Byron Glacier Trail End — Attraction in Alaska

This review is truly a review! (...of the past. hah) It was 20 years ago the last time visiting this glacier, and those photos shared here, now. (because I need to scan these photos taken with film at that time, yes, from a film camera.)

It took more than 30 minutes walk to reach the edge of the ice field. It was fall time in October. Noticing the receding of the glacier already, feeling sad for us humans not realizing climate change was already serious two decades ago... Still, you could see a water channel with an ice tunnel in my photos; that looks much more ice was there than recent years (as seen in photos shared recently by others).

By now, 2024, passing the tipping point already, if you're taking more than an hour to reach the ice wall, that means we are heading towards the the end of glacier watching in summer months, or they are disappearing altogether sooner or later. The glacier itself is a history book.

Choosing the low season to visit could avoid the crowd of summer vacations, and avoid the notorious Alaskan bugs I thought I couldn't handle wearing a protective headgear/ netting hat. hah This is a place you wouldn't regret going to see, whichever season you go, as it's very educational to your kids and a nice walk along the now green trails in many months of the year. Enjoy whatever you could see before they're gone. Like many glaciers, this Byron is not...

Super easy flat, gravel trail out right onto the glacier. It's only about 1.5 miles out and back and you can walk right on the glacier. There is also a running creek and views are gorgeous. It's one of the few easy hikes right up to a glacier in Alaska and is only about an hour from Anchorage and 20 minutes from Whittier, which I recommend checking out after the hike at Byron Glacier for some hot cocoa or coffee and a snack at one of the waterfront restaurants. Check hours and openings of restaurants before as they change depending on the season. Tunnel into Whittier lets you in on the half hour and cost is $15 for a car. Leaving Whittier is...

Easily accessible spot to view snowfields, glaciers and ice caves up close without a lot of effort. The trail is about a mile each direction, but almost completely flat, making it perfect for kids. It can be wet or muddy at times. The view in the avalanche basin is beautiful, but keep in mind the slopes can release rock or snow without warning. If you walk onto the snowfields or over the caves, note they too can give way suddenly, so always utilize proper caution and awareness, especially with children, and know your...