Stop at the Visitor Center for an elevated view of the glacier and a look at the interactive exhibits, and informative displays that showcase the awesome force of glaciers before the return trip to Juneau. Would definitely reccommend this to everyone. Answer: You'll have a chance at the kayak base to use the restroom, but after that we will be entering the great outdoors. Moderate - Guests should be in good health and if any questions please have them contact their personal physician. TOUR GUIDE OF THE SEASON Chosen by Juneau cruise line passengers. The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall's grand edifice plunges from the immense Juneau Icefield, dropping 4,500 feet over 13 miles. This is not the case when youre viewing the. 1-10 guests2 hours. Highlights: Mendenhall Glacier views Moderate to strenuous hiking pace Wildlife viewing opportunities Explore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest Guide lines I love this hike. Take a self-guided trek along one of the many picturesque trails or hike down to Nugget Falls, a double-tiered waterfall that plunges 377 feet and 99 feet. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. Nugget Falls, at the end of Nugget Creek, flows into Mendenhall Lake. We had a wonderful experience!! Self-guided trail brochure Location: Trail can be accessed at the top of the stairs behind the visitor center or across the road from . Breathtaking, exhilarating, and truly amazing! If they extended this tour 30 mins it would have been perfect. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. Informative. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you require extra assistance, dont hesitate to contact us ahead of your tour and discuss your particular needs. This tour meets in front of the Mt. There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. Robert's Tramway building. Great, friendly staff that was so helpful and informative. This was a wonderful experience. Outstanding experience! You can use your Lyft app from other areas to request a ride. The forest service's Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is just 12 miles from downtown Juneau located in the Mendenhall valley. My 85 year father-in-law was angry that he didn't see the sheep, and he was seated by the front door. Guests who use wheelchairs or scooters must be able to walk approximately 100 feet to and from the helicoptersand be able to navigate the 18-inchsteps into the helicopter mostly unassisted. While Uber doesnt operate in Juneau, Lyft does. Mendenhall glacier tour was fantastic. Nancy Parode is a freelance travel writer who has lived abroad three times. First class pilots and equipment. Appreciate their efforts to preserve the beautiful glaciers. We were given sufficient time to do the hike to nugget falls and to go to the visitor center. Mendenhall Glacier - The Ultimate Travel Guide - Alaskan Blue Taku Glacier Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery. They fit U.S. Men's sizes 3-17 and U.S. Women's sizes 4.5-15. This is a natural wildlife sighting that less people will ever experience, than a glacier. Recommended, Excellent trip. The trail is paved and easy to navigate. I highly recommend this tour. Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces. Its a mere 1/3 mile round-trip and takes only 15 minutes. This was a wonderful experience. Planning your trip to Mendenhall Glacier last minute? Besides walking on the centuries old ice, we were allowed, even encouraged to drink the pure glacier water. That was enough to keep me grounded in a safe spot, lol. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To keep things simple, when describing the Mendenhall ice caves, we mean a "cave" that is formed within a body of ice (usually a glacier) as water flows through the glacier and forms a passageway. What an experience to see the Glacier from the air then to actually walk on a Glacier but to actually taste the freshness of the water has to be done - it was amazing! With time tight we cut it close getting back to our cruise ship. And it didn't hurt that the weather was PERFECT!!! right from the pick up near the ship (which included great local historical information from our driver), to the ground crew, the pilot, and staff up on the glacier! Not that bad Just wish it lasted longer. This was an amazing life changing experience. We booked this excursion for our NCL Cruise to Alaska last week. Are there restrooms available during this tour? 1. The driver was cheesy - bad jokes, repeated himself, kinda odd Another great sight !!! These caves may be small or quite extensive. Duration:2.5hours. We loved it! The helpful tips on the ticket prepared us for the cold and the boots provided made walking on the ice a safer experience. After transferring and checking-in at the heliport, view a safety video and be outfitted with glacier boots. Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained A $100 surcharge fee will be applied to guests who are 250 pounds and above (including all clothes, cameras, etc.). camera bags, purses, backpacks), Animals of any kind (incl. it was awesome. It's a beautiful site and worth it! Stay at the Best Hotel in Juneau Alaska's most famous and most visited glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown, is protected as part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Your full-day adventure begins with a three-and-a-half mile trek through rainforest along the shores of Mendenhall Lake. If you think you may need this option, please be sure to wear thicksocks and close-toed shoes that can be exposed to ice and snow. This was excellent ! The girl guide on the glacier did a great job! Another group got us into our gear (overboots that slipped over our shoes), given instructions and then we got onto the helicopters (5 people per helicopter). The Mendenhall Glacier trails are open daily from 6:00 a. m. to midnight, even when the Visitor Center is closed. They can range in size from small, barely-squeeze-through tunnels to huge crane-your-neck-to-see-it-all caverns. Tongass National Forest - Offices - US Forest Service What a cool opportunity to go to the top of the glacier and the views from the helicopter are second to none. The glacier is beautiful and the helicopter flight made it possible to see so much at one time. However, the taxi driver said the park charges the taxi company an access fee. Tour times below are approximate: How many passengers ride in the helicopter together? The following items are not permitted on the aircraft: Can I bring my own walking stick or cane? Glacier well worth the visit and very interesting gift shops, Bus was cold and humid couldn't see out of the window was not able to see anything. Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. On the walk, youll learn about the retreat of Mendenhall and see where the glacier used to be in 1916. The glacier was spectacular and we learned much about it. M&M staff was very accommodating. Check out other frequently asked questionshere! Snow boots are provided for children to wear instead of their current footwear. Professional, yet entertaining staff! I later learned from the park employees that this was not true. Thank you so much! Very helpful and informative. Driver gave us 1.5 hours to hike to the falls! I did think it was supposed to be 2-5 hrs and it was only 2! This was our highlight tour of the entire Alaska trip. However, pick the right excursion according to how much time you have in port. You won't believe your ice! All bags brought to base will be stored in the tour office until you return from your flight. Truly amazing . 10/10. This Juneau hot spot receives almost half a million visitors a year, and Ive been one of them several times. Lyft charges USD 27+ for a one-way journey to Mendenhall Glacier. If there are more than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will fly at the same time and land on the glacier together. If you choose to hike the entire loop, expect it to take approximately two hours. Layers are always key in Southeast Alaska during the summer. Any passenger whose weight is 250 pounds (113 kilograms) or more fully clothed at the time of departure will have a surcharge fee added to the ticket price at the time of booking. But for better vistas of the terminus, stop at the Photo Point Trail on the walk back. A bright and sunny day enhanced the glacier experience. Smooth helicopter ride. Here, youll meet your expert glacier guides who will conduct you on a fascinating and informative walk in this other-worldly, frozen environment. You may bring a bag with personal items, but all bags will have to be left at the base in a locked container during the tour. On the other side of the lake is the West Glacier Trail. Highly recommend this. Set amid thriving rain forests, alpine ridges and rugged mountains, the glaciers setting is as dramatic as the glacier itself. The staff was amazing and so friendly. In the event of a weather cancellation, guest will receive a 100% refund, Alaska Culinary Experience & Evening Whale Quest, An Evening at Orca Point Lodge: Dinner & Cruise. The smaller floating pieces of ice are called "bergy bits." Great views and plenty to learn from friendly, informative staff. Above & Beyond Alaska: Mendenhall Glacier Self Guided Kayak Trip - See 1,126 traveler reviews, 1,119 candid photos, and great deals for Juneau, AK, at Tripadvisor. The temperature near the glacier is about 5 degrees cooler, but can feel up to 15 degrees cooler due to katabatic winds (cold downslope winds coming down the glacier). Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. As the The fare rate does not include your park pass of USD 5. Other trails at Mendenhall Glacier include the one mile Trail of Time, the 1/4 mile Steep Creek Loop and the 3.5 mile East Glacier Loop. Are service animals allowed on this tour? For under USD 50, the bus will provide you with a 30-minute ride to and from the visitors center and includes your park fee of USD 5. Overall we enjoyed it. I was disappointed this wasn't available. I absolutely love the guides that were at the glacier. I wished the helicopter could have spun a 360 degree over the mountain sheep with kids. The timing for this excursion gave us plenty of time to shop and eat delicious king crab legs prior to getting back on the boat. Actually enjoyed nugget falls more than the glacier. I smeared the mud on my face and drank the glacier water. The outdoor barbeque was well organised and the grilled salmon delicious. allowed on the tour. These Juneau tours are quite popular but also fairly strenuous. Photo Tour of Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska - TripSavvy Marvel at the glaciers twisted spires, deep blue crevasses and carved peaks that make up this ancient landscape. Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for passenger safety and comfort, as well as weight and balance calculations for flight manifesting. They are large boots with traction soles, available in sizes XS - XXL. everything was fantastic! Explore one of the hiking trails, or listen to one of the US Forest Service Rangers speak about the ecology of the spectacular ice wall that is world renowned. Good commentary en route by driver and on return journey There are also two private tour companies that offer shuttle bus service between Juneau's cruise dock and the glacier, M&M Tours of Juneau, and Juneau Tours. However, by far, this the best money we have ever spent on an excursion. Are there any physical requirements for this tour? Mendenhall Glacier Trek Alaska Shore Tours Guide/driver was knowledgeable and courteous. Our self-guided Jeep tours are specifically designed to make the most out of every minute you have in Juneau, whether it's a trip to an ice capped glacier, digging up your own gold, or simply enjoying a quiet picnic in an undisturbed hideaway. The scenery is always changing in Alaskas land of ice. While I havent flown over Mendenhall Glacier, I did view it from my helicopter ride to Herbert Glacier. If this is of concern for you, we recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag for easy packing. So professional these guys, highly recommend booking only with them. Marvel at the glaciers twisted spires, deep blue crevasses and carved peaks that make up this ancient landscape. The team made it easy to enjoy. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. There are limited Lyft cars available, so if there are multiple ships in port, getting a Lyft might prove problematic, so youll need a plan B. Was looking for history of the city, life, and people. Canoe across a lake to Mendenhall Glacier glacier, Keeping an eye out for arctic terns, mountain goats, and icebergs floating in the water. There is no child rate for this tour. Glacier time: 20-25 minutes.). So we couldn't ask questions. We were picked up at the Mt Roberts Tramway station, which was right at the entrance of town from where our cruise ship had docked (Royal Caribbean). A gentle landing brings you to the ice itself, where you will explore the glaciers surface with your highly experienced, knowledgeable guides. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful. Upon arrival at the glacier, your guide will point out the areas of special interest and self-guided trails through Tongass National Forest. During peak season, which is May through September, admission to the glacier viewing area andall trails except the Photo Point Trailis free, but the Visitor Center charges a $5admission fee for visitors ages 16 and older. Yes, you can bringyourcamera. be aware that we may not be able to confirm this reservation before your tour date. No crazy stuff! Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. 14 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 51 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour 67 Reviews Juneau, United States Share Save to Wishlist From $75.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Once in a lifetime thrill. A truly memorable excursion, this outing flies you over and to the Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Trek is not your everyday adventure, and neither is the challenging trek to get there, but what an experience when you reach the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and explore this eerie blue world of ice, from deep crevasses and moulins (steep shafts) to crystal-clear meltwater streams and emerald-green pools. Me and my family like to Thank the staff for making our trip memorable. The path is flat and offers various flora of fireweed, lichens, alder, and spruce seedlings. NCL's prices were INSANE for the same exact trip. 2022 Unplugged Adventures. Plan Your Vacation Right, Get Accurate Booking Availability. @Kelley, We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise. Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour 2023 - Juneau - Viator Having experienced a helicopter tour myself, its one of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau icefield helicopter tours are on the bucket list for most travelers to Alaska, and the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Hike is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and glacier landing without additional activities such as dogsledding or airboat rides. The ample visiting time allows for an . Use one of the allowed file type: jpg,png,jpeg. Answer: Each helicopter can seat up to 6 passengers, provided the weight and balance calculations work out in each aircraft. I was picked up at cruise terminal and taken to the airport. The return trek may take a different route but will be just as strenuous as your hike up to the glacier. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Skip the line and get your tickets for the shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. Wonderful experience. When ice cave forms, they may last days, weeks, or even months. Reach the top, take time to soak in the stunning views, then head across the final patch of bedrock to the edge of the glacier. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Great excursion! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Consider 45 minutes here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you so much for this amazing info! Overall 5 star rating. Here you will be geared up with glacier boots and given a safety briefing . Well done Alaska Shore Excurions. Oh, it was good to see how the youthful helpers on the ground helped the elderly get ready. The most incredible excursion you can ever do. Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls were beautiful! Mother nature determines when an Ice Cave is formed and there is no way to predict when this will happen. All participants will be charged at the adult rate. Excellent excursion. Mendenhall Glacier ice caves form as the water melts and create an underwater channel for the water to run. Seeing the glacier from a distance doesn't do them justice. 8 Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions If you choose not to reschedule or we cant find a time that works for you, we will refund you. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Carry-on bags of any kind (incl. For this reason, it is not safe to walk on the glacier. Your pilot will guide the aircraft over the glacier, giving you an eagles-eye perspective of its ice spires, blue-tinted crevasses and meltwater pools. Take a guided hiking tour on Mendenhall Glacier itself, which includes the chance to walk in other-worldly ice caves. Board a modern turbine-powered helicopter for a flight to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier! Hi Kelley, taxi drivers will tell you that only certain companies are authorized to drop off at the visitors center. Your also started over 20 minutes late. Alternatively, the 1-mile Trail of Time offers a gravel trail just south of the East Glacier Loop route. If youre lucky, you might witness the glacier face calving, exposing bright blue ice that results from years of intense compression. If youre worried about time and trying to do multiple things in the capital, sometimes it pays to take a tour. These features are never guaranteed but do form throughout the summer. Both our pilot Rasmus and our glacier guide Sal were AWESOME. We cruised with four in 2022, and the taxi cost us USD 33 each way, plus a fee of USD 12 per person to access the park. The app allows you to learn about how this beautiful wonder came to be, and visit the surrounding hiking trails, underwater salmon cameras, and much more! The minimum age for participation on this tour is 12 years old. The edge of the glacier has some of the most stunning features you will find; this is where ice formations, tunnels, and tubes tend to form creating those beautiful blue colors. FAQs PoliciesContact UsPrivacy PolicyAbout. How about a kayak Mendenhall Glacier tour, a Mendenhall Glacier float trip that offers a river rafting experience, or a Juneau glacier tour with an Alaskan salmon bake? The newest sight is the lifelike bronze whale statue . This should include waterproof outerwear, long pants, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. This trip really made our holiday to Alaska. Duration: 2.5 hours Price: $359 per person View Details Expect the ride to take up to an hour, depending on the number of stops. Such a beautiful sight to see and the staff were great! We had a great time on this tour and would definitely recommend it to others. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. You can read about my dog sledding experience to Herbert Glacier. Yes! The Mendenhall Glacier is, in part, famous for the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves, but those are rarely seen on tours. Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaskaand sightings are possible on any tour,however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed. Excursions - Princess Cruises No, no bags are allowed in the aircraft. Juneau Sightseeing and Mendenhall Glacier Tour 2023 - Viator Gives a different perspective. The minimum age for participants is 10 years old. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Guests are not able to stay on the helicopter on the tour as the helicopter will drop them off and return to pick them up. The center is open year-round but requires a pass to view the exhibits and access the Pavilion and the restrooms from May 1 until September 30. If youretraveling inexpensively, it costs USD 2 to take the city bus from the downtown transit center. am 64 and shall remember the tour forever. Set out on a coach tour that includes highlights of Downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the Mendenhall Glacier. Wish you could get closer to them. we feel that everyone should get the same lowest price possible regardless of how many We strongly encourage bringingsunglasses as well;the sun's glare off the ice and snow is much stronger than you might expect (even on an overcast day). There are no age restrictions for this tour. Saw many sites we wanted too and then some. Seamless process from time of pickup, the drive to the airstrip where we boarded the helicopter (and a bonus when our driver spotted a few bears playing in a nearby field), delightful helicopter ride to and from the glacier, drinking the glacier water - everything was done well, and definitely worth the price of the trip. Cancel up to 14-days before your tour for a refund, less any non-refundable fees., If for any reason the tour is canceled (due to unpermitting weather, for example), or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund minus any non-refundable fees. Your helicopter heads for the Mendenhall Glacier, where your pilot guide will gently touch down on the glacier itself. The force of gravity pulls the glacier downhill. Great tour! But, visitors can get one at the self-dispenser in the visitors center parking lot. Plan to spend some time here so you can witness the glacier calving. Highly recommend this tour and this company. Next, board a modern, turbine-powered helicopter for your flight-seeing adventure. Your tour begins with a short transfer to our comfortable and spacious heli-base. Juneau-Douglas City Museum Tours & Tickets, Alaska State Capitol Building Tours & Tickets, Waterfront Promenade and Franklin Street Tours & Tickets. Tremendous experience, not to be missed. Words can't describe enough. Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hiking Tour - Above & Beyond Alaska I would have appreciated the driver not making political comments - there were at least half dozen comments, Kenny is a gem! Fresh snow sometimes covers large holes in the icy surface. Ted Albrecht, Michigan. I was afraid going in, but was instantly put at ease because it was such a smooth and easy ride! How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Cruise Port . Amazing! FAQs PoliciesContact UsPrivacy PolicyAbout. Great guides! Do the walk to Nugget Falls, it's short. These changes, along with rising lake levels, have left us with very limited safe areas to explore on the ice. However, this is not a wildlife viewing tour and we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife. This powder flows into lakes and rivers along with the water that melts from the glacier. Dillinger was our guide and was funny and informative. It was definitely the highlight of our trip. Embark on a 3-hour excursion offering the most time (2 hours) at Juneau's marquee attraction, the famous Mendenhall Glacier, which includes entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. We had to take a blue bus back into town. I was quite surprised at how warm the air temperature was, considering how close I was to a glacier. Attachments One of the best experiences of my life. Had the whole bus to ourselves and the director was very informative and funny. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Tram J N U - 1 0 5 Book shore excursions with confidence! Fellow cruisers, I booked direct and saved loads of cash! For safety reasons, service animals are not allowed on this tour. What an exhilerating experience of a lifetime! A have done the Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching excursion several times, and its a doable tour on an Alaska cruise port day. Outstanding and never to be forgotten. Bears are common in Juneau, especially around Steep Creek. It was awesome but one several things could have made it better. Mike was an excellent pilot and guide on the glacier I have been on over 20 cruises and many excursions this by far is one of the best. The deep crevices and icy rivers of water running on top of the glacier amazed me. Once in a lifetime experience. Trekkers are warned to stay together and step carefully. There is no child rate for this tour. We are more than happy to accommodate children of all ages and there are several car seats available for customers to use. We had none, it was just a shuttle to the glacier. The beauty of the landscape and glacier from above was spectacular as was the walk on the glacier. The bus drops passengers at the corner of Mendenhall Glacier Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. service animals), Any smoking products including e-cigarettes, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Expensive but it was worth the ride, if you are in Alaska a Helicopter ride to the glacier is a must. This is a must-do excursion! Answer: As of 2022, there are no longer accessible ice caves on Mendenhall Glacier. To ensure the comfort of all travelers, passengers weighing 250 pounds (clothed weight) or more must pay an additional $100.00 to secure extra space in the aircraft., This tour is for everyone no minimum fitness level required., Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for weight and balance calculations and flight manifesting. Beautiful Scenery. Very friendly staff at airport for helicopter flight. We loved the helicopter ride to the glacier, wish we had more time on the glacier itself to explore more.
