhall Glacier is a massive, 13-mile long river of ice. Of course, that makes instant sense when you recall that glaciers are moving, bringing sediment along with them. If you are a full time wheelchair user, its extremely important to book transportation to Mendenhall Glacier that is wheelchair accessible. Thiswas a strenuous hike and I hurt a lotafterwards but it was worth every ounce of energy. Photo Point Trail: This trail is about mile round trip and is highly accessible with it being paved. Your email address will not be published. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time for pictures and exploration while trekking with your guides next to the glacier ice itself. Shore excursion nirvana: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise Learn more 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Juneau Sightseeing and Mendenhall Glacier Tour 2023 - Viator Take 1 or more of the hikes that leave from the Visitor Center, including the Trail of Time, which shows the impact glacial movement has on the surrounding environment. If you want to walk out to Nugget Falls, youll want to give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours. This was a bit disturbing and the most eye opening part of the excursion for me as a picture is worth a thousand words as they say and the pictures/displays here are painting a sad picture relative to this glazier. I booked a sled dog (on land) excursion around 1 pm. Worth seeing - Review of Mendenhall Glacier Visitor - Tripadvisor What to do at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Once we wereonMendenhall Glacier, we trekked for about an hour, spending way more timeooohingandaaahhingthan actually walking. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, 8% time in the air, ~380K air miles/year, till COVID. Which one is right for you? Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. My plans in Juneau would be the most physically strenuous of my 13-day trip:I had signed up for a glacier trek with Above & Beyond. Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? Family of 4-transport? Glacial movements have, and still are influencing where, when, and what plants may occur. The Juneau Icefield's most visible ambassador, 13-mile long Mendenhall Glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the Forest Service's historic visitor center. Family of 4-transport? 4.5Facilities 5.0Atmosphere How we rank things to do Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it's easy to see why: aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the. I definitely think a trip out to Mendenhall is worth the time. 758 Reviews . No food or drink other than water, May through September due to bear . The famed naturalist, John Muir, referred to the Tracy Arm area as, A wild, unfinished Yosemite. This glacial fjord is renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, and cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet. Car, train, or group tour. The snowline separates the accumulation zone from the ablation (melting) zone and the glacier needs to have more than 60% of its area in the accumulation zone. Juan the bus driver was a wealth of information and so were Rich, Hannah and Sophie on the boat! Just under a mile for the entire loop, this trail will take you through time in about 30 minutes. Ask DRLaskeyTrips about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Ask yogesh124 about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Ask malabarmarine about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Beautiful glacier just outside Juneau, AK - a must see when visiting, Ask MontanaMike65 about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Ask F5290CYjohnw about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Ask howard708 about Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The visitor center has done an excellent job of sharing the impact of climate change on Alaskas glaciers and the Mendenhall Glacier in particular. This includes the entrance fee for Mendenhall Glacier. This is also a terrific way to leave crowds behind as the visitor center area does get very crowded on busy ship days. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Published: Jul 25, 2019 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska.
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