Where Mendenhall Glacier is and how to reach it

Mendenhall Glacier sits three miles north of Juneau, Alaska, in the Mendenhall Valley. It is the most visited glacier in Alaska because the drive from downtown Juneau takes about 20 minutes, and a parking area sits at the glacier's base. The glacier flows from the Juneau Icefield, a 1,500-square-mile expanse of interconnected ice at high elevation.

To reach Mendenhall, you drive north on Mendenhall Loop Road from central Juneau. The road ends at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Parking is available at the visitor center lot, though it fills during peak summer months (June through August). If you arrive by cruise ship, shuttle buses run directly from the dock to the glacier.

The visitor center is open year-round, though hours change seasonally. In summer it operates from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; in winter, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entrance fee to view the glacier or use the parking area.

Key Takeaways

  • Mendenhall Glacier is a 12-mile-long river of ice that has retreated roughly 1.5 miles since 1890, and you can see the retreat in the landscape around the glacier's face.
  • The main viewing area at the visitor center requires no hiking, but several trails of varying difficulty branch from the parking area and offer different perspectives of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
  • The glacier is accessible year-round, though winter access can be limited by snow and ice on roads and trails, and summer crowds are heaviest in July and August.
  • Mendenhall Lake sits between the visitor center and the glacier's face, and icebergs calve from the glacier into the lake regularly, especially on warm days.

The glacier's size, shape, and recent changes

Mendenhall Glacier is roughly 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide at its widest point. The glacier's surface elevation ranges from about 1,200 feet at the base to over 10,000 feet at its source in the Juneau Icefield. The ice is typically 2,000 to 3,000 feet thick, though exact measurements vary across the glacier's width.

The glacier has retreated significantly in the past 130 years. In 1890, the glacier's face sat much closer to what is now the visitor center. Since then, it has pulled back roughly 1.5 miles, leaving behind Mendenhall Lake, which formed as meltwater pooled in the valley. The retreat has accelerated in recent decades. Between 1958 and 2018, the glacier lost approximately 5 feet of elevation per year on average, though this rate varies year to year depending on winter snowfall and summer temperatures.

The glacier's color shifts from white near the surface to deep blue in crevasses and at the base, where compressed ice absorbs red wavelengths of light. Meltwater from the glacier flows into Mendenhall Lake as a milky blue-gray color, caused by suspended particles of glacial silt called glacial flour.

Trails and viewing options at different difficulty levels

The easiest viewing option is the paved area when ready outside the visitor center. From there, you can see the glacier's face across Mendenhall Lake without hiking. Benches and interpretive signs explain the glacier's retreat and the landscape's history.

The Mendenhall Glacier Trail is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike of moderate difficulty that starts from the visitor center parking area and descends to the glacier's base. The trail follows the shore of Mendenhall Lake and ends at a rocky area where you can see the glacier face up close and watch for calving icebergs. The hike takes roughly two to three hours depending on pace and how long you spend at the glacier's base. The trail is open year-round, but snow and ice can make it difficult in winter.

The Nugget Falls Trail is a 0.5-mile round-trip walk that branches from the main glacier trail and leads to a waterfall fed by glacier melt. This short walk is suitable for families and those with limited mobility, though the final section involves some uneven ground.

The East Glacier Loop is a 3.3-mile trail that offers views of the glacier from the east side of the valley. This route is less crowded than the main glacier trail and provides a different perspective of the ice and surrounding mountains. It is moderately difficult and takes two to three hours.

When to visit: seasonal conditions and crowds

Summer (June through August) brings the most visitors and the longest daylight hours. In July and August, the parking lot often reaches capacity by mid-morning, and trails are crowded. However, summer offers the best weather for hiking and the most dramatic calving activity, as warm temperatures cause more ice to break from the glacier's face.

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather, though temperatures are cooler and daylight hours are shorter. Trails may still have patches of snow in spring, and fall can bring rain.

Winter (November through March) is the quietest season. Daylight is limited—in December, the sun rises around 10 a.m. and sets around 3:30 p.m. Snow and ice can make trails difficult or impassable, and the visitor center operates on reduced hours. However, winter offers solitude and the chance to see the glacier in a stark, quiet landscape.

What to bring and safety considerations

Wear layers, as weather in Juneau changes quickly. Even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind off the glacier can make it feel colder. Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots with good traction, especially if you plan to hike beyond the paved viewing area.

Do not walk on the glacier itself without a guide. The ice contains hidden crevasses that can be fatal, and the surface is unstable. Several outfitters in Juneau offer guided glacier walks and helicopter tours that land on the ice; these are the only safe ways to walk on the glacier.

Mendenhall Lake is extremely cold year-round. Do not attempt to swim or wade. If you fall in, hypothermia can set in within minutes. Stay back from the glacier's face when possible, as ice can calve without warning and fall into the lake.

Facilities and services at the visitor center

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center has restrooms, a small bookstore, and interpretive exhibits about the glacier's geology and the Juneau Icefield. The center does not have food service, so bring snacks or a lunch if you plan to spend several hours there.

The parking area has about 100 spaces, with a few accessible spaces near the visitor center entrance. In summer, overflow parking is sometimes available on nearby roads. There is no shuttle service from the parking area to the glacier; all viewing requires walking from the visitor center.

Cell phone service is available at the visitor center but may be spotty on trails. The nearest restaurants, hotels, and shops are in downtown Juneau, about 15 minutes away by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see Mendenhall Glacier without hiking?

Yes. The paved area outside the visitor center offers views of the glacier across Mendenhall Lake. You can see the glacier's face, watch for calving icebergs, and read interpretive signs without walking any trails. The entire viewing area is wheelchair accessible.

Is it safe to walk on the glacier?

No, not without a guide. The glacier contains hidden crevasses and unstable ice. Several outfitters in Juneau offer guided glacier walks and helicopter tours that land on the ice safely. These tours depart from Juneau's airport or downtown.

What is the best time to see calving icebergs?

Warm, sunny days in summer produce the most calving activity. July and August are peak months. Calving can happen any time, but it is more frequent when temperatures are high and meltwater is flowing into the glacier.

How long does it take to visit Mendenhall Glacier?

You can spend 30 minutes to an hour at the paved viewing area. If you hike the Mendenhall Glacier Trail to the glacier's base, plan two to three hours. A full day allows time for multiple trails, the visitor center exhibits, and a meal in Juneau.

Is there a fee to visit Mendenhall Glacier?

No. The parking area and visitor center are free. Guided glacier tours and helicopter flights are separate services offered by private outfitters and have their own fees.