exploring the Juneau ice field [closed]

exploring the Juneau ice field [closed] - Reflective Photography of Mountain

I think it'd be cool to do some limited exploring of the Juneau Icefield but I'm not entirely sure the best way to do so. I'd prefer to go with a group because I don't have any experience with camping under those conditions and would probably get lost and die if I tried to solo it lol. ( https://www.viator.com/Juneau-attractions/Juneau-Icefield/d941-a12941?sortType=featured doesn't mention any tours of the Juneau Icefield. Not sure if that's a result of COVID-19 or if they just don't normally have any tours.

https://alaskapowder.com/terrain/ seems like they might do skiing trips on the Juneau Icefield but I don't have any experience skiing. I could certainly pursue it but I'd kinda prefer a hiking trip (well, with snow shoes or crampons) or just a helicopter tour that flies over it.



Best Answer

I did a bit of Googling, and found I was getting some likely hits with the search terms "juneau alaska wilderness glacier excursion" - the term "excursion" gets you more involved trips than "hike," which gets you hikes near a glacier, or "tour," which gets mostly cruises and helicopter rides. Also many of the glacier activities that actually take you on top of a glacier are called "trek" or "trekking" so try putting that term into a search for more options.

Alaska.org has a list of Juneau glacier tours, including:

My experience with small-group and private tours like this, is that if you contact the tour company and tell them what you want to do, they are often willing to do a custom tour for you. It doesn't matter so much if the company has pre-scheduled tours listed on their website. Find a company or guide that does something similar to what you want to do, contact them and tell them what you're looking for. Even though most of the activities I listed didn't involve camping on the glacier, the guides that do those activities would be likely know whether and how you could do a multi-day excursion with camping on the glacier. Based on the usual activity dates on the Alaska.org page I linked above, it looks like your excursion will need to wait until May, so you have plenty of time to plan.

Regarding COVID safety, even though the actual excursion is out-doors, it likely will involve sitting in a vehicle of some sort to get there. So be sure to ask about how many people in the vehicle and ventilation and so on, and factor that into your risk assessment.




Pictures about "exploring the Juneau ice field [closed]"

exploring the Juneau ice field [closed] - Green Grass
exploring the Juneau ice field [closed] - Picturesque scenery of wild peaceful terrain in highland covered with snow against cloudy sky in winter
exploring the Juneau ice field [closed] - Brown Horse Running on Brown Field



Can you go inside Mendenhall Glacier?

The Mendenhall Glacier trails are open daily from 6:00 a. m. to midnight, even when the Visitor Center is closed. If you plan to walk or hike during your visit, dress appropriately and wear hiking boots or other shoes with soles designed for wet and slippery surfaces. Bring food and water if you are taking a long hike.

Can you see glaciers in Juneau?

Experience the Spectacular Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall, one of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America, is just 13 miles from downtown Juneau and a few minutes from the airport. It's a must-see destination for any Alaska vacation. You won't believe your ice!

Is Mendenhall Glacier still there?

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age, cradled high in the coast mountain's lofty peaks. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is accessible from the parking lots by stairs, elevators, and an easy ramp.

How big is the Juneau Icefield?

The Juneau Icefield Located in the Coast Mountain Range, North America's fifth largest icefield blankets more than 1,500 square miles of land stretching nearly 100 miles north to south and 45 miles east to west.



Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour




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