Hsmama Posted March 6, 2017 #1 Share Posted March 6, 2017 looking at maps and hiking opportunities- any solid advice for this trail? The map says 6.8 miles= 5 hours, is that the total time, or one way? I am interested in other views of the glacier that can be had on hikes, etc. We have a rental car, not sure which we want to try, we aren't afraid of hiking (moderate) and we will be in port from 1-9 first week of May- any and all advice about hiking mendenhall for views is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glaciers Posted March 6, 2017 #2 Share Posted March 6, 2017 This is a pretty good blog (not mine) on the West Glacier Trail with photos. http://www.panamintcity.com/alaska/westglacier.html We hiked the trail several years ago and had a wonderful time. The prize at the end is being able to look from above at where the tour helicopters land on the glacier. We did it on a beautiful day. Not sure we’d attempt it if it were raining as there are areas where you are hiking on rocks that would be slick. There is also a chance to run in to bears along the trail. On nice days, particularly on weekends, the trail will have many other people on it. The 5 hours would be round trip. The problem will be your time frame which is early for this trail. You’ll need to check on trail conditions the closer you get to your arrival in Juneau. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hsmama Posted March 6, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Thanks... that's a great read! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugaltravel Posted March 6, 2017 #4 Share Posted March 6, 2017 I hiked this trail one time when in port from a cruise ship. I rented a car since you can't easily get to the trailhead otherwise (taxi I guess, but that would have been more expensive both ways than the car rental). Great hike and I too liked getting above the glacier. The main downside of the hike for me was that I constantly heard all the helicopters buzzing around. I guess it was inevitable but it certainly was a distraction. If you are in Skagway and like hiking, the Upper Dewey Lake Trail is great for views and a good workout. There is another trail there that I also hiked during a different time in Skagway - Upper Reid Falls Trail I believe it was called. Different from and more strenuous than the Lower Reid Falls Trail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hsmama Posted March 6, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted March 6, 2017 We aren't going to Skagway..... I will watch the weather, and keep it as a possibility..... if our ship is docked from 1-9, we could potentially hike till about 7:30 and be back in plenty of time..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glaciers Posted March 6, 2017 #6 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Watch your time. You’ll need your own transportation as the trail head is on the west side of the glacier and visitor center where the shuttles go. Car rental or cab and then allow for the rental drop off or waiting for a cab. It will take 25-30 minutes one way from the tram downtown to the trailhead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hsmama Posted April 26, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted April 26, 2017 got it- thanks- we will have a car rental for this so it might be possible to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maniacminn Posted April 29, 2017 #8 Share Posted April 29, 2017 looking at maps and hiking opportunities- any solid advice for this trail? The map says 6.8 miles= 5 hours, is that the total time, or one way? I am interested in other views of the glacier that can be had on hikes, etc. We have a rental car, not sure which we want to try, we aren't afraid of hiking (moderate) and we will be in port from 1-9 first week of May- any and all advice about hiking mendenhall for views is appreciated. What day will you be in port? Is your car full? ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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