Helicopter Glacier Landing on Herbert Glacier — Juneau Icefield Excursion

On a clear morning outside Juneau, Alaska, a helicopter lifts you from the town and crosses a ragged corridor of fir-clad ridges to land on the sculpted blue ice of Herbert Glacier. The Icefield Excursion - 'Local's Day' is a 1.5-hour flightseeing experience that delivers 25–30 minutes of aerial views and a 20–25 minute glacier walk. This trip puts you on a section of Herbert Glacier, part of the Juneau Icefield, where broad crevassed tongues and ridged seracs reveal the glacier’s movement through valley rock. Pilots double as guides, briefing you on safety and pointing out features like ice moulins, layered bands of dust and ash, and the starchy blue color formed where dense ice absorbs red light.

The landing offers immediate access to features you can touch and photograph: honeycombed ice, meltwater channels, and moraine-streaked margins where rock debris hints at the glacier’s erosive power. The short walk is easy to moderate terrain—expect uneven footing, cold spray from melt channels, and compacted ice underfoot, so traction and warm layers are necessary. Wildlife is sparse on the ice itself, but coastal brown bears and mountain goats frequent lower slopes, and seabirds wheel along nearby ridges.

This excursion is more than a photo op; it’s a tangible connection to the Juneau Icefield and a window into Alaska’s changing cryosphere. Every seat sale supports Cancer Connection, a local nonprofit, adding immediate community impact to your adventure. Flights operate out of Juneau and last about 1.5 hours total, including check-in and a safety briefing. Pricing starts at $150 per seat, with a Standard Plus surcharge for passengers over 260 lbs.

Why book this trip when you visit Juneau? Helicopter access transforms terrain that would take days to reach into a 20-minute exploration, making it an essential choice for travelers short on time who still want an up-close glacier experience. For photographers the scale and texture of the ice, the contrast of emerald alpine lakes, and the sweep of the Tongass National Forest create dramatic compositions. For families and first-time glacier walkers, the guided landing balances safety with high-impact scenery.

If you go, dress in warm layers, plan for short but intense exposure to wind and sun, and allow the pilot-guide to set the pace. The Icefield Excursion - 'Local's Day' turns Alaska’s raw glacial landscape into a concise, unforgettable outing that highlights both the power of ice and the value of community-focused tourism.

Plan to bring a small daypack with water, snacks, and a charged camera; conditions on the glacier can change quickly, and having waterproof pockets and warm gloves keeps you comfortable. Check weather forecasts and confirm pick-up details with the operator before arrival to make the most of your short trip.