Mendenhall Glacier was the first place in Alaska that really stole my breath away.
I had seen photographs online of the sparkling blue crevasses, the waterfalls that fell, and the mountains in the distance, but nothing could have prepared me for the moment I first saw this 13-mile-long frozen work of art.
This site has a complete, personal, and helpful guide to Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska’s famous natural wonder that promises adventure, peace, and memories that will last a lifetime.
A quick look and some facts of Mendenhall Glacier
Where: Juneau, Alaska, USA
Length: 13.6 miles
Type: Valley Glacier (part of the Juneau Icefield)
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre is the access point.
The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of it.
Open all year, but May to September is the busiest time.
Mendenhall Glacier is more than just a glacier; it’s a living, changing landscape. This place is excellent for explorers, photographers, and anyone who is just amazed by the power of nature. It has massive ice cliffs, stunning meltwater caves, and lots of wildlife.
Where it is and how to get Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is straightforward to get there, even though it’s a long way from downtown Juneau (only 12 miles).
By Plane: Fly into the Juneau International Airport (JNU)
Cruise: Most cruises to Alaska stop in Juneau, where you can take shore excursions to Mendenhall Glacier.
Shuttle or bus: Every day, shuttles go from Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre.
By taxi or car, it’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Juneau that takes you through beautiful scenery.
When you get to the visitor centre, you can walk to see beautiful glaciers and many hiking trails.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre – Find more about the glacier’s history, science, and environmental story.
Nugget Falls Trail is a short, flat path that leads to a loud waterfall next to the glacier.
Photo Point Trail is excellent for taking pictures of glaciers from many angles.
Ice Caves (seasonal): A strange, brilliant blue realm under the ice
Wildlife Viewing: You can see bears, eagles, porcupines, and salmon (in season).
Hike to Nugget Falls: The Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Miss. It’s the most gratifying and easy to get to.
Check out the Ice Caves. They can be hard to get to, but when they are, they are magical.
Go to the Exhibit Hall. It’s fun, educational, and suitable for kids.
From July to August, keep an eye out for bears along the salmon stream.
You can see the glacier from Mendenhall Lake by taking a kayaking tour.
Unique features or special attractions of Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is special because it’s easy to get there, but it still feels wild and undisturbed. You don’t need a helicopter or a pricey trip to view it. And if you travel at the correct time of year, you might see the famous ice caves, which are a brief, unearthly sight of clear blue.
Who Mendenhall Glacier is Great for
Nature Lovers—Stunning views in every direction
People who want to have fun can go hiking, ice climbing, kayaking, and exploring caves.
Families—safe pathways, animals, and informative exhibits
Photographers and content creators: every picture is good enough to send as a postcard.
Eco-Tourists: See for yourself how climate change is affecting glaciers
Where to Stay Nearby Mendenhall Glacier :
The Aspen Suites Hotel in Juneau is comfortable and near to the glacier.
Four Points by Sheraton is in downtown Juneau and makes it simple to pick up tours.
Travelodge by Wyndham Juneau is close to the airport and affordable.
Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites: A stylish, historic place in the centre of town with breakfast
What and Where to Eat: The Sandpiper Café is a great place to have breakfast before or after your glacier excursion.
Deckhand Dave’s is a local favourite for fish tacos.
The Rookery Café has fancy meals and superb coffee.
Alaskan Pancake Escape is a fun place to eat street cuisine with a view of downtown Juneau.
There are no restaurants right at Mendenhall Glacier, so plan to eat before or after.
Best Places to Take Pictures and Instagrammable Corners 📸 Photo Point Trail:
Picturesque views of the glacier and lake From Nugget Falls: a glacier and waterfall together make for stunning content. From Above—Book a helicopter tour to get pictures from the air 📸 In the Ice Caves—these luminous caves are the best if you can get to them. Wildlife Moments: Bears and eagles make for great photos (a telephoto lens is best).
What People Who Live in Mendenhall Glacier Say
People in the area nickname it “our backyard glacier.” They tell people not to take the trails or the weather lightly. They also often say that Mendenhall Glacier is both a gem and a warning. Its obvious retreat over the years serves as a reminder of how climate change is affecting the world. A lot of people say that going early in the morning or late in the day is the best time to avoid crowds and get the best light.
How to Avoid Common Tourist Mistakes in Mendenhall Glacier
❌ Putting on the incorrect shoes— Bring waterproof hiking shoes because the trails can be muddy.
Skipping Nugget Falls—it’s simple and amazing
Trying to get into ice caves without a guide is risky and hard to foresee.
Thinking there is food on site—there isn’t. Bring some food.
Not being ready for rain—Always have a rain jacket with you in Juneau
Innovative Ways to Save Money in Mendenhall Glacier :
Instead of cabs, use public shuttles from cruise ports.
You have to pay for the tourist centre to use the trails.
There’s no need for pricey gear if you’re only going for a walk.
Bring your own food so you don’t have to pay tourist prices for meals.
Visit during the off-season (late May or early September) to pay less for tours and see fewer people.
Things to pack for Mendenhall Glacier
🧥 A jacket that won’t get wet (rain is nearly certain)
Strong hiking boots or shoes
A small rucksack with food and water
📸 Camera with a lens that can zoom in and out
🧤 Hat and gloves (even in the summer!)
🔋 A power bank for your devices (no charging stations)
Friendliness for remote work and content creators
Mendenhall Glacier doesn’t have Wi-Fi, yet it’s a great place for creators. You’ll leave with amazing raw footage, nature sounds for ASMR, and stories to tell. There are cafés and motels in Juneau with reliable internet so that you may edit and upload your photos after the trip. Content tip: Show the ice caves before and after hiking them, or take a time-lapse of the glacier’s hazy environs.
Add-On Experiences Nearby Mendenhall Glacier :
- Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure—A botanical paradise with trees that grow upside down
- Mount Roberts Tramway: Beautiful views of Juneau from the air
- Tours to see whales—see humpbacks and orcas
- Trails in Tongass National Forest—endless adventure
- Only in Alaska can you go dog sledging on a glacier!
Respect Checklist (Cultural and Environmental Etiquette)
✅ Stay on identified routes to protect delicate plants ✅ Don’t feed or go too close to wildlife Take everything you bring in with you Use clothing and goods that are good for the environment. Respect the Tlingit cultural sites nearby. Don’t make noise pollution; let nature speak.
What has changed about Mendenhall Glacier over time
Mendenhall Glacier used to be considerably bigger, but it has shrunk by more than two miles in the last hundred years, which is a clear sign of global warming. The tourist centre used to be right next to the glacier, but today it’s a long walk away. This changing landscape provides a strong story about the environment. As the ice melts, new things like meltwater lakes and caverns appear, making each year different than the last.
Personal Experience and Final Thoughts
It was nothing short of miraculous to go to Mendenhall Glacier. I recall standing by Nugget Falls, feeling the mist on my face, watching an eagle fly by, and hearing the glacier crack in the distance. It was a sound that was both creepy and alive.
The liveliness of the location is what really impresses, not simply the vistas or the size. You feel little, but in the most excellent way.
If you ever go to Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier should be at the top of your list. You’ll leave with memories, tales, and a greater appreciation for our world.
Are you ready to experience the ice under your feet and the awe in your heart?
The Mendenhall Glacier is calling.
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