Grand Tour by Land: Glacier Gardens, Hatchery & Mendenhall Glacier

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Enjoy commentary about Juneau's gold rush and local history as you depart from downtown en route to Glacier Gardens. Upon arrival, meet your personal tour guide and transfer to a covered shuttle for an intimate look at this natural wonderland. Here, colorful plants, trees and flowers create a dazzling contrast to the lush green forest backdrop.

You will be amazed at the diversity of the rainforest as you wind your way along pathways carved from the mountainside toward the upper regions of the forest. Visit a one-of-a-kind Alaska garden featuring towering upside-down trees covered with planted flowers. From the viewing platform at the 580-foot level, capture images of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island and the Chilkat Mountains. Explore deeper into the forest on your return trip.

Your tour continues with a visit to Juneau's grand monument: Mendenhall Glacier. This meandering river of compressed blue ice ranks as the largest glacier accessible by road in southeast Alaska. It is a half-mile wide, hundreds of feet deep and fed by the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield.

The U.S. Forest Service staff offers a wealth of information on glaciers during your 75-minute visit to the glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center features exhibits, interactive videos and a panoramic view of the glacier. Don't forget your camera, as it boasts the perfect vantage point for photos of this world-famous sight. There are also numerous self-guided walking trails to experience the special beauty of Tongass National Forest, allowing ever-changing glimpses of the glacier.

Special Notes:

Accessibility:
Glacier Gardens--Wheelchair visitors will need upper body mobility to transfer from the wheelchair to the tour vehicle for the trip to the accessible viewing platform where a guide can assist you on the boardwalk tour.

Tour operator is authorized under special use permit to access the Tongass National Forest. Does not include walking on the glacier. Visit at the glacier is self-guided as your driver is not permitted to conduct tours.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.