Where is Mendenhall Glacier,Juneau, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mendenhall Glacier is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between Juneau and Auke Bay and is situated in the Tongass National Forest area. It is famous for its stunning ice formations, hiking trails, and easy access for visitors.

Mendenhall Glacier Location Map,Juneau, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Mendenhall Glacier

  • Mendenhall Glacier – Majestic glacier with walking trails and stunning ice formations.
  • Glacier Visitor Center – Exhibits on glacier geology, wildlife, and the history of the region.
  • Mendenhall Lake – Scenic lake at the glacier’s base, perfect for kayaking, photography, and wildlife viewing.
  • East Glacier Loop Trail – Hiking trail offering close-up views of the glacier, icebergs, and surrounding forest.
  • Photo Point Overlook – Panoramic viewpoints for capturing the glacier, waterfalls, and alpine scenery.
  • Nugget Falls – Dramatic waterfall cascading near the glacier, accessible via a short trail.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Spot bears, eagles, and salmon in the natural habitat surrounding the glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier Facts

Official NameMendenhall Glacier
LocationJuneau, Juneau Borough, Alaska, USA
Latitude & Longitude58.4090° N, 134.5750° W (approx.)
Total Area~13 miles (21 km) long; Glacier area varies due to seasonal changes
EstablishedDesignated as part of Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (date unspecified)
FounderU.S. Forest Service / Tongass National Forest
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (Tongass National Forest)
RegionSoutheast Alaska / Coast Mountains
AddressMendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 2131 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Zip Code99801
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptGlacial Landscapes, Ice Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Photography
Sections (Areas)Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - Nugget Falls Trail - East Glacier Overlook - West Glacier Trail - Mendenhall Lake
Famous AttractionsMendenhall Glacier Ice Face - Nugget Falls - Mendenhall Lake - Glacier Hiking Trails - Wildlife Viewing (bears, eagles, seals)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 400,000–500,000
Entry Fee TypeFree access to trails; parking and guided activities may require fees
Ticket Price RangeGuided Ice Hikes / Kayak Tours: ~$50–$200 per person depending on activity and duration
Ticket OptionsGuided Glacier Hikes - Kayaking Tours - Self-Guided Hiking Trails - Photography Tours
Best Time to VisitMay–September (summer months, milder weather, accessible trails)
Nearby AirportJuneau International Airport (JNU) – ~12 miles (19 km)
TransportationCar access via Glacier Hwy - Parking areas - Shuttle tours - Hiking trails - Kayak launch points
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recarea/?recid=78775

Distances from Mendenhall Glacier to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Mendenhall Lake – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • East Glacier Trail – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • West Glacier Trail – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Juneau, AK Downtown – 17 km (10.6 mi)
  • Tracy Arm Fjord – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Nugget Falls – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Juneau Icefield – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Gastineau Channel – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Auke Bay – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Perseverance Trail – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Thunderbird Falls – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Statter Harbor – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • Douglas Island – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Salmon Creek – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Juneau International Airport – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Mount Roberts Trail – 17 km (10.6 mi)
  • Gastineau Channel Bridge – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • Mosquito Lake – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Skagway, AK – 160 km (99.4 mi)