Overview
Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, enveloped in majestic Sitka spruce and hemlock trees. Your experienced guide will lead you through this lush wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed bedrock, where the trail fades into the wild. Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Mendenhall Glacier’s jagged facade and its majestic ice river. Here, we pause to savour panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. As you gaze upon the glacier, admire the deep blue crevasses and cascading icefall at its base. This captivating vista not only encompasses the glacier but also the surrounding mountains and the mighty Nugget Falls. This invigorating Juneau wilderness hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It’s a memorable journey that promises unforgettable natural wonders.
What you will be doing
2 hours
30 min
2 hours
45 min
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: 490 S Franklin St Juneau, AK 99801
🗺️ Instructions: Please be at the meeting point 10 min before tour start time.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Moderate fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Clients must be able to hike for at least 4 hours/7 miles round trip on steep, rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain carrying a 10 lb backpack.
Minimum age is 10 years old.
Due to inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate
This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet
Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Tour transport
Snack
Entry fees
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
Pick up and drop off transport
About your host
Above & Beyond AlaskaWe are a local guiding company based in Juneau, the capital city, nestled below the Coast Mountains and beside the ocean in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. We have been exploring the Tongass National Forest, glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, and waters of Alaska’s inside passage for over 25 years and guiding others since 2002. We offer an opportunity to explore any of the environments found around Juneau by kayak, foot, boat, or plane. Our goal is to provide a complete Alaskan wilderness experience by sharing with you our passion, technical know-how, and natural history knowledge. In 2022, we partnered with the [Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund](https://akcarbonreduction.org/above-and-beyond-alaska-2023-acrf-support/) (ACRF) to help meet our sustainability goals and became the first tourism company to participate and raise funds for heat pumps to be installed in low-income family homes. Over the span of 2022-2024, *ABAK successfully raised over $22,000* to support this endeavor, contributing to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund’s mission.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.