You are bound to see one of approximately 30,000 bald eagles who make their home in Alaska. By car or shuttle, it takes. Pennsylvania Best & Most Cost Effective Way to Get to Mendenhall Glacier? I'm We loved walking the trails and taking our time at the glacier, knowing that the Blue Bus returned for a pick up every 30 minutes all day long. Our guides know the best places to find the majestic whales that visit Juneau in the summer. LOL. How far is it from the glacier? Oh by the way..be sure to walk down to the falls. Drive Toward Mendenhall Glacier In The Tongass National Forest. Follow Glacier Spur until you see Mendenhall Loop Road (yes, again) on your left, turn left, and then continue on it. Dont put off a visit to Mendenhall Ice Cave, its constantly shifting and changing, and will collapse every so often and reform. We took a public bu to Mendenhall and back last June. Very picturesque. Catch the local bus and walk to the visitors centre. I forget the details, but taxis are apparently required to charge it. These services will cost a minimum of $35 each way. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Upon arrival at the glacier, your guide will point out the areas of special interest and self-guided trails through Tongass National Forest. Thank you so much for this article. Better yet, price a rental car for the day. 1.5 miles sounds fine, unless it's a rainy windy day. Our cruise is officially a week away and I'm going through our itinerary. The city bus is a long drive and drops you a mile from the Visitor Center (unpleasant in a downpour). A short walk from the cruise ship docks is the bus depot, called The Downtown Transit Center. There are several transportation options from the Juneau cruise ship docks. No - I am hoping that Eaglecw will be able to give us a googlemap link to where to catch the public bus back - or maybe that there is a taxi rank at the Visitors Centre to get back? Might not work for getting in at noon. We went up to the glacier after doing a whale watch so we didnt have time for a hike. Additionally once you get to the saddle, above the glacier, the trail descends loose, dangerous scree for several hundred feet now. We don't want to take a tour that limits our time there, so that limits some options. 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. When I walked on Mendenhall Glacier it required that I take a helicopter excursion in order to get to and walk on the glacier. ;) They sent along with the confirmation an area map and things to see. A Complete Guide to the Juneau Cruise Port - He Works So I Travel There's a Mendenhall Glacier tour for everyone. The Forest Service web site has info on transportation options. Tongass National Forest - Offices - US Forest Service Find all the transport options for your trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area right here. We are looking at excursion options. Depending on how many people are in your group, this could easily be a much more economical way to do it. Dale E Smith Understand you can take a bus to the glacier. Great tour! - While walking around downtown, I overheard tours and transportations being offered to the glacier for $45 roundtrip. Is the viewing area far from glacier? Amazing isnt it? We are doing it in style at the, If you have suggestions of places My Virtual Vacations would love, reach out to us on our, Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services, Excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Bake, scenic cruising through Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier, first Aqua Class experience on Celebrity Equinox, Transportation to the activity should be under an hour drive. If you are not on a cruise ship please be sure to call to confirm schedule for the day you are in town. Add in the park fee. Nearest public bus stop to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is athttps://goo.gl/maps/Rb6z6BfaJ2zfFPjP7. The easiest way to explore the glacier is by purchasing a tour at the shore excursion desk on your cruise ship or through a third-party shore excursion company. For a truly exciting trip, the Ice Adventure tour can include a visit to the famous Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves if conditions are favorable. The attached link has info on the various ways of getting to Mendenhall. Guided is definately the way to go, in my opinion. I'd rather grab a local, give them $25 and have them drop us off. If you dont mind the walk, take the bus. No hiking needed to see the glacier, you will be able to see it right from the parking lot. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/. An hour on a public bus is a long time to me. The area around the glacier is hard packed sand so not sure how easy a stroller would be to push but it shouldn't be too bad. The journey takes approximately 39 min. Like previously mentioned you can hop on a shuttle bus near the cruise port for $45 per person. For Foodies After a breathtaking and exhilarating 15min of soaring through the mountains and over nature we landed on the glacier, we were met with enthusiasm and excitement of the Temsco crew on the ground. Can anyone tell me if our National Parks Annual Pass is valid there? And average costs. Is it necessary to reserve a cab ahead of time? Thank you so much for this great article. At least one tour company does a hike to the Glacier using the West Glacier Trail. However, the cab company is saying "The $2.00 per person USFS fee is charged upon entrance to all who visit the Mendenhall Glacier from ages 0-100+." He said the driver needs to collect the $2/pp fee (even for my 3 & 6 yr olds). The glacier is always a wonder. Improve this listing. And if there are 3 or more of you, it's probably the same price as the shuttle but you'll get so much more for your money. During May 2017? There are cheaper options, but I will pay a little extra for convenience any day. After paying the entrance fee (which is included in the shuttle price) IMO the price difference is pretty negligible anyway. And we are not herded around (which sometimes that is not a bad thing!). CocaCola19, July 23, 2012 in Alaska. #7. It was a white painted school bus that made the rounds every hour. Fantastic experience from beginning to end. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. We have a helicopter excursion in the morning, but hope to visit the glacier in the afternoon and do some hiking. Anyone have advice for me? Peak times the bus runs every 30 minutes for the 20 minute one way ride. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. I called the Mendenhall Visitor center today to get more information about the current conditions of the caves and was told all were collapsed. On Friday, they called to confirm. Hi Eflinda, I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Over the years we have taken the Shuttle Blue Bus. Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? I had always dreamed of seeing the Mendenhall Glacier. I would like to share how we got to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center from the cruise port as we arrived on a cruise ship which was docked directly across from the Mt. I will be on Radiance of the Seas next month. Use the trail that goes right around the rocky point and stays closer to the lake! Immediately upon arriving, you'll take in the delicious smoky aromas and festivities. I've been doing nothing but raving about our fantastic experience since we've returned. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour - Alaska Shore Excursions We are renting from Juneau Car Rental which has their pickup location near the AJ dock. Thank you so much! Can't believe the shuttle is up to $45 now. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. There are a number of trails that provide different views and sites to see. Princess Cruise excursion offered a helicopter tour of Mendenhall Glacier. The fastest way to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is to taxi. After a stroll around the beautiful grounds (hint: take the walking trail to see the waterfall), browsing the authentic Alaska mementos, and eating every last bite of the Gold Creek Salmon you can possibly muster, they have shuttles to take you back to the ship running every 20 minutes or so. What's the best way to get to and from Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau? Holland America He can walk with his cane and has a portable scooter that folds up to the size of a suitcase. As for when to disembark . we asked the bus driver. 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Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. -------This excursion is offered through Temsco Helicopters, Inc. more information about Temsco found here: http://www.temscoair.com/medenhall.phpPrincess Cruises MENDENHALL GLACIER HELICOPTER TOUR: http://www.princess.com/excursion/exDetails.page?tourCode=JNU-810All footage shot using a Samsung Galaxy S7Music by Joakim Karud http://youtube.com/joakimkarud Our expert guide filled us in about how glaciers form, flow and then shape the landscape. Many of the excursion guides are college graduates or students who work in Alaska during the touristy summer months. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! There is no taxi rank at Mendenhall. Powered by Invision Community. Spent as much time there as we found it interesting and just walked back to the parking lot and jumped on the bus. 3. 2. You only need a few hours for Mendenhall which is only a 20 minute drive from the pier. If you have 8 hrs in port, a car would be the best use of your time. Better yet, I have one reserved. Federal passes are accepted and sold as well as daily passes. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Has anyone used "The Blue Bus" Glacier Express. Buses in both directions are heading downtown. I've been trying to research the. Once you arrive at Mendenhall Glacier, you'll be dropped at the. Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. I might just have to look to have the glaze shipped! Been told to take City bus for like $2 a person. Celebrity Cruises The choice was to either take one of the expensive shuttle buses that departs by the Tramway ($49 pp) or take a public bus which required a little more time/walking for only $4 roundtrip pp. If you want to hike you can walk out to the waterfall or other various trails. Expect the hike to take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours on average, each way. As I recall, there are many different ways to get around and walkways around the glacier, so I would think it would work well. as far as i know you fly in. This is not true. Required fields are marked *. We were glad we did the on our own. Entries Feed They are Mendenhall Loop Road just west of Glacier Spur Road (the road to the Glacier). I wrote a review for Celebrity Century that tells what we did in Juneau. Capital Transit operates a bus from Glacier Avenue and 9th Street to Mendenhall Loop Road and Dredge Lake Road hourly. It worked out great. How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau Cruise Port Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Glacier Avenue and 9th Street and arriving at Mendenhall Loop Road and Dredge Lake Road. Hyatt Hotels Lord Baltimore Hotel Visit scenic Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake for an unobstructed view of the glacier's face. Then someone else said, nope, closer to $60. jenchamby, April 22, 2019 in Alaska, Heading on a RCl Alaskan cruise in July. It can be a little bit of a hike back to the ship depending on which pier your ship is docked but the authentic Juneau shopping is not to be missed. The Glacier Shuttle schedule is set to the arrival and the departure of the cruise ships each day. We used the Glacier express shuttle, but it was a clusterToo many people waiting to catch itand then packed like sardines once on the shuttle. After we did the glacier and hiked to the falls, we had the car for the whole day and visited other places in the area. take another Blue or White bus again out to Mendenhall Glacier, we go to Juneau every summer. 5 star experience. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Does anyone know if the shuttle bus is accessible ? We took a small trail around that gave us some good walking and good views of the glacier. Better yet, rent a car. and she says she can drop us at a parking lot 1/2 mile from the Glacier Visitor's Center, and we can walk to Nugget Falls etc from there (if dry). Here are a few things I look for: Just to name a few. Highlighted in a separate covered area, the pit is carefully tended to be at the optimum temperature for the delicate fish and it was cooked perfectly. How many ships are in port on your travel day? Choosing Your Excursion. Have a wonderful cruise! Plus it drops off at least a mile from the glacier. Only about 12 miles away from downtown Juneau where the cruise ships dock, the Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska's most spectacular and famous glaciers. I have always enjoyed this tour. Alyson. We want to go to Mendenhall Glacier but have read that a lot of passengers felt they didnt get enough time there. Every peak and crevice in a glacier takes years to form. We parked right down town under the library (a parking garage) and the best I can remember it was free - you can shop from there. It's over 13 1/2 miles of a glorious Juneau icefield that spills into Mendenhall Lake in the Tongass National Forest. Other visitors report having to duck down or even crawl to enter. There will be me, DH, and 9 month old. We are looking at excursion options. We were 4 people in our 50's at that time and found it a very easy walk around the area with the glacier and the waterfall. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I normally book everything to the minute before we even go on holiday. 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. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Such a short experience but was so so awesome. Injury and/or death is possible. Very helpful people. Winter (October to April) is free (no fee required) and visitor center hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. It's sweet and smoky and admittedly, slightly addicting. Additionally the trail that is recommended, and that goes north at the fork, is seldom used and becoming overgrown. 1. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021, Arrigetch Peaks Expedition: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, The Surreality of the Underbelly: The Mendenhall Cave, Inside a Glacier, Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair. There is a thread somewhere here in this section that explains the $7 fee for entry. Getting from downtown Juneau to the Visitor Center & Recreation Area - Information on getting from the ship to the center Recreation Area Permitted Tour Companies & Wedding Venue Company - Information on booking a guided tour Can I bring and consume food and beverages inside the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area and surrounding trails? Only about 12 miles away from downtown Juneau where the cruise ships dock, the Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska's most spectacular and famous glaciers. I weighed the same things. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Maryland I'm pretty sure that the shuttle bus that includes the Mendenhall entrance fee is round trip, not each way. for 20% off at checkout, Login By Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. On the trail to Nugget Falls you will find a memorial plaque of Romeo and the wolf exhibit with Romeos recorded howls at the Mendenhall Visitor Center. Another option would be to rent a car in Juneau . For this excursion, you walk only a short distance . You enjoy, Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Taxi to Mendenhall Glacier - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community It can take me forever to find the perfect activity at each cruise port. I couldn't have asked for a better excursion in Juneau. Sounds like a good plan to me. Take the first bus you see. We did it in mid-January, which Id think is about the earliest as the ice was still a bit thin (though just thick enough for walking and ice skating). Do take care as people have fallen through the ice in the past. Also, is it necessary to book transportation now or are there enough options once we get off the ship to just wait?Thanks so much for any help. If you get to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, have a bite of salmon for me! This same excursion in Juneau is available on a variety of cruise lines. Just wondering what peoples experiences were with cabs and or shuttle services. I am very happy you liked the article! Your transfer will be confirmed instantly after making a booking. Youll arrive in one of three ways. Any tips or advice? Hopefully, car rental for us, too. I know I'll NEVER!! Where the road forks take the right onto Skaters Cabin road. It is an easy walk to the waterfall with pictures that will amaze anyone. You'll find on any mode of transportation in Alaska, you'll be given history and fun facts as you travel along to your destination. Hands down one of the most magical things Ive done in the world? The bus driver doubled and tripled as a tour guide AND a comedian. Virginia Thanks! Salamander Resort & Spa This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kid Friendly Travel Director of Sales & Marketing Both of the bus brands that I found to book to the Glacier were $45 a person round trip. Obviously a guesstimate since the cab is on a meter, but it's only a 20 minute ride so it will be close. The walkways look pretty even. We will give that a shot before we go. By air, bycruise ship, or by theMarine Highway(aka: the ferry). When I took the public bus we boarded downtown, so have no idea where you pick it up nr the pier. Take the phone number with you and call for a pick up about 30 minutes before you're ready to leave .. if there are a lot of ships in town you may have to wait for a ride so don't wait until the last minute! Our facility and lands are managed by the federal government through the United States Forest Service. Washington D.C. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Marriott Hotels Powered by Invision Community. There is also now a $5 entrance fee to the Mendenhall Glacier which was previously free of charge. Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go We were on last week, convenient and simple for the Glacier Express. We like the fact that we can spend as much time there as we want -- not confined to a ship's tour which allows you only a limited time. We were there 3 weeks ago, We rented a car from National for $59. Contact me for any specific questions or recommendations. It is pretttttty chilly and my brother wore shortsAfter about 25 min the helicopters swoop in with a new group, our expert guide waved us over once it was safe for us to board and helped buckle us in. I couldn't agree more. We walked around for a while, went up to the visitors center, took some pictures, and generally admired the view. I also really appreciate that she answered my random questions I had for her regarding their personal experience on the glacier. I believe only certain companies land on Mendenhall, while other companies land on other glaciers within the ice field. It's a 1.5 milewalk on a wide sidewalk through woods with occasional views of the glacier. Its not uncommon for people to twist ankles, suffer sprains, and even break bones on this trail. Find all the transport options for your trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area right here. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Best & Most Cost Effective Way to Get to Mendenhall Glacier? 1. Shortly after a bus took us to Temsco. We'll be there again in a few weeks and will get another car. Does that mean you can just look at the glacier or can you actually walk on it? We are on the Eurodam the week of May 12. For our day in Juneau, the ship didn't arrive at the pier until 1:30 PM since we were. Roberts Tramway. Taking this option will cost 30-40 and takes 23 min. I do find them to be extremely helpful and they will be honest. WALKING on Mendenhall Glacier/Helicopter Tour - YouTube Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Not sure how close the rental car place is to the docks. Juneau to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Juneau to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, Juneau to Wrangell Saint Elias National Park. We have a helicopter excursion in the morning, but hope to visit the glacier in the afternoon and do some hiking. Sonesta Head northwest on Egan Drive, take a right onto Mendenhall Loop Road which will turn into Glacier Spur Rd. Seattle If you are in a hotel or any part of Juneau you can also try to grab a Uber, Lyft or Taxi. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. There was an opportunity to use the restroom beforehand which shortly thereafter we were separated into our respective helicopters by weight by a team member who called out our names to walk us to the helicopter we were assigned to. Looking for a great excursion in Juneau for your family? Getting to Mendenhall Glacier - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community Thanks for starting this Thread and the responses. It was several years ago but my husband just hopped local bus service to get there. Excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Bake We rented a car our last time in Juneau. The blues flicker and flash and appear to shift to different hues. It is very convenient and leaves every half hour and takes you directly to the visitor center at the park. Would we be able to get back to the ship dock / Mt Roberts Tramway easily please? Thanks for the clarification but the OP should now at least understand that one can't walk on the glacier simply by going to the Visitors Center. Don't pay through the nose for a tour. Powered by Invision Community. Walk north along the western flank of the glacier. Look at the height of this waterfall compared to the people standing below. At the cruise ship docks, several bus services offer low-cost rides ($30 round trip) to the Mendenhall Glacier during the summer visitors season. We walked off the ship on our own time, up to a tour kiosk, bought our tickets, climbed on the bus and were on our way within 10 minutes. #1 Posted October 1, 2006 We are booked with Orca Enterprises and Captain Larry for a whale watching tour in Juneau. Your email address will not be published. Even if you don't choose the hike, you can still see the waterfall from the viewing area on the main walkway. The fresh wild-caught salmon is truly the star of the show. Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area - Rome2rio Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Let me first thank you for the stellar article and recommendation. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. This route includes bridges, hazards, loose rocks, inclines, declines, and even stairs. that the bus ride and other stops arent a problem. If you take the MGT bus it is only $8pp each way and I would assume the child is free but not entirely sure. Wondering how to get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport in Juneau, United States?
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