Mendenhall Glacier Trek

The Mendenhall Glacier trek and climb is suitable for most ages and abilities, but you need to be in shape: the trek lasts up to 6.5 hours, and covers about 8 miles (12.8 km) total. You’ll wear a backpack weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kg) that is equipped with mountaineering gear, snacks, water, and any extra clothing you bring. Professional guides will be present the entire journey to make sure you remain safe and enjoy your time exploring the glacier.

The day begins with pickup from your Juneau hotel or the port. When you arrive at the trailhead for the Mendenhall Glacier, follow your guides on a 3.5-mile (6-km) trail through the rain forest along Mendenhall Lake. While the first mile is on a well-maintained path with a few switchbacks, the rest of the trail involves hiking on bedrock and rock scrambling in steep areas.

When you reach the glacier, you’ll be outfitted in trekking gear and receive a safety briefing. You’ll use crampons to make your way across glacial terrain that overlooks Mendenhall Lake. It may be the most physically challenging part of the hike, but it’s an unforgettable experience. Climb down to explore ice caves, and soak up great views of crevasses, streams, and other breathtaking glacial formations.

Afterward, head back down the trail and enjoy a relaxing ride back to your drop-off location.

Spend your time in Juneau on an Alaskan wilderness hiking adventure as you get up close to the Mendenhall Glacier! This exhilarating tour will show you a stunning piece of Alaskan nature as you hike through the Tongass Rainforest towards the glacier. Then explore the edge of the glacier on foot where you could see ice caves, dramatic crevasses, and fascinating glacial formations.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Mendenhall Glacier features are in constant change. Your guide will assess each available feature prior to accessing to determine if it’s safe to explore. The Mendenhall Glacier is receding on a daily basis and due to this we are seeing significant changes to the surface of the glacier. There are very limited safe areas to access and explore on the ice with crampons. Safety is our number one priority and we can not guarantee every trip will hike on the glacier.

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

You must include the following in the comments section when booking: raingear & shoe sizes for each passenger, (for adult men and women, S-XXL and youth, S-L) and any pertinent medical information. Smallest shoe size that can be accommodated is Youth 2 and largest is Adult 14.
This small group adventure has a minimum of 2 and maximum of 12 participants
Minimum age is 10 years
WAIVER FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a waiver form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver is not permitted
Clients must be in good enough shape and conditioned to hike for up to 6-6.5 hours, covering about 8 miles roundtrip. The hike is challenging and clients need to bring sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support while hiking on rocky terrain. All clients will need to hike with a backpack the entire way on this trip. The backpack (provided) weighs approximately 10-15 pounds and holds mountaineering gear, snacks/water, etc.
Accessing ice caves, moulins, or any other glacial feature is not guaranteed: Due to the dynamic nature of the Mendenhall Glacier features are in constant change. Your guide will assess each available feature prior to accessing to determine if it’s safe to explore. The Mendenhall Glacier is receding on a daily basis and due to this we are seeing significant changes to the surface of the glacier. There are very limited safe areas to access and explore on the ice with crampons. Safety is our number one priority and we can not guarantee every trip will hike on the glacier. We assess conditions day to day. The edge of the glacier has some of the most stunning features; caves, tunnels, tubes, and crevasses which create those beautiful blue colors.onstantly changing nature of the Mendenhall glacier. Your guide will assess the hazards the day of the trip and determine if a particular area is safe enough to trek upon or enter
Hiking boots with with good stability and traction
Comfortable hiking pants, warm sweater or fleece, hat, and gloves recommended
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Safety harnesses fit up to 42 inch waist size and 28" inch leg size. Not able to accommodate larger waist/leg sizes.
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers