Mendenhall Glacier On Your Own: How To Visit Independently
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the easiest glacier visits for cruise guests in Juneau. You do not need a ship excursion to see it. This guide shows you how to visit Mendenhall Glacier on your own, save money, and return to your ship on time.
You’ll learn the best transportation options whether spending a few days in Juneau or arriving by cruise ship. Discover what to see at the glacier, and how long to plan for your visit.
We’ve visited Mendenhall Glacier visitor’s center at least 6 times, and used different modes of transportation. Using a taxi or car or taking the Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle or Blue Bus Glacier Express gives more freedom than a tour.
Once there, hike to Nugget Falls, see salmon in Steep Creek or learn the area’s history in the vistor center. For those who plan to visit the west side, exploring the glacier on their own can be hazardous, especially for those who are inexperienced or unprepared.
Getting To Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
Recently, the park has limited the number of summer visitors arriving by commercial transport.
If you plan to visit the recreation area on your own, there are four ways to get there that give you unlimited park time. Here are the options:
Take The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle
Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle or Blue Bus Glacier Express is a popular choice for visitors who want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking. Since pickup and drop-off are next to the port, this option is best for those with limited mobility.
The glacier shuttle tour operates from May to September. In 2024, the cost has doubled from USD 45 per person to USD 80-90 for a round-trip ticket, including the park pass. Discounted glacier shuttle tours can be purchased online.
The 30-minute shuttle ride takes guests directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where they can explore the exhibits and the glacier at their own pace. The shuttle offers a back to the ship guarantee. With a 3 hour excursion time, this one pairs well with another Juneau activity.
Travel By Taxi
Expect to pay roughly USD 35 each way, depending on traffic, plus an entrance fee of USD 5 per adult. However, taxis often charge a lot more, so discussing the fare in advance is a good idea. We were charged an extra USD 12 pp. That extra fee has now jumped to USD 20 pp.
This option is only less expensive when traveling with more than three. Don’t use this option when visiting Juneau as a solo traveler. Sometimes, getting a taxi back can be problematic during busy times. We used a taxi when traveling with four and took the taxi’s business card to request a ride back.
While Juneau has rideshare services (Lyft), drivers aren’t authorized to drop off passengers in the park. Some drivers break the rules, while others drop passengers before reaching the visitor center.
Taking A Public Bus
Another option is to take the local bus operated by Capital Transit. At USD 2, it’s the most affordable option, but there are no bus stops near the Juneau cruise terminal.
Additionally, the ride takes an hour and requires a 30-minute walk from the drop-off point (at Mendenhall Loop and Spur Roads) to the visitor center. After a long day in the park, you may be too tired to walk a mile back to the bus stop to return to the ship.
The bus is an affordable and convenient option for solo travelers. It’s also provides a budget-friendly way to see Juneau if you’re okay with the one mile walk to and from the park.
Renting A Car
Car rentals are the way to go if traveling with four or more. There are many rental companies at Juneau International Airport, 9 miles northwest of downtown. Expect the trip to take 15+ minutes by taxi.
With a vehicle, traveling to Mendenhall, Eagle Beach, and Glacier Gardens is easier, providing freedom without a set schedule. Parking at the visitor center is complimentary but may fill up quickly during peak times.
The above map shows the driving route. If taking a shuttle, the bus follows the same route. However, the local publi bus takes a longer route with lots of stops.
A ticket machine by the parking lot allows park pass purchases for those not on a shuttle or tour.
A new car rental company, Explore Juneau offers pickup and dropoff near the port. It’s a more convenient option than traveling to the airport.
Alternatively, getting a car through TURO can save on an expensive car rental. Typically, cruise guests pay around USD 70 for a vehicle for the day.
Transportation With Other Tours
Guided tours are also available for those who prefer to avoid arranging travel to the park independently. These tours usually include transportation and admission to the visitor center and are often combined with other activities such as whale watching in Juneau or the Gold Creek salmon bake.
Prices vary depending on the type of tour and tour operator. Most operators drops guests at Mendenhall and pick up at a scheduled time. Guests are free to explore on their own within the given timeframe.
The Juneau whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier combo is the most popular. However, on group tours, time at Mendenhall will be limited as they follow a set schedule.
Ready To Book A Mendenhall Tour?
- Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour – Enjoy free time at Mendenhall, combined with whale watching.
- Mendenhall Glacier Hike – Includes trekking to the glacier, gear, and transportation.
No matter how you get there, Mendenhall Glacier is a compelling destination for anyone traveling to Juneau. With its stunning views, hiking trails, and informative exhibits, it’s a great place to learn about Alaska’s natural beauty.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Guests can visit several areas at the visitor center to experience the beauty of this natural wonder. Wildlife is plentiful. Sightings may include:
- Black bears
- Porcupines
- Beavers
- Salmon
With binoculars, mountain goats are easy to spot with their white coats against the dark, windblown slopes above.
I first visited in 2009, and comparing my photos to my 2023, the difference in terminus ice is quite shocking. Not only has the toe retreated but the thickness too. The above pictures show a ten year difference.
In this section, we will cover the visitor center and hiking trails, many offering viewpoints.
Visitor Center
The visitor center is a great place to start exploring the park. Learn about the history and geology of the area through exhibits and presentations. Be sure to watch the short video called “landscape of change.”
The knowledgeable staff also provided information about hiking trails and glacial retreats. Through photographs, I was shocked to see how much of the glacier had melted in the last century.
Each day, there are ranger activities suitable for families and children. Pick up a ranger booklet, or use the Agents of Discovery app.
The visitor center is open year-round and has a wonderful gift shop, included in the USD 5 Park fee.
Hiking Trails
One of the best ways to experience the Mendenhall Valley is by hiking one of its trails. Choose from short, easy routes to moderate trails that climb into the rainforest for aerial views.
A day in the park won’t be long enough to hike them all, so choose one or two that appeal and fit your hiking ability.
The West Glacier Trail is a popular option that offers incredible views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. Rated as moderate, expect the 3.8 mile out-and-back trail to take a few hours.
Another great option is the East Glacier Trail, which is 3.5 miles round-trip and offers views of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake. It starts behind the visitor center and climbs into the spruce rainforest.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, several viewing points offer great lookouts of the glacier and lake. The Photo Point Trail is a short, paved trail that leads to a platform with a stunning view of the glacier.
When the conditions are right, house-sized icebergs grace the waters beneath the terminus.
The Steep Creek Trail, near the parking lot, offers a flat, easy path to see wildlife in addition to the glacier. The trail has an elevated wooden walkway, which leads to a viewing platform where salmon spawn in the creek in August. With salmon come bears in search of an easy meal.
It’s important to remember that black bears and other animals frequent these trail areas. It’s advisable not to carry food or flavored drinks that can attract wildlife.
Nugget Falls is another popular viewing point closer to the glacier and offers a chance to see a thunderous waterfall.
A day at Mendenhall is rewarding, whether you choose to hike a trail, visit the visitor center, or simply take in the views from a viewing point.
Activities Around the Glacier
For the adventurous, this Juneau glacier offers some bucket list experiences and unique perspectives from which to view the wall of ice.
Kayaking Or Canoeing
Kayaking or canoeing on the lake is one of the best ways to experience the Juneau glacier up close. Several guided tour companies offer this activity, which requires some experience and skill.
It’s essential to dress in layers, use gloves, and wear a waterproof jacket, as the lake can be choppy, and the weather conditions can change quickly. Tours take place rain or shine.
Ice Caves
Exploring the ice caves around Mendenhall Glacier provides a unique experience that should not be missed. The glacier melts and refreezes these caves, creating intricate and stunning ice formations.
However, it is essential to note that the ice caves are only accessible during certain times of the year and can be dangerous to explore without a guide.
To ensure the safety of all guests, I recommend arranging a tour with a reputable company with experience navigating caves.
Alternatively, helicopter operators offer dog sledding and flightseeing tours to this glacier. Most flightseeing excursions include a landing on the icefield and a short walkabout.
The Future Of Mendenhall Glacier
In November 2025, Mendenhall Glacier terminus no longer touched the lake beneath it.
As Mendenhall Glacier continues to retreat, changes are being made to preserve the area and provide visitors with educational opportunities. Since a mountain lies between Nugget Falls and the terminus (glacier’s toe), the ice wall will retreat out of sight one day.
Educational Programs
The park and visitor center offers a variety of educational and informational programs for all ages, including guided hikes, films, and interactive exhibits.
These programs are complimentary with a pass and give visitors a deeper understanding of the glacier and its importance to our ecosystem. Guided walks allow guests to ask questions and learn how to make changes to protect our natural resources.
A New Visitor Center?
There has been talk of building a new visitor center closer to the glacier’s west side, as the current center is situated quite far from the glacier’s face. This would allow visitors to get a closer look at the ice mass and better understand the effects of climate change.
Since the west side is inaccessible by road, accessing a new building on that side creates challenges. A new visitor center was met with a lot of opposition, but the city settled on expanding its recreational area.
Having visited the park multiple times over 16 years, I have witnessed the results of climate change. While Mendenhall Glacier continues its rapid retreat, visiting and learning how we can make a difference ensures that future generations can enjoy its wonder and beauty.
There is a new rental car company located right downtown at the cruise ship port called Explore Juneau. They are getting tons of great reviews on both Google and Trip Advisor and the location is within walking distance from any cruise ship dock. I highly recommend checking them out!!!
I was there twice this summer and spoke to a rep at Explore Juneau. I’ll update my post, thanks.
Is it recommended to carry bear spray when hiking in this area without a tour? I noticed you have not mentioned that on any of your hike reviews.
Most hiking guide will recommend bear spray. However, you can’t fly with bear spray, nor can you take it on a cruise ship. So that means having to try to purchase it at the place of hike. Making noise when you hike is the best deterent and don’t carry food or flavored drinks. Around Mendenhall Glacier, the bears will be of the black species. They aren’t generally a threat.
Thank you so much for the invaluable information. This is my first Alaska cruise and I’m also traveling solo with this trip. Your articles saved me money, but more importantly it has eased my mind. Again, thank you, Cynthia
Cynthia, I’m glad you found the information helpful. It’s great to go see Mendenhall Glacier before it’s not visible. I’ve seen rapid retreat in the last 15 years.