The Mendenhall Glacier West Glacier Trail provides access to one of Alaska's most visited glaciers, located within Tongass National Forest approximately 12 miles north of downtown Juneau. The trailhead begins at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area at 6000 Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, AK 99801. Access by private vehicle requires a rental car from Juneau International Airport; the MGT Glacier Shuttle (907-789-5460) operates from downtown Juneau for approximately $20 round trip. The recreation area charges a $5 per-adult entrance fee.
The West Glacier Trail runs 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip to the Nugget Falls viewpoint, gaining approximately 500 feet (152 m) of elevation. The trail begins on a broad, maintained gravel path along the lakeshore before narrowing to a rocky, rooted route over glacier-polished bedrock and through coastal rainforest. The surface is frequently wet and slippery — Tongass National Forest receives over 90 inches of annual rainfall and Juneau averages more than 220 overcast days per year. Waterproof hiking boots with firm soles are essential.
The route passes Nugget Falls, a dramatic 377-foot waterfall fed by the glacier, before continuing to exposed bedrock ledges beside the active glacier face. Hikers can stand within meters of the blue glacial ice and watch for calving events along the west face of Mendenhall Glacier. The final section involves scrambling over polished rock slabs that can be treacherous when wet; microspikes may be useful in cool conditions. No water sources suitable for drinking exist along the trail; all water should be carried from the trailhead or visitor center. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, located 0.5 miles from the trailhead, provides exhibits, ranger programs, and restrooms.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Juneau
- Best season
- May-October
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket (Juneau gets 90+ inches of rain/year)
- Layers
- Bear spray
Location
6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
58.4545, -134.5551 View on map
Highlights
- Standing beside the calving face of Mendenhall Glacier on open bedrock just meters from the active blue ice
- Nugget Falls viewpoint — a 377-foot waterfall cascading from the glacier directly into Mendenhall Lake
- Coastal rainforest environment through old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock on glacier-polished terrain
- Access from downtown Juneau by shuttle, making this one of the most visitor-accessible glacier hikes in Alaska
- Close-range views of dramatic blue ice formations along the exposed west glacier shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Wear waterproof hiking boots with solid grip — the polished bedrock sections are extremely slippery when wet, which describes most conditions in Juneau
- Book the MGT Glacier Shuttle (907-789-5460) in advance during cruise ship season (May-September) as seats fill quickly on busy days
- Visit on a weekday morning before 9 a.m. to avoid the heaviest crowds that arrive with cruise ships docking in Juneau
- Carry all water from the visitor center; no potable water sources exist on the West Glacier Trail itself
- Check for bear activity postings at the trailhead — black bears are regularly seen in the forested section of the trail
When to visit
May through September is the primary hiking season. June and July offer the most dramatic glacier calving activity. Visiting on a weekday morning before 9 a.m. significantly reduces crowds during the busy summer cruise ship season in Juneau.
Accessibility
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center has fully accessible parking, restrooms, and interior exhibits. A paved path near the visitor center provides accessible glacier views across Mendenhall Lake. The West Glacier Trail itself is unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to wet, uneven bedrock, rooted forest paths, and scrambling sections; no accessible sections exist on the West Glacier Trail beyond the visitor center lawn area.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Mendenhall Glacier from downtown Juneau?
The MGT Glacier Shuttle (907-789-5460) operates from downtown Juneau for approximately $20 round trip. Rental cars are available at Juneau International Airport. The drive is approximately 12 miles and takes 25-30 minutes.
Is the trail suitable for children?
The flat lakeshore section near the visitor center is appropriate for most ages. The West Glacier Trail's rocky, uneven sections and wet bedrock scrambling are better suited to older children with hiking experience; the glacier face section is not recommended for toddlers.
What is the entrance fee?
The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area charges $5 per adult for entry to the visitor center area. The trail is accessible from the trailhead without passing the visitor center fee station, though the fee supports facility maintenance and ranger programs.
When is the glacier most active?
Calving events at the glacier face are most frequent in summer when melt rates are highest — typically June through August. Nugget Falls is at its most powerful in late spring and early summer from snowmelt runoff.
Is rain gear necessary?
Yes. Juneau receives over 90 inches of annual precipitation and overcast, drizzly conditions are the norm rather than the exception. A waterproof jacket and waterproof boots should be considered standard equipment, not optional extras.