Mendenhall Glacier, located 12 miles north of downtown Juneau in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, is one of the most visited glaciers in the United States and the only glacier in the state accessible by road directly from an urban center without a tour or flight. The glacier flows approximately 13 miles from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, and its face terminates at the shore of Mendenhall Lake, where icebergs frequently break off and drift across the turquoise water. The USDA Forest Service operates the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center at 6000 Glacier Spur Road, which houses exhibits on glacial science, icefield formation, climate change impacts, and Southeast Alaska ecology; the entry fee is $5 for adults and includes access to the panoramic viewing deck directly facing the glacier. The most accessible trail is the Nugget Falls Trail (1.0 mile round trip, easy), which follows the lake shoreline from the visitor center to the base of a 377-foot waterfall immediately below the glacier face, with icebergs often floating in the foreground. More demanding options include the East Glacier Loop (3.3 miles, moderate), the West Glacier Trail (6.8 miles round trip, strenuous), which reaches the glacier surface itself, and the brief Moraine Ecology Trail (0.3 miles, easy), which explores newly deglaciated terrain. Guided glacier trekking with crampons is available from local operators departing the West Glacier trailhead. Kayaking on Mendenhall Lake among floating icebergs is available through rental concessions at the Mendenhall Lake Campground. Steep Creek, located near the parking area, runs with spawning salmon from July through September and reliably attracts black bears to the stream bank — a notable wildlife-watching opportunity. The MGT Glacier Shuttle ($20 round trip; 907-789-5460) departs from downtown Juneau hotels and the cruise ship terminal. Rental cars are available at Juneau Airport. A typical visit of 3-5 hours allows time for the visitor center, Nugget Falls Trail, and a second trail or kayaking session.
How to get there
- MGT Glacier Shuttle ($20 round trip, 907-789-5460)
- Rental car from Juneau Airport (Hertz, Avis)
Location
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
58.4545, -134.5551 View on map
Highlights
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: panoramic glacier and lake views, glaciology exhibits, and USDA Forest Service ranger programs ($5 entry)
- Nugget Falls Trail: 1.0-mile easy walk to a 377-foot waterfall directly below the glacier face with floating icebergs on the lake
- West Glacier Trail: strenuous 6.8-mile round-trip route reaching the actual glacier surface with Juneau Icefield panoramas
- Kayaking on Mendenhall Lake among icebergs with glacier and mountain reflections visible from water level
- Steep Creek salmon run (July-September): black bears frequently feed in the stream within yards of the visitor center parking area
Tips for visiting
- Take the MGT Glacier Shuttle ($20 round trip) from downtown Juneau rather than a taxi — it runs on a reliable schedule directly to the visitor center
- Arrive before 10 AM to avoid cruise ship passenger crowds at the Nugget Falls Trail; this trailhead fills rapidly by mid-morning on summer days when multiple ships are in port
- Pay the $5 visitor center entry to access the panoramic viewing deck — the view is significantly better than the parking lot vantage point
- Visit Steep Creek near the parking area in July through September for a high probability of watching black bears feed on spawning salmon at close range
- Wear waterproof footwear on all trails — the lakeshore path and the approaches to both Nugget Falls and the glacier are frequently wet even in summer
When to visit
June through August provides long daylight, all trails accessible, and peak operator availability for guided activities. July and August are peak cruise season — visiting mid-week and before 9 AM reduces crowds significantly. September offers quieter conditions and the salmon run at Steep Creek attracts bears reliably.
Accessibility
The Nugget Falls Trail is mostly flat and accessible to most visitors; the final section near the falls is uneven gravel. The visitor center and panoramic viewing deck are fully wheelchair accessible. The West Glacier Trail is rough, steep, and not suitable for wheelchair users. The MGT Glacier Shuttle vehicles are standard vans without wheelchair lift capability; visitors with mobility needs should arrange transport via accessible taxi.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center free to enter?
A $5 fee applies for entry to the visitor center building and panoramic viewing deck. The parking area and surrounding trails, including the Nugget Falls Trail and West Glacier Trail, are free to access. The fee supports USDA Forest Service interpretive programs.
Can visitors walk on the Mendenhall Glacier surface?
The West Glacier Trail (6.8 miles round trip, strenuous) reaches the glacier margin where guided trekking with crampons is available from local operators. The standard Nugget Falls Trail does not place visitors on the ice. Unguided glacier walking is not safe without proper equipment.
How do visitors get to Mendenhall Glacier from downtown Juneau?
The MGT Glacier Shuttle departs from downtown hotels and the cruise terminal for $20 round trip (907-789-5460 for current schedule). Rental cars are available from Juneau Airport. Cruise lines also run direct shuttle buses to the glacier for their passengers, typically at higher cost.
Is Mendenhall Glacier accessible year-round?
The glacier and trails are open year-round, though upper trails may require microspikes from November through April. The visitor center operates reduced winter hours. Winter visits can include aurora viewing potential from the open lake area and quieter trail conditions.
What wildlife might visitors see at Mendenhall Glacier?
Black bears are frequently spotted at Steep Creek near the visitor center from July through September during the salmon run. Bald eagles, Arctic terns, and shorebirds are common throughout summer. Mountain goats are occasionally visible on surrounding peaks.