
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike worth booking?
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike is a 6-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $234 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 72 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (72)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $234 per person
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. Your experienced guide w
What you get
About this experience
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. Your experienced guide will lead you through this wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed glacial terrain, where the trail fades into the wild. Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking view of the Mendenhall Glacier's jagged facade and its ice river. Here, we savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. Gaze upon the glacier's deep blue crevasses, cascading icefall, surrounding mountains and Nugget Falls. This 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 views.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Hearty snack
- Forest Service Permits
- Backpack, rain jacket and pants -- please advise supplier of sizing
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Goldbelt Tram
Pick up at "C" Sign at the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway and van transport to main office for gear orientation and outfitting. Once outfitting is complete, guests will be transported to the West Glacier Trailhead.
45 minutes here
West Glacier Trailhead
Hiking to the glacier begins with 3.5 miles through towering Sitka spruce and hemlock in the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
120 minutes here
Mendenhall Glacier
Viewpoint, photography and snacks: enjoy the panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier!
30 minutes here · Admission included
West Glacier Trailhead
Return 3.5 mile hike back through the Tongass National Forest.
120 minutes here
Goldbelt Tram
Drop off back downtown. Thanks for joining!
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Options you can book
Juneau Shore Excursion
2025 Schedule
2025 Schedule Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Above and Beyond Alaska
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 10 years. For families with children between 8-9, we can customize a private trip.
- Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
- All clients must be in good enough shape, conditioned and capable of hiking up to 4 hours, covering about 7 miles roundtrip
- Clients need to wear sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support while hiking on uneven, rocky terrain . All clients will need to hike with a backpack the entire way on this trip.
- Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant.
- This tour does not include trekking on the glacier or exploring around the glacier's edge, but will get groups to the glacier view vista.
- A specific amount of time spent at the glacier viewing area cannot be guaranteed. The amount time is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions.
- With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip's departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible.
- 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.
- RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
10 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
72 verified traveler reviews for Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Mendenhall Glacier Experience
This was an excellent small group hike along the West Mendenhall Glacier Trail. Our guide, Sky, led us on a 5.5 mile hike with 850 feet of elevation gain. This hike led us to the closest viewing point to the glacier. The majority of the hike was along a moderate and well groomed trail. The last part of the hike involved a scramble up rocky ridge that is probably a terminal moraine. The view from the moraine was fabulous. Overall, I highly recommend this wonderful shore excursion. Sky was an excellent guide who is very knowledgeable about the Mendenthal glacier and the Juneau area. She led us on a very safe and enjoyable hike.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the hike and the incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier. We’re glad you felt safe and well guided throughout the adventure and truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to see you again for another Alaska adventure!
via Tripadvisor
I highly recommend this...
I highly recommend this excursion! We had 7 travelers in our group and besides the occasional group passing by on the way up, we had the entire trail and the Glacier viewing area to ourselves. Our guide Heather was super personable, knowledgeable and attentive to the group. The trail itself was pretty easy to navigate, with the exception of a few slick rock spots and the last part of the trail where you have to climb up/down some rocks to view the Glacier. But even then, going slow and being intentional with your hand/foot placements was just fine. Gorgeous view of the Glacier and Nugget Falls. Very appreciative of the generous snacks provided as well. This was our first excursion not booked through the cruise line and we had 0 worries about getting back on time as Hesther made it clear (and showed) they are pros with timing. 10/10!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a detailed review! We’re thrilled Heather made your excursion safe, enjoyable, and stress-free, and that you got to enjoy views of the Glacier and Nugget Falls. It sounds like a perfect day spent in Juneau, and we truly appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Fantastic hike
This was definitely a challenging hike with scrambling up and down slippery rocks. The views were incredible. We had an amazing time with Julia but we got soaked. The gear and snacks provided were definitely useful. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this review! We're so glad you had a great time with Julia and a good view, and glad our gear could be a help in the rain!
via Tripadvisor
This was a HIKE.
This is a hike not for the faint of heart. We met our guide Forrest just off our ship and went by van to Above and Beyond. At their offices, we got outfitted- Backpacks, a Hiking Pole, Rain pants, and Jackets (if needed). We also got souvenir water bottles and a bag of trail snacks. We had brought our own set of poles and needed them! Once outfitted we headed to the "West Glacier Trailhead". I would not want to try and follow the trail without a guide. Alltrails lists the distance as 6.3 miles. You don't actually reach Mendenhall Glacier since it has receded. You do get a great view of it and of Mendenhall lake. I wonder if you can even see the glacier from the park's visitor center (not a stop). There are a couple of steep sections that Forrest got us carefully through. So happy with the hike and with our guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review of your hiking experience with us! We're so glad you enjoyed the adventure and that Forrest was there to guide you safely through the more challenging sections of the trail. This hike is definitely one of the more rugged and rewarding ones in Juneau, and we’re happy to hear you felt well-prepared and supported throughout—from the gear to the views. While the glacier has indeed receded over the past several years, we’re glad you still got to take in the stunning sights of the surrounding wilderness. Thanks again for choosing us to be part of your Alaskan adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Great way to spend a day around Juneau
This was a great hike, incredibly scenic and beautiful and we were blessed with excellent weather. Due to the small size of our group, we were able to push on beyond a normal turnaround spot and getting a bit closer to the glacier than might otherwise happen. Our guide Bella was fantastic and the support that I received from Jess at the office in advance was excellent. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review of your hike! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the scenic beauty and the opportunity to get closer to the glacier due to the small group size. It's fantastic that Bella provided you with an excellent guiding experience. We also appreciate your kind words about the support you received from Jess. We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike cost?
+
Prices start at $234 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 72 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike?
+
Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
+
Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
+
May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike.
Pick your date




