Hiking

Are there trails readily accessible from the cruise ship area so I can hike independently rather than hire a guide? Thank you.

Hiking

Hi Hockeyfan

Here is a list of some of the trails in the Juneau area..... juneautrails.org/trails/…PerserveranceTrail

The Perseverance Trailhead is located about 2 miles from the cruiseship dock....just hike uphill until you get to Basin Road and follow it to it%26#39;s end where the trail starts....hike up the mountain probably not more than a mile to reach a waterfall and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains....back at the trailhead....cross the foot bridge to the other side of the creek, there is also a gold mining museum that you may be interested in..

There is also an interpretive trail over on Douglas Island, the Treadwell Mine Trail, remants of old mining equipment and buildings and a nice photo op across the water of your cruise ship.....maybe take a cab to this trailhead and then if time allows, walk back......

Or if the weather is clear, hike up or down the Mountain Roberts trail (sometimes a little muddy, mostly switchbacks) there are alpine trails at the top with wonderful views !!

Or you can take one of the blue buses from the dock out to Mendenhall Glacier, the trail out to the falls from the visitors%26#39; center is quite tame and has some nice views, as well.....

Hiking

Thank you- I really appreciate your help

When you go to the Mendenhall Glacier, is there any trail that actually allows you to get on the glacier and do you just go near the glacier?

The west glacier trail has access to the glacier but it is very tricky to find the trail. If you are on a cruise ship you either need to rent a car or take a taxi. The public bus leaves you at least a mile from the trailhead.

One option is to go with Above %26amp; Beyond on their guided tour:

http://www.beyondak.com/glaciertrekking.html

John

As a Juneau local I can tell you that MomBear from Haines gave you good advice. You can definitely hike in Juneau without a guide. We have a group of mostly older (60+) who do a group hike one to two times per week year round. To be safe please stay on marked trails and let someone reliable know where you will be hiking. Layer your clothing and take a waterproof outer layer. Hypothermia is a risk all year in the rainforest. I think that the Mendenhall Glacier is your best bet although it means you will need to take a bus or cab from the cruise ship area. Even if the weather is wet there are good trails plus an excellent and warm visitor center. I would recommend starting with a visit to the center so that you can see maps of the trails, etc. Please do not attempt to go up close to the face of the glacier. Glaciers calve which means that chunks fall off; this has killed people here. Alternatively, you can take the tram up Mt. Roberts, get a spectacular birds eye view of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, mountain ranges, etc. and either take a shorter walk on the trails up there or hike down Mt. Roberts on the well-marked trail. You can walk to the tram from the cruise ship area.