Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour

Key Points

• Affordable experience at $83 per person, including transportation, park entry, and visitor center admission
• Approximately 3 hours in total, with 2 hours at the glacier for self-guided exploration
• Comfortable, new buses with narrated roundtrip transportation and knowledgeable drivers
• Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, with access to interactive exhibits and educational displays
• Optional hike to Nugget Falls, taking about 45-60 minutes roundtrip, with stunning views of the waterfall
• Flexible, self-guided time allows visitors to walk trails, photograph, or explore at their own pace

Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour: A Scenic and Self-Guided Adventure in Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers an accessible and relaxed way to see one of Alaska’s most iconic sights. Priced at $83 per person, this 3-hour trip combines scenic transportation with ample free time to explore the glacier and surrounding wilderness. The tour departs from downtown Juneau, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and narrated commentary that highlights the region’s natural beauty and local history.

What makes this experience stand out is the self-guided nature at the glacier, giving travelers the freedom to choose their own pace. The included park entrance fees and interactive visitor center enrich the visit, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Keep in mind, this tour is ideal for those who want to see the glacier without a guided walk, enjoying flexibility and independence during the two hours at the site.

Scenic Transportation from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier

The tour begins with roundtrip transportation aboard a deluxe, air-conditioned bus. The driver guides you through captivating scenery, sharing informative commentary about Juneau’s history, wildlife, and landscape. The narrated journey provides context and entertainment, setting the stage for the visit ahead.

The group size is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of space and personalized service. Many reviews mention the friendly and knowledgeable drivers, with some adding that they appreciated the jokes and local insights shared along the way. The bus itself is noted as being new, roomy, and well-maintained, which adds to the overall comfort.

Arriving at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The Visitor Center marks the main stop, where admission is included in the tour price. Here, visitors have about 2 hours to explore independently. The center features interactive exhibits and educational displays that explain the glacier’s geological importance and the effects of climate change.

The trails around the Visitor Center are suitable for all fitness levels, offering spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and the surrounding wilderness. Many appreciate the ample time to take photos, stroll the trails, or simply enjoy the scenery at their own pace. The visitor center’s exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the glacier’s natural environment.

Walking Trails and Glacier Views

The trails near the Visitor Center are designed for flexibility, with various routes that showcase the glacier from different angles. Visitors can wander freely and find viewpoints that suit their interests. Some may choose to photograph the glacier from a distance, while others prefer a closer look at the ice formations.

The views of Mendenhall Lake are particularly striking, with the glacier’s calving ice and the untouched wilderness providing a dramatic backdrop. The accessible trails ensure that most visitors, regardless of fitness level, can enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Optional Hike to Nugget Falls

One of the popular highlights is the hike to Nugget Falls, which is accessible from the parking lot or the Visitor Center. The trail to Nugget Falls takes approximately 45-60 minutes roundtrip, depending on pace. The waterfall itself is a breathtaking sight, with powerful water rushing over the cliff, creating a misty spray that often catches the sunlight.

Visitors who choose to hike are advised to do so first, especially if they plan to catch the bus back. The walk is suitable for most, but it’s best to be prepared for a 30- to 60-minute hike. Many reviews mention the extra stop at Nugget Falls as a beautiful addition to the experience.

Flexibility and Self-Guided Exploration Time

The 2 hours at the glacier are intentionally unsupervised, giving visitors the freedom to create their own experience. This flexibility allows for personalized exploration, whether that means walking the scenic trails, taking photographs, or visiting the Visitor Center’s educational displays.

Some travelers appreciate the ability to customize their time, especially in a setting where crowds can sometimes be heavy. The self-guided format makes this tour more relaxed and suited for those who enjoy independent discovery.

Practical Details and Group Size

The meeting point is conveniently located at 7HWX+CJ6, Juneau, with the tour ending back at the same spot. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, balancing efficiency with comfort. The tour is designed to be most suitable for travelers of all ages, but those with mobility issues should be aware that the drop-off location is at the parking lot, not directly at the Visitor Center.

The tour includes park entrance fees and driver/guide narration during transportation, but no guide is permitted during time at the glacier, as per USFS rules.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policy

At $83 per person, this tour offers good value, considering the transportation, park entry, and visitor center access are all included. It is booked on average 66 days in advance, indicating strong interest and planning.

The cancellation policy is straightforward: full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start result in no refund, so travelers should plan accordingly.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

The self-guided exploration at the glacier, combined with comfortable transportation and interactive exhibits, makes this tour appealing for those who prefer independent discovery over guided walks. The new, deluxe buses and knowledgeable drivers contribute to a high-quality experience, despite the absence of a guide at the glacier itself.

Plus, the optional hike to Nugget Falls provides an extra scenic highlight without the need for a guided tour, giving visitors control over their visit.

Common Feedback and Considerations

While most reviews are highly positive, some travelers mention disorganization at the meeting point and the drop-off location being far from the visitor center. A few reviewers note late drivers and crowded waiting areas. However, many emphasize the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and value for money.

It’s also worth noting that the visitor center may not always be open due to federal budget cuts, but this does not affect the overall experience of viewing the glacier and waterfalls.

The Sum Up: A Relaxed and Flexible Glacier Visit in Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour offers a cost-effective, comfortable way to see one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers. The self-guided time allows for personalized exploration, and the narrated transportation sets the scene with local insights and scenic views.

Ideal for independent-minded travelers and those seeking flexibility, this tour provides ample time for photography and walking, making it a practical choice. The included exhibits and optional hike to Nugget Falls enhance the experience without the pressure of guided walks.

While the lack of a guide at the glacier may be a downside for some, the overall value, comfort, and scenery make this an attractive option for visitors wanting a relaxed, scenic day in Juneau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The drop-off point is at the parking lot rather than directly at the Visitor Center, so visitors with mobility concerns should consider this when planning. The trails around the glacier are accessible for most, but some walking is required.

How long do I have at the glacier?
You receive about 2 hours of self-guided time to explore the glacier, walk trails, photograph, or visit the Visitor Center exhibits.

Can I hike to Nugget Falls?
Yes, the hike to Nugget Falls takes approximately 45-60 minutes roundtrip. It is best to do this early in your visit if you plan to catch the bus back.

What is included in the tour price?
The $83 fee covers roundtrip transportation, park entrance fees, visitor center admission, and narration during the drive.

Is there a guide at the glacier?
No, guides are not permitted at the glacier due to USFS regulations. The visit is self-guided.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.