I live in Florida, and do not experience cold weather very often. So, a sight such as the Mendenhall Glacier in cold weather on an Alaskan cruise is so different and just wonderful to me.
Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning natural wonder located approximately 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska. It is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers visiting the area, offering an up-close view of a glacier. There are numerous ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau Cruise Port, making it an accessible and memorable experience for all.
One of the easiest ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is to book an excursion through your cruise ship company. Many cruise lines offer this as an option, including Princess Cruises. Alternatively, visitors can take a public bus from the cruise port to the glacier, or opt for a shuttle bus service provided by private companies. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is also located near the glacier and offers helpful information and exhibits for visitors.
Mendenhall Glacier Overview
Mendenhall Glacier is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Juneau,The Mendenhall Glacier is located in Alaska and is one of the 38 main glaciers in the Juneau Icefield, which is a network of glaciers behind the mountain towering above Juneau. The icefield spans 1,500 square miles and boasts some of the most breathtaking glaciers in the world.
Mendenhall Glacier is approximately 13.6 miles long and is fed by the Juneau Icefield. It is an active glacier, which means that it is constantly moving and changing. The glacier is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, forests, and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Climate change has had a significant impact on Mendenhall Glacier, as it has caused the glacier to recede at an alarming rate. Over the past century, the glacier has retreated more than a mile and continues to recede every year. This has led to changes in the local ecosystem, including the loss of habitat for certain species of wildlife.
Visitors to Mendenhall Glacier can access it from the Juneau Cruise Port through several means, including public buses, shuttles, and taxis. There are also guided tours available that offer visitors a chance to learn more about the glacier's history, geology, and ecology.
Overall, Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning natural wonder that is a must-see for anyone visiting Juneau, Alaska. Its beauty and majesty are a testament to the power of nature and the importance of preserving our planet's natural wonders for future generations.
Reaching Mendenhall Glacier from Cruise Port
Mendenhall Glacier, located in the Mendenhall Valley, is a popular tourist attraction for Alaska cruise ship passengers. The glacier is approximately 12 miles from downtown Juneau, and there are several ways to reach it from the cruise port.
Cruise Excursion
One of the easiest ways to get to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is to book an excursion through your cruise ship company. Many cruise lines offer this as an option, including Princess Cruises. This option is convenient, but it can be more expensive than other alternatives.
Public Transportation
Another option is to use public transportation. The city bus system in Juneau offers service to Mendenhall Glacier from the downtown transit center. The Blue Bus Glacier Express is a popular option that runs from May to September and costs $30 round trip. The bus stops at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where visitors can access the glacier and surrounding trails.
Taxi or Shuttle
Taxis and shuttles are also available from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle is a popular option that runs from May to September and costs $35 round trip. This shuttle picks up passengers at the cruise port and drops them off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Ride-Sharing Services
Lyft and Uber are available in Juneau, but they may not be the most cost-effective option for getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port. The ride-sharing services can be more expensive than other alternatives, especially during peak tourist season.
Driving
If visitors prefer to drive themselves, they can rent a car and take Egan Drive to Mendenhall Loop Road. This route takes approximately 25 minutes from the cruise port to the glacier.
Overall, there are several options for reaching Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, including cruise excursions, public transportation, taxis or shuttles, ride-sharing services, and driving. Visitors should choose the option that best fits their budget and time constraints.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Juneau, Alaska. The glacier is situated 13 miles from the city, and there are several ways to get there from the cruise port, including tours, shuttles, and buses.
One popular option is to book an excursion through a cruise ship company. Princess Cruises, for example, offers a tour that includes a visit to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the glacier's formation and history through exhibits and films. The tour also includes a stop at Nugget Falls, a stunning waterfall that flows from the glacier.
For those who prefer to explore on their own, there are several trails in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area that offer breathtaking views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. The Trail of Time is a self-guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through the geological history of the area, while the West Glacier Trail and the East Glacier Loop offer more challenging hikes with stunning views of Mt. McGinnis.
One of the most popular spots for photos is the aptly named Photo Point, which offers a stunning view of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the glacier, including the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure, which takes visitors on a trek across the glacier's surface, and the Mendenhall Glacier Trek, which includes a hike to the glacier and an ice cave exploration.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip offers a relaxing journey down the Mendenhall River, with stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding wilderness.
Overall, exploring Mendenhall Glacier is an unforgettable experience that offers something for everyone, from hiking and trekking to learning about the glacier's history and formation.
Additional Activities Near Mendenhall Glacier
There are plenty of activities to do near the Mendenhall Glacier, making it a great destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, salmon bake, shopping, tramway, canoe, cycle Alaska, and explore Alaskan wildlife.
For those interested in whale watching, there are several tour companies that offer whale watching tours in Juneau. These tours usually last around three hours and take visitors to the best spots to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide information about the whales and their behavior.
Salmon bake is another popular activity for visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier. Several restaurants in the area offer delicious salmon dishes, including grilled salmon, smoked salmon, and salmon chowder. Visitors can also enjoy other local specialties like crab legs and halibut.
Shopping is another popular activity near the Mendenhall Glacier. The Juneau downtown area has many shops that sell souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and other items. Visitors can also find shops that sell local products like smoked salmon, Alaskan beer, and handmade crafts.
The Roberts Tramway is a popular attraction in Juneau that takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts. The tramway offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mendenhall Glacier. Visitors can also visit the Robert Tramway ticket office to learn more about the history of the tramway.
Canoeing is a popular activity near the Mendenhall Glacier. Visitors can rent canoes and explore the Mendenhall Lake, which is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, otters, and beavers.
Cycle Alaska is a popular bike rental company that offers guided tours of the Mendenhall Glacier area. Visitors can explore the scenic trails and roads around the glacier, enjoying stunning views of the landscape.
Finally, visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier can explore the Alaskan wildlife. The area is home to a variety of animals, including bears, moose, eagles, and whales. Visitors can take guided tours of the area to learn more about the wildlife and their habitats.
In conclusion, there are plenty of activities to do near the Mendenhall Glacier, making it a great destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, salmon bake, shopping, tramway, canoe, cycle Alaska, and explore Alaskan wildlife.
Helicopter Tours
For those looking for a unique and breathtaking experience, a helicopter tour of the Mendenhall Glacier is a must. These tours offer an unparalleled aerial view of the glacier and surrounding landscape, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the beauty of Alaska from above.
During a typical helicopter tour, visitors will board a helicopter and take off from the Juneau cruise port, soaring over the lush rainforest and crystal-clear lakes before reaching the massive Mendenhall Glacier. The helicopter will then land on the glacier, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the icy wonderland on foot.
Most helicopter tours last approximately one hour, with approximately 20-30 minutes spent on the glacier itself. Visitors should be aware that these tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
It is important to note that helicopter tours can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per person. However, many visitors find that the experience is well worth the cost, and consider it a highlight of their trip to Alaska.
Overall, a helicopter tour of the Mendenhall Glacier is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on one of Alaska's most stunning natural wonders.
Cruise Lines Offering Trips to Mendenhall Glacier
Many cruise lines offer excursions to Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port. One of the most popular options is Princess Cruises, which offers a variety of tours that include a visit to the glacier. Other cruise lines that offer trips to Mendenhall Glacier include Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
Most of the tours offered by these cruise lines include transportation to the glacier, as well as a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Some tours also include additional activities, such as hiking, kayaking, or whale watching.
For those who want to explore the glacier on their own, there are also shuttle services available from the Juneau cruise port. Juneau Tours offers a Glacier Shuttle that runs every 30 minutes and takes visitors directly to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors' Center.
It's important to note that the availability of these tours may vary depending on the cruise line and the time of year. It's always a good idea to check with the cruise line or tour operator in advance to confirm the details of the excursion and to make sure that it fits with your schedule.
Overall, taking a trip to Mendenhall Glacier is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Juneau on an Alaska cruise. With so many options available, it's easy to find a tour that fits your interests and budget.
Accommodation and Dining Options
When visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port, visitors may want to consider staying in the Mendenhall Valley area. This area offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals. Some of the popular options include the Mendenhall Lake Campground, Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa, and the Best Western Country Lane Inn.
In terms of dining options, visitors can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the Southeast Alaska region. Juneau Glacier is home to many restaurants that offer fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and a variety of cuisines. Some of the popular options include the Hangar on the Wharf, Salt, and Saffron.
For those who prefer to have a picnic or cook their own meals, there are several grocery stores and markets in the area. Visitors can stock up on supplies at the Fred Meyer grocery store or the Nugget Alaskan Outfitter.
When driving to Mendenhall Glacier, visitors can take the Glacier Spur Road, which offers stunning views of Nugget Creek Falls. The road is well-maintained and provides easy access to the glacier.
Overall, visitors to Mendenhall Glacier have a variety of accommodation and dining options to choose from in the Southeast Alaska region.
Environmental Impact and Conservation Efforts
The Mendenhall Glacier is a natural wonder that draws thousands of tourists every year, but it is also an ecosystem that needs to be protected. The Tongass National Forest, which encompasses the glacier and its surrounding area, has implemented several conservation efforts to minimize the environmental impact of tourism.
One of the most significant conservation efforts is the preservation of the ice caves. These caves are formed by meltwater flowing underneath the glacier, creating stunning blue ice formations. The caves are fragile and can collapse at any time, so the Forest Service has closed them off to visitors to protect both the caves and the people who might enter them.
In addition to preserving the ice caves, the Forest Service has also implemented measures to minimize the impact of tourism on the glacier and its surroundings. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, for example, was built with sustainability in mind. The building features energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, and the landscaping around the center is designed to minimize water usage.
The Forest Service has also developed a plan to manage the increasing number of visitors to the glacier. The plan includes building a new welcome center and parking areas to reduce congestion and prevent damage to the surrounding environment. The plan was developed with input from the public, and the Forest Service has made efforts to address concerns raised during the public comment period.
Overall, the Tongass National Forest is committed to protecting the Mendenhall Glacier and its surrounding environment. The conservation efforts in place aim to preserve the natural beauty of the area while also allowing visitors to enjoy it in a sustainable way.
I hope you get to see the Mendenhall glacier on your next Alaskan cruise.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
