Helicopter Dogsledding on Herbert Glacier: Juneau's Ultimate Summer Glacier Adventure

Dog Sled Tour launches from Juneau, Alaska, pairing helicopter flightseeing with classic dogsled runs across the creaking blue of Herbert Glacier. Departing from Juneau, this three-hour outing with Alaska Icefield Expeditions uses Coastal Helicopters to lift guests above fjords and forests, then land on the Herbert Glacier where a team of 10 to 12 sled dogs waits at a seasonal dog sled camp. The immediacy is the attraction: within minutes you leave town behind and stand on ice fields carved by time, surrounded by serrated moraine, blue ice, and the hard, clean light of high-latitude summer. The route includes 25–30 minutes of flightseeing and 60–70 minutes at the Herbert Glacier Dog Sled Camp; total helicopter + dogsled time runs about 90 minutes. Sled configurations combine two sleds to accommodate multi-person groups of up to four, and experienced mushers lead each run. The glaciers are active—expect crevasse patterns, melt channels, and striking blue seracs; alpine tundra and stands of Sitka spruce hug the lower valley visible during flight. Wildlife is possible but not guaranteed; keep an eye for bald eagles riding thermals near the coast and harbor seals in the fjords during approach. What makes this trip special for Juneau visitors is access. Herbert Glacier is dramatically less crowded than accessible coastal trails, and the helicopter landings create a brief, concentrated encounter with an icefield environment that would otherwise require multi-day travel. Small group sizes and a focus on personal service mean more time with the dogs and a chance to learn commands and camp life from mushers. It’s an experiential shortcut to classic Alaskan imagery—sledlines, barking teams, and the raw geometry of ice—without sacrificing authenticity. Practical notes are straightforward but important: tours operate May 6th–August 30th (subject to change with summer weather and snow conditions) and the full experience is roughly three hours. Cruise passengers should build in a 45-minute buffer for ship timing; Coastal Helicopters requires accurate passenger weights for aircraft balance, and lap children are not permitted. Helicopters hold six standard passengers; groups may be split for weight-and-balance reasons, though landings occur together. Who it’s for: travelers comfortable boarding small helicopters and standing on cold ice for an hour; families will enjoy the dogs but should plan for individual tickets. Bring warm, layered clothing, waterproof boots, and a camera with spare batteries—the bright glacier light drains power. For anyone visiting Juneau who wants a concentrated, unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s ice and sled-dog culture, this Dog Sled Tour is a high-impact, low-footprint way to get there. Book early in the season for more snow on the glacier, ask about small-group options, and listen closely to the mushers—these guides shape the stories you’ll take home and preserve the wild place.