Trace the path of glacial succession as you introduce yourself to glacier trekking and the natural history of the Mendenhall Glacier! The trip begins with a 3.5 mile (5.6km) trail hike through the rainforest along Mendenhall Lake. The first mile of the trail is well maintained and goes through forests with a few switchbacks, while the second 2.5 miles (4km) of the trail is hiking on bedrock with rock scrambling in some steep sections. This rocky terrain is challenging and off the beaten path.

Once reaching the glacier, you will be outfitted in trekking gear. With the use of crampons, enjoy trekking on moderate glacial terrain overlooking Mendenhall Lake. This trip features close-up views of ice caves, streams, crevasses and other unique glacial formations!Professional expert guides will provide training to ensure a safe and fun adventure on Mendenhall Glacier.

The Mendenhall Glacier Trek and Climb caters to all ages and abilities, however, clients must be in good enough shape to hike for up to

6-6.5-hours, covering about 8 miles (12.8km) roundtrip. The hike to the glacier is challenging and hiking with a backpack is required. The backpack is provided, weighs approximately 10-15 pounds and holds mountaineering gear, snacks/water, and any extra clothing that you would like to bring.

Points of Interest

• Above & Beyond Alaska

• Mendenhall Glacier

• Backpack, rain jacket and pants (advise supplier of rain gear sizing)
• Roundtrip transportation from designated meeting point
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Hearty snack/bottled water

• Gratuities

Embark on the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, an exhilarating 6-7 mile expedition! The adventure kicks off with a 3-mile hike through the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest on Earth. An expert guide will navigate you through this wilderness, passing beaver ponds and ascending exposed glacial landscapes where the path merges with nature.

As you exit the forest and reach the final ridge, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Mendenhall Glacier’s rugged facade and its icy river. Here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the glacier, relish hearty snacks, and take breathtaking photos. Marvel at the glacier’s deep blue crevasses, cascading icefall, surrounding mountains, and Nugget Falls.

This hiking tour is challenging and requires excellent balance and sure-footedness. The trail features an 800-foot elevation gain, traversing rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It’s a remarkable journey that offers unforgettable scenery.

• Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
• Minimum age is 10 years. For families with children between 8-9, we can customize a private trip.
• All clients must be in good enough shape, conditioned and capable of hiking up to 4 hours, covering about 7 miles roundtrip.
• Clients need to wear sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support while hiking on uneven, rocky terrain . All clients will need to hike with a backpack the entire way on this trip.
• Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant
• This tour does not include trekking on the glacier or exploring around the glacier’s edge, but will get groups to the glacier view vista.
• A specific amount of time spent at the glacier viewing area cannot be guaranteed. The amount time is dependent on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
• With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip’s departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible.
• Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
• A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the trek due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace.
• RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.