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Fly from Juneau to Herbert Glacier, step onto blue ice, and ride with a team of sled dogs in a three-hour helicopter-and-dogsled combo. Perfect for photographers, families, and anyone who wants an intense Alaska moment without a multi-day trek.
Fly from Juneau to Herbert Glacier, step onto blue ice, and ride with a team of sled dogs in a three-hour helicopter-and-dogsled combo. Perfect for photographers, families, and anyone who wants an intense Alaska moment without a multi-day trek.
Book with Coastal Helicopters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Helicopters · Juneau, Alaska
Hovering above the Juneau Icefield, the Dog Sled Tour departs from Juneau, Alaska, pairing helicopter flightseeing with authentic dogsledding on Herbert Glacier. This compact three-hour adventure—run in partnership with Alaska Icefield Expeditions and Coastal Helicopters—packs 25 to 30 minutes of aerial viewing, a glacier landing, and roughly 60 to 70 minutes at a working dog camp where teams of ten to twelve sled dogs pull tandem sleds and meet their guests.
The trip’s contrast is immediate: in a single itinerary you move from the damp, spruce‑sprigged coastal rainforest that frames Juneau’s shore to the sharp, blue-tinged ice of a valley glacier fed by the Juneau Icefield. Herbert Glacier’s crevasses, moraines, and glacial polish display active geology; meltwater channels cut ribbon patterns while exposed rock shows the glacier’s historic high marks. At camp, handlers explain mushing techniques and dog care, and guests learn basic commands, safety protocols, and the logistics of caring for working animals in an alpine environment.
Why book this specific excursion? The combination of helicopter access and guided sledding makes it possible to stand on accessible glacier ice without multi-day backcountry travel. Photographers capture dramatic, top-down views of crevassed ice and downstream outwash, and family groups experience a hands-on slice of Alaskan culture: the rhythm of teams, the padded harnesses, and the musher’s cadence. The operator emphasizes small groups and personalized attention, so you won’t feel rushed during your time at the dog camp.
Know before you go: tours operate seasonally from early May through late August subject to weather and snow conditions. Passengers are weighed at check-in for safety and balance; lap children are not allowed. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, allow at least a 45-minute buffer to and from your ship’s timetables. Flight weight limits can split large parties into multiple helicopters, though landings are coordinated to keep groups together.
This outing suits moderately fit travelers who can stand and move on uneven ice for short periods and who are comfortable stepping into a cold, windy alpine environment. Guides provide a safety briefing and an interpretive narrative about the glacier’s geology and the role of sled dogs in Alaska’s transport history. With minimal impact practices emphasized and careful flight planning, the tour offers a memorable, low-footprint way to touch true glacier ice and feel the pull of a sled dog team. Expect musher-led demos, short guided walks across compacted snow, and time for questions about kennel logistics, dog nutrition, and glacier dynamics; bring layered clothing, waterproof boots, and a camera with spare batteries because cold drains power fast. The experience blends education and adrenaline and leaves visitors with a clear sense of how ice, weather, and working animals continue to shape life in Southeast Alaska.
moderate.
3 hours.
Moderately fit: able to stand, walk on uneven, icy surfaces for short periods and handle cold conditions.
Total flightseeing time is about 25–30 minutes; the full experience runs roughly three hours including check-in.
No—lap children are not permitted; each passenger must purchase a full-fare ticket and will be weighed at check-in.
The operator lists the tour as suitable for all ages, but guests should be able to follow safety briefings and handle short walks on ice.
Coastal Helicopters attempts to seat parties together but seating depends on weight and balance; large groups may be split with coordinated landings.
Tours operate seasonally from May 6 through August 30, subject to change based on weather and snow conditions.
Bring layered clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, a charged camera with spare batteries, and any necessary medications.
Mushing has long been part of Alaska’s transport and hunting culture; modern sledding preserves practical skills and regional traditions.
Guides emphasize Leave No Trace on the glacier and operators plan landings to minimize noise and wildlife disturbance; follow all instructions to reduce impact.
3 Hours • All Ages
Book with Coastal Helicopters