Attention Alaska Cruisers: Juneau Tours Announces Important Updates on How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier in 2024
With Juneau consistently ranked as a top cruise ship destination, especially for those seeking to explore the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Tours reminds visitors of the importance of planning their visit ahead of time due to recent changes. We strongly advise visitors to make bookings for transportation or glacier tours before arriving in Juneau, as purchasing on the day of may not be possible.
Are you planning a cruise to Alaska? Want to go visit the Mendenhall Glacier? There is a lot of information online as this is the number one destination for cruisers who stop in the capital city. The catch is that there have been some major changes as a result of the surge of visitors to Alaska! Due to a long-standing environmental impact study, there are now a set number of permits for the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area–a little more than 500,000 are allotted for commercial operators. Sound like a lot right? In 2023 alone, 1.6 million people came to Juneau on cruise ships during the 6+ month-long season! The math obviously doesn’t add up for all of those visitors to be able to see the glacier with these stipulations in place. Our advice? Plan ahead.
How to get to Mendenhall Glacier
There are two primary, reliable methods for reaching Mendenhall Glacier: booking a tour or renting a car. Opting for a tour provides the convenience of transportation along with guided insight into the glacier’s history and surrounding landscape. Alternatively, renting a car offers flexibility in scheduling and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace. The journey to Mendenhall Glacier typically takes around 25 minutes each way by car, allowing visitors to anticipate the travel time accurately and plan their itinerary accordingly. Whether embarking on a guided tour or driving independently, experiencing the majestic beauty of Mendenhall Glacier promises to be a memorable adventure in the heart of Juneau’s wilderness.
The best way to get to Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau Tours has the top rated way for getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise ship dock. The Glacier Shuttle Tour is a quick and convenient way to travel to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors’ Center. Our tour is provided under a permit with the USDA Forest Service. We have departures almost every hour. It is a 30 minute narrated tour to the park, you get two hours to explore on your own, then meet your tour guide for the rest of your tour! Pickup and drop off is conveniently located at the cruise ship terminal next to the Goldbelt Tramway. This tour includes entrance fee to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors’ Center, which is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the summer months sits on the edge of the Mendenhall Glacier, one of 38 large glaciers that flow off the Juneau Icefield.
Once you arrive at Juneau’s natural treasure the Mendenhall Glacier, you’re free to explore this wonder from a variety of perspectives like Nugget Creek Falls, Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier’s face, or the East Glacier Loop. Pay careful attention to your pick up time for your return trip to the cruise ship dock. The hike time to the Nugget Falls and back is 40 minutes round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and have fun!
Guaranteed Access and Expert Insight with Juneau Tours
Juneau Tours offers the most reliable and convenient way for cruise ship passengers to experience the Mendenhall Glacier. The company’s Glacier Shuttle Tour boasts several advantages:
Permitted Access
Backed by a permit from the USDA Forest Service, Juneau Tours guarantees your entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.
Frequent Departures
With departures nearly every hour, you can easily fit the tour into your cruise itinerary.
Narrated Transport
Learn about Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier on a narrated 30-minute ride.
Independent Exploration
Enjoy two hours of free time to explore the glacier at your own pace, including Nugget Creek Falls, Photo Point Trail, or the East Glacier Loop.
Convenient Pickup and Drop-off
Enjoy the ease of pickup and drop-off directly at the cruise ship terminal near the Goldbelt Tramway.
Entrance Fee Included
The tour includes your entrance fee to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer months.
Plan Your Alaskan Adventure Today
For more information on Juneau Tours and the Glacier Shuttle Tour, please visit Juneau Tour’s website or contact them directly, and prepare to experience the majesty of the Mendenhall Glacier with Juneau Tours!
*Don’t just show up and hope you’ll be able to get there
