Trail Overview
The West Glacier Trail in Juneau, Alaska, is a hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier, surrounding mountains, and picturesque lakes. This trail is special because it provides an up-close and personal experience with the glacier, as well as access to stunning vistas and unique geological formations. Hikers love this trail for its well-maintained path, scenic beauty, and opportunities to spot wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. With its moderate difficulty level, this trail is suitable for hikers of all experience levels, making it an ideal destination for families, solo travelers, and adventure seekers alike.
One of the key highlights of this trail is the stunning view of the Mendenhall Glacier, which is accessible via a short detour from the main trail. The glacier is a breathtaking sight, with its blue ice and towering seracs. Hikers can also explore the surrounding mountains, which offer panoramic views of the valley below. The trail also features picturesque lakes, including Mendenhall Lake, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
Trail Stats at a Glance
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the glacier viewpoint, 6.5 miles (10.5 km) to the glacier terminus
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (305 meters) to the glacier viewpoint, 2,000 feet (610 meters) to the glacier terminus
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours to the glacier viewpoint, 4-6 hours to the glacier terminus
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash
- Kid-Friendly?: Yes, but children should be supervised at all times
Getting There
To access the West Glacier Trail, hikers should start at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which is located at 38.5333° N, 134.6167° W. From Juneau, take the Mendenhall Loop Road (AK-2) east for approximately 13 miles (21 km) and turn left onto Mendenhall Loop Road. The visitor center will be on the right-hand side of the road. Parking is available in the visitor center parking lot, and there is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle. The trailhead is located near the visitor center, and facilities include restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area.
It’s also possible to take a shuttle or taxi from Juneau to the visitor center, which can be arranged through various local companies. Hikers should be aware that the road to the visitor center can be closed due to weather conditions, so it’s essential to check the current conditions before heading out.
Detailed Trail Description
The West Glacier Trail begins at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and follows a well-maintained path through a lush forest of spruce and hemlock trees. The trail starts with a gentle climb, gaining approximately 500 feet (152 meters) in the first mile. At around 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the trail crosses a small creek, which can be rocky and slippery. Hikers should use caution when crossing the creek, as the water can be fast-moving and deep.
As the trail continues, it enters a series of switchbacks, which wind their way up the mountain. The switchbacks are steep and rocky, but the trail is well-maintained, and hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At around 2 miles (3.2 km), the trail reaches a scenic viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding mountains.
From the viewpoint, the trail continues to climb, gaining another 500 feet (152 meters) in elevation. The trail then descends to the glacier terminus, which is a stunning sight, with its blue ice and towering seracs. Hikers can explore the glacier, but should be aware of the risks of glacier travel, including crevasses and avalanches.
The trail also features several landmarks, including the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The trail also passes by several scenic lakes, including Mendenhall Lake, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Hikers can also spot wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, so it’s essential to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
At around 4 miles (6.4 km), the trail reaches the glacier terminus, which is a stunning sight, with its blue ice and towering seracs. Hikers can explore the glacier, but should be aware of the risks of glacier travel, including crevasses and avalanches. The trail then returns to the visitor center via the same route, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the West Glacier Trail is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the trail is free of snow. However, hikers should be aware that the trail can be closed due to weather conditions, so it’s essential to check the current conditions before heading out.
In May and June, the trail is surrounded by wildflowers, including lupines, gentians, and wild roses. The weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C). In July and August, the weather is warmer, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). This is the peak tourist season, and the trail can be busy.
In September and October, the weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) to 50°F (10°C). The trail is less crowded, and the fall colors are stunning, with the aspens and birches turning golden yellow. However, hikers should be aware that the trail can be icy and slippery, so it’s essential to bring crampons and an ice axe.
In the winter, the trail is closed due to heavy snow and avalanche risks. However, hikers can access the trail via snowshoes or cross-country skis, which can be rented at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
What to Bring
When hiking the West Glacier Trail, it’s essential to bring the following items:
- The Ten Essentials, including a map, compass, first aid kit, and emergency shelter
- Bear spray, as bears are common in the area
- Layers, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof jacket
- Trekking poles, which can be helpful on the steep and rocky sections of the trail
- Water treatment, such as a water filter or purification tablets, as the water in the streams and lakes may be contaminated
- Food and snacks, including energy-rich foods and trail mix
- Sunscreen and insect repellent, as the sun and insects can be intense
- A camera, to capture the stunning views and wildlife
Wildlife & Safety
When hiking the West Glacier Trail, hikers should be aware of the following wildlife and safety concerns:
- Bears, including black bears and grizzly bears, which are common in the area. Hikers should make noise while hiking, carry bear spray, and be aware of their surroundings.
- Moose, which can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Hikers should keep a safe distance and avoid approaching moose.
- Weather hazards, including rain, snow, and avalanches. Hikers should check the current weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- River crossing safety, as the streams and lakes can be fast-moving and deep. Hikers should use caution when crossing the streams and lakes, and consider bringing a water filter or purification tablets.
- Avalanche zones, which can be hazardous in the winter. Hikers should check the current avalanche forecast before heading out and be aware of the risks.
Photography Tips
The West Glacier Trail offers stunning views and photography opportunities, including:
- The Mendenhall Glacier, which is a breathtaking sight, with its blue ice and towering seracs. The best time to photograph the glacier is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and golden.
- The surrounding mountains, which offer panoramic views of the valley below. The best time to photograph the mountains is in the late morning or early afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky.
- The wildflowers, which include lupines, gentians, and wild roses. The best time to photograph the wildflowers is in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and golden.
- The wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. The best time to photograph the wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active.
Hikers should bring a camera with a wide-angle lens, as well as a telephoto lens, to capture the stunning views and wildlife. It’s also essential to bring a tripod, to stabilize the camera and avoid camera shake.
History & Background
The West Glacier Trail has a rich history and background, including:
- The Tlingit Indians, who have lived in the area for thousands of years and consider the glacier and surrounding mountains to be sacred. The Tlingit Indians have a deep connection to the land and have traditionally used the area for hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices.
- The gold rush, which brought miners to the area in the late 19th century. The miners established a series of trails and camps, including the West Glacier Trail, which was used to access the glacier and surrounding mountains.
- The construction of the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which was built in the 1960s to provide information and services to visitors. The visitor center offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, as well as exhibits and displays on the natural and cultural history of the area.
- The designation of the Mendenhall Glacier as a national recreation area, which was established in 1980 to protect the glacier and surrounding mountains for future generations. The national recreation area offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, kayaking, and skiing.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
The West Glacier Trail is part of a larger network of trails and campgrounds in the Juneau area, including:
- The Mendenhall Glacier Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The trail is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip and gains approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters) in elevation.
- The East Glacier Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The trail is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip and gains approximately 1,500 feet (457 meters) in elevation.
- The Auke Bay Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip and gains approximately 500 feet (152 meters) in elevation.
- The Mendenhall Lake Campground, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The campground has 12 sites, including 2 group sites, and offers amenities such as potable water, restrooms, and a picnic area.
- The Auke Bay Campground, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The campground has 10 sites, including 1 group site, and offers amenities such as potable water, restrooms, and a picnic area.
Hikers can combine the West Glacier Trail with other trails and campgrounds to create a multi-day adventure, including hiking to the Mendenhall Glacier, kayaking on Mendenhall Lake, and camping at the Mendenhall Lake Campground.