Mendenhall Glacier — Attraction in Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier – A Living Ice Giant in Juneau, Alaska!

If you're visiting Juneau, this is an absolute must-see. The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13.6-mile-long river of ice flowing from the Juneau Icefield. It’s not just a block of ice — it’s a majestic, slow-moving natural force that’s been shaping the landscape for over 3,000 years!

Located only 12 miles from downtown Juneau, it's incredibly accessible and perfect for families, solo travelers, and photographers alike. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, run by the U.S. Forest Service, gives you an educational glimpse into how glaciers form, move, and melt. You can also learn how climate change is affecting this beautiful glacier.

We walked the Nugget Falls Trail, a scenic and easy trail that takes you directly to a roaring waterfall right next to the glacier. You’ll hear the thundering sound of falling water, spot bald eagles, and if you’re lucky — maybe even a black bear!

The ice itself is stunning – deep, glowing turquoise blue in places, and broken into dramatic ridges and crevasses. It's surreal to see something that ancient and powerful with your own eyes. The contrast of ice, water, forest, and sky creates a view like no other on Earth.

📸 I’ve uploaded a video that captures this magical place — glacier views, falling ice chunks, misty mountain air, and a peaceful walk that connects you to nature. Watch it and experience the feeling of standing next to this ancient natural marvel.

✅ Tips:

Visit in summer (June–August) for best views and hiking access.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket even in summer — it’s cold near the glacier.

Don't miss the photo spots near Nugget Falls for epic glacier + waterfall shots.

🧭 Location: Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska 📅 Date Visited: [July, 2021] 🎥 Uploaded by: Ayan Biswas, Google Local Guide 🌍.

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Updated 2025.04.16. The Mendenhall Glacier didn't think it was that special. It was a rainy, cold day. It's better to go when the sun is out, expect a lot of walking. A city bus will bring you out 1.5 miles you would need to still walk to come to the visitors center. There two paths to come, one is by the paved road, the other is beyond the paved road to go by the trail of time, away from car traffic, with rocks marked with the year when the glacier was where the rock stands.

Nugget Falls is a more worthwhile destination to go for rather than coming to view the glacier. Allow half an hour to reach the waterfall once you're at the visitors center. You will be able to get up close to the waterfall, much more impressive than the viewing of the glacier.

A charter bus will cost around USD90, round trip, 30 minute ride, 2 hours limit to visit before returning back by bus. It will deliver you to the parking lot by the visitors center.

If you're coming to Juneau on a cruise ship, I recommend you skip coming to see the Mendenhall Glacier, you'll be able to see another glacier much closer up as the Mendenhall Glacier has receded as it has continually melted down with the climate warming due to human activities.

Bring water with you, but bring no food which might...

The mendenhall glacier trail is a rewarding hike that takes you to the edge of a magnificent glacier and its ice caves. The trail is about 3.5 miles one way and has some steep and rocky sections, so it is not for the faint of heart. But the views are worth the effort, as you get to see the glacier from different angles and perspectives, as well as the surrounding mountains and lake. The highlight of the hike is reaching the ice caves, where you can enter a surreal world of blue ice and frozen waterfalls. The caves are constantly changing and melting, so you never know what you will find inside. It is an unforgettable experience that makes you appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature. The hike requires proper gear and preparation, as well as a guide if you are not familiar with the terrain. The weather can also be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, wind, or snow. The trail can be accessed from the West Glacier Trailhead near Skater's Cabin Road. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who loves adventure and wants to see one of Alaska's most stunning attractions. It can be strenuous, but it...