getting to mendenhall glacier from cruise ship

Upon arrival at the glacier, your guide will point out the areas of special interest and self-guided trails through Tongass National Forest. Following a short video we were outfitted in glacier boots that we wore over our shoes that will enable us to walk on the glacier. And don't forget to keep checking back forthe latest blog posts and information. On Friday, they called to confirm. Pickup and drop-off points are located at the cruise ship terminal near the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. All Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction. Unless someone is alone, it makes no sense to pay for a $45 shuttle. They are near the AJ dock also. Do you have to hike to see it? Its possible to bring a kayak (or rent one back in Juneau) and kayak across the lake in the summer and land just to the western flank of the glacier. It takes approximately 23 min to drive from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. 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. I've been trying to research the. This is a long trek and the trail is difficult, can be dangerous in areas, and is mostly unmarked, though there usually is some surveyors tape every so often marking the way. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Thank you so much for this article. Or do you have to take a helicopter/plane in order to walk on it? Can anyone tell me if our National Parks Annual Pass is valid there? How to Get to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau - Travelling With Nikki 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What's the best way to get to and from Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau? Arizona I had always dreamed of seeing the Mendenhall Glacier. Realized the only thing I didn't book is transportation to Mendenhall Glacier. "Mom, this is the BEST salmon I've EVER had!" 5.1k. Buses loop around the loop and then take Glacier Highway to/from downtown. You are choosing to go at your own risk as glacier travel can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. -------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 Easy to do. Does anyone know if the shuttle bus is accessible ? We want to go to Mendenhall Glacier but have read that a lot of passengers felt they didnt get enough time there. 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. dfilpus is right it's a long walk 1/12 mile walk from the bus stop on the corner of Mendenhall Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. I wrote a review for Celebrity Century that tells what we did in Juneau. Its still memorable to me how stunning it was. There are several transportation options from the Juneau cruise ship docks. Fantastic experience from beginning to end. What are the different types of Renfe trains in Spain? Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. By which street corner is the bus back to the Docks? You should be able to get a cab at the visitor center, getting back to town isn't a big problem. The network of cerulean ice caves is what makes Mendenhall Glacier so unique and special. the Mendenhall shuttle bus loads at the tram parking lot. The fresh wild-caught salmon is truly the star of the show. Caribbean And Bahamas A family we met on the ship was able to negotiate at the kiosks off the ship for $10 round trip(never though to try). At the self-serve buffet station, my favorite was the incredibly fresh cornbread, It literally melts in your mouth. We were there between 3 and 4 hours total. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Getting to Mendenhall Glacier - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community There is also now a $5 entrance fee to the Mendenhall Glacier which was previously free of charge. We have booked through Juneau Car Rental for a full size @ $79.35, WAAAY cheaper than the bus, plus less walking for these 4 older folks. It drops you off right near the visitor center. Earlier in the day we took an excursion that included a stop at the Visitors Center but while you could walk down to the lake across from the glacier, that was as close as you could get. I might just have to look to have the glaze shipped! The last of the caves that could be entered collapsed in May of 2019. We'd like to go to Mendenhall Glacier, check out the visitor center and do a bit of hiking for a few hours before going into town for shopping, dinner, etc. Realized the only thing I didn't book is transportation to Mendenhall Glacier. However, I would inquire with the cruise lines excursion department (Celebrity?) If you are flying with Coastal or TEMSCO just take a cab directly to Mendenhal. Tongass National Forest - Offices - US Forest Service One of their vehicles can seat 10. Check out kayak and canoe tripshere. Roberts Tramway. There are 3 ways to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area by bus, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. As a side note, I had read a very touching book, A Wolf Called Romeo, about a friendly wolf who had lived in this area. IF there are a few ships in town, there will be thousands of people vying for those taxis. Great place to see bears up close at that point. Bay Area Calfornia It can take me forever to find the perfect activity at each cruise port. Trekking on a glacier and inside ice caves is dangerous. 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. Get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier and back quickly and at your convenience with this round-trip shuttle service. Ritz Carlton Properties Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. The Alaska State Museum is located in downtown Juneau at 395 Whittier Street. Oh, and cost! The blue hue is produced by the glacier's crystal structure as it absorbs and reflects light. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! For Foodies It is advisable to get an early start, especially in the winter when days are short. 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. Besides booking an excursion what are my options for getting to Mendenhall and back? Yes, the driving distance between Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is 22 km. The visitor center itself has a theatre, a gift shop, and some good info about the glacier. I consider myself lucky if I do NOT see bears. Roberts Tramway. Better yet, I have one reserved. We had 2 hours at Mendenhall, which was plenty. Juneau cruise port guide - Cruise Crocodile It's best to visit a glacier on a cloudy day which makes the depth of the color even more brilliant. Wedding An hour on a public bus is a long time to me. If you want to hike you can walk out to the waterfall or other various trails. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you stroll through the Tongass National Forest. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. If you are not on a cruise ship please be sure to call to confirm schedule for the day you are in town. And we are not herded around (which sometimes that is not a bad thing!). 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. . This is the beginning of the West Glacier Trail. Oh by the way..be sure to walk down to the falls. Guess I'll rent a car ;), You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. The bus goes from downtown to the Mendenhall Valley, home of . Excursions - Princess Cruises Veer off the path to Nugget Falls for a longer walk of about 30 to 45 minutes or more, depending on your desired activity level. They do their best to keep your party together but it all comes down to weight to balance out the helicopter. There is another opportunity to use the restroom and complimentary hot coffee and browse the little gift store before being bussed back to the dock. So we will have plenty of time. Alaska's most famous and most visited glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown, is protected as part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Sincerely, Upon arrival at the glacier, your guide will point out the areas of special interest and self-guided trails through Tongass National Forest. So we would end up at the Visitors Centre with no taxi or bus booked. Otherwise you are backtracking an additional hour. I would suggest doing a tour through Juneau Tours called "Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour" (or something close to that). Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls is an absolute must-do and it was just beautiful. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? Immediately upon arriving, you'll take in the delicious smoky aromas and festivities. If you have 8 hrs in port, a car would be the best use of your time. 5 went for $50 while we paid $48 for our 3. The little bit of pain in the butt to get the car will pay off with having the ability to do a little more looking around freely. The fastest way to get from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is to taxi. Understand you can take a bus to the glacier. You must take a helicopter to walk on Mendenhall glacier. I hope they havent, but it does seem to happen every few years, When are these photos taken? I am so glad we found this Thread! 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. The guides in Alaska are extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. However at this late date it may be difficult to find a car. Virtually escape and start planning your next luxurious cruise vacation on land or sea with My Virtual Vacations. PictureNana, July 6, 2018 in Alaska. The best way I can describe what being inside the ice cave is like is to say its what Ive always imagined being trapped inside a sapphire would be like. The Forest Service link I posted earlier in this thread provides contact info for the various means of transportation to Mendenhall. You are bound to see one of approximately 30,000 bald eagles who make their home in Alaska. 3. Bermuda Not to seem petty, but there is no place in Juneau that is a LONG drive from anyplace else.. How do the shuttles work - it sounds like there are kiosks when you get off the ship. How many ships are in port on your travel day? If you rent a car, you could drive around and see other things. Once you arrive at Mendenhall Glacier, you'll be dropped at the. I believe $ 45 r/t is the price now, based on previous quotes. Read our, Ways to Experience Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Specialty Museums, Historic Sites, History Museums. Kind, professional, super knowledgeable employees and guides. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. ALASKA GLACIERS CRUISES - Royal Caribbean Cruises We arrive in Juneau at noon and depart at 9pm. https://www.traveljuneau.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here-and-around/public-transportation/, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, 4 hours and 12 minutes from the closest cruise terminal. Have you found any additional information about this yet? I called the Mendenhall Visitor center today to get more information about the current conditions of the caves and was told all were collapsed. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Travelling around the UAE, What are the different types of Renfe trains in Spain? Recommended option Line 3 bus 1h 7m I was particularly impressed with the fact that they have to do this day in, day out, multiple times a day and were still super stoked for us as guests experiencing the majestic glacier with them. Has anyone caught a taxi there from the cruise port recently? There are many "must haves" for each person in our family. 5 star experience. Amazing isnt it? Easy-peasy. Mendenhall Glacier from cruise port by public bus - Review of Be careful as the rocks and ice can be very slippery here. Salamander Resort & Spa On our walk to the visitors centre we saw a black bear crossing the road. Prices can be extremely high for Alaskan adventure excursions. Allows you to do more exploring. ? A Complete Guide to the Juneau Cruise Port - He Works So I Travel I will share this with the company! We are booked onto a small boat (Jayleen's) whale watching trip in the morning. Nothing like that in Texas. Plus it drops off at least a mile from the glacier. Skipped the visitor center and hiked the beach trail to Nugget Falls. There are no ice caves left at this point. Theres a chance that there may be no caves when you plan to visit. Head northwest on Egan Drive, take a right onto Mendenhall Loop Road which will turn into Glacier Spur Rd. The salmon was good but Gold Creeks is the best for sure!!! We have a bigger group so Im not sure if renting if at all cost effective. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Have a wonderful cruise! Spent as much time there as we found it interesting and just walked back to the parking lot and jumped on the bus. If you dont mind the walk, take the bus. Capital Transit operates a bus from Glacier Avenue and 9th Street to Mendenhall Loop Road and Dredge Lake Road hourly. Joining the ice worms under the surreal, icy blue world of a glacier. Nearest public bus stop to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is athttps://goo.gl/maps/Rb6z6BfaJ2zfFPjP7. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Whale watching: About 2 hours. angela auclair / Getty Images During peak season, which is May through September, admission to the glacier viewing area and all trails except the Photo Point Trail is free, but the Visitor Center charges a $5 admission fee for visitors ages 16 and older. Prices start at 87 per night. Virginia After paying the entrance fee (which is included in the shuttle price) IMO the price difference is pretty negligible anyway. All in all, I highly recommend The Blue Bus if you don't want to bother with calling for and waiting on taxis and ubers. We had a different driver on the way back, who shared different information about Juneau than the first one did. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Are there multiple shuttle companies? 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! Even with all of the food and guests, there is still plenty of seating and not a long wait for food at all. Here are a few things I look for: Just to name a few. 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. There are always more family vacations in our future! Although we miss the smoky wood, grill masters, and scenic Alaskan views! - Tripadvisor. It was several years ago but my husband just hopped local bus service to get there. Ya never know about bears anywhere in Alaska. 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. You only need a few hours for Mendenhall which is only a 20 minute drive from the pier. I do find them to be extremely helpful and they will be honest. Hopefully, car rental for us, too. There are places where the trail is covered with glacial material which some people call 'scramble' for good reason. Pennsylvania Dont put off a visit to Mendenhall Ice Cave, its constantly shifting and changing, and will collapse every so often and reform. Is there a visitor center? Wondering how to get to Mendenhall Glacier Transport in Juneau, United States? I was pleasantly surprised since I was prepared for it to be overly crowded. Powered by Invision Community. Lago Mar Resort And Club Not sure how close the rental car place is to the docks. Sounds like a good plan to me. Juneau - Wikitravel By air, bycruise ship, or by theMarine Highway(aka: the ferry). We rented a car our last time in Juneau. River Cruises Id love to hear any follow-ups. I would check on the bus service. The bus stops are on the Mendenhall loop. July 7, 2019. However, I was determined to sample this local specialty when in Alaska. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour - Alaska Shore Excursions Evergreen taxi has a 35 fee per car. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. By Great tour! Head northwest on Egan Drive, take a right onto Mendenhall Loop Road which will turn into Glacier Spur Rd. This fee gives you access to the Visitor Center, Photo Point Trail, and all on-site restrooms. 1. 4. Google them and call them. The road distance is 21.5 km. In 2019 there are ice caves that have reformed, but the openings to them always are changing so you may need to do some investigating on arrival to locate them. Any tips or advice? The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the Find all the transport options for your trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area right here. We arrived at 3 pm, walked the path to the glacier (45 minutes round trip) and picked up the return bus at 4 pm, right on schedule. It is an easy walk to the waterfall with pictures that will amaze anyone. Director of Sales & Marketing This is not true. You can ride atop Mendenhall Lake by kayak, canoe, or raft or you can fly to the glacier via helicopter. more, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. For our day in Juneau, the ship didn't arrive at the pier until 1:30 PM since we were. Celebrity Cruises How To Get Around In Juneau, Alaska As A Tourist (5 Ways) The SHUTTLE bus loads at the Tram Parking lot, $8pp. Better yet, rent a car. Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area - Rome2rio Find all the transport options for your trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area right here. Definitely make the trip to the waterfall for a great view of the falls and the glacier. When I walked on Mendenhall Glacier it required that I take a helicopter excursion in order to get to and walk on the glacier. (please post the results for others). There are a number of trails that provide different views and sites to see. Learn how your comment data is processed. TIA to any insight you may have! There is Surveyors tape marking the trail but it is nice to have a GPS as well. It was new to medo you know what gives glaciers their blue color? Powered by Invision Community. Second option is Taxi- How close is that drop off and about what does it cost each way? #1 Posted July 6, 2018 Our cruise is officially a week away and I'm going through our itinerary. 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? 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? What's the best way to get to and from Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau? Powered by Invision Community. Avis just moved. Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area bus services, operated by Capital Transit, depart from Glacier Avenue and 9th Street station. I see it's 14 miles away. Piggybacking on to this one, how easy is it to 1. catch a cab from the cruise port area to the glacier and 2. from the glacier to the back to the cruise port area? Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Prepared on the spot for the freshest flavors. Use the trail that goes right around the rocky point and stays closer to the lake! Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Call the cab companies and ask them directly for the price. It just depends on how the glacier has shifted. We booked a full size impala or similar for $79 including taxes, but booked it in August for this June. Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. Every peak and crevice in a glacier takes years to form. jenchamby, April 22, 2019 in Alaska, Heading on a RCl Alaskan cruise in July. Also - there's a trail that starts to the right hand side of the visitor center and connects to the east glacier trail. Thanks! The bus that drops you off a mile away is the city bus. How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From Cruise Port for 20% off at checkout, Login From the end of Skaters Cabin Road parking lot, starton theWest Glacier Trailand follow the trail 4.5 miles to the glacier. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Obviously a guesstimate since the cab is on a meter, but it's only a 20 minute ride so it will be close. Our UK phones may not even work out by the Falls? Good to know, thanks for the update. Dale E Smith You must take a helicopter to walk on Mendenhall glacier. View all of our Juneau whale watching tours. 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). Additionally the trail that is recommended, and that goes north at the fork, is seldom used and becoming overgrown. #7. You must take a helicopter to walk on Mendenhall glacier. Tickets cost 2 and the journey takes 39 min. 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). Phone numbers in this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=fseprd495443. Its probably too late at this point, but for more than 2, a car rental is usually cheaper and gives you flexibility on time spent at locations and where you can go. No food at the centre so eat before you go. The bus ride can take up to 1 hour, and the closest bus stop is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the Visitor Center. Additionally once you get to the saddle, above the glacier, the trail descends loose, dangerous scree for several hundred feet now. I know I'll NEVER!! This is not true. Do you think this excursions would work well with an elder that has some mobility issues. Contact me for any specific questions or recommendations. Public bus to mendenhall glacier | Visting Alaska | Kelsea Ventures If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Nestled between stunning mountain vistas and winding waterways, the modern city of Juneau is reminiscent of the old west. Also paid them $7 for each of us for admission to visitor center. Is Mendenhall Glacier worth seeing? Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. How to Ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center with Capital Shop the best flight deals on Expedia and Skyscanner. wonderful.. you can really see the color of the ice.. Check out theJuneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier. We are renting from Juneau Car Rental which has their pickup location near the AJ dock. I have always enjoyed this tour. So if you have at least two people wanting to go to Mendenhall you'd be about break even with the shuttle. The attached map also has distance info. 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. A great place to visit. For the extra $18 you get the quickest and most direct rout to Mendenhall Glacier plus lots of flexibility to go where ever you want for the rest of the day. The glacier is always a wonder. 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. after 7pm the locals come out. Id recommend a cab or different form of private transportation. If you want to have flexibility, get a car. $45 a person seems high to me, but not sure if there are other cheaper options. 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. I would suggest that you should have a bit more time to hike when you go up.
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