A full-day guided hike that starts in the Tongass rain forest and climbs onto the rocky flank of Mendenhall Glacier for close-up views of blue ice, crevasses, and Nugget Falls. This trip demands balance, stamina and respect for changing glacial conditions.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail opens like a secret being revealed: first a tunnel of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, then a widening where the forest yields to rock and ice. Your boots thud on wet roots for miles as the Tongass rainforest seems to press you forward, then the land steepens and the glacier’s cold breath appears on the ridge — an immense wall of fractured blue that commands the skyline.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; comfortable hiking up to 7 miles with repeated short scrambles and carrying a light pack.
Wildlife
History
Mendenhall Glacier and its valley were historically used by Tlingit communities; the glacier’s English name honors 19th-century scientist Thomas Mendenhall while the landscape bears Indigenous cultural ties.
Conservation
The glacier is visibly retreating; stick to established trails and moraines, pack out waste, and respect seasonal wildlife to reduce human impact on sensitive glacial and rainforest ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Juneau today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sturdy ankle support
Wear stiff-sole hiking boots with ankle support — the bedrock sections and loose moraine punish light footwear.
Layer for wind and sun
Bring breathable insulating layers plus a waterproof shell; temperatures can swing between cold glacier wind and bright, sun-reflecting ice.
Practice crampon basics
Guides will train you, but bring confidence in using crampons; practice walking on varied terrain beforehand if possible.
Hydrate and pace
Carry at least 1–2 liters, snack frequently, and keep a steady pace — rescues for exhaustion incur fees.
Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, ankle support)
Required for traction and ankle protection on rocky, wet, and uneven terrain.
Waterproof shell jacket and pants
Keeps you dry from rainforest drizzle and glacier spray; provided sizes should be confirmed in advance.
Insulating midlayer (fleece or light down)
Holds heat during glacier stops and windy ridgelines; easy to add or remove as conditions change.
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
Protects eyes and skin from intense reflected UV off ice and water, especially on sunny days.
summer