Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls by Blue Bus

The Blue Bus takes you straight from the ship to Alaska's most accessible glacier

You get roundtrip narrated transport from the cruise terminal, two hours to explore Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls on your own, and Visitor Center entry with exhibits included. The self-guided format means you choose whether to hike, photograph, or linger at the viewpoint, and the return timing is built around your ship's departure window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Mendenhall Glacier30m · entry included
2. Nugget Falls1h · entry included

Explore Mendenhall Glacier area

• Take Glacier Blue Bus from Juneau terminal
• Listen to scenic commentary en route
• Arrive at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Explore Visitor Center exhibits
• Walk trails and photograph glacier views
• Optionally hike to Nugget Falls
• Return to bus for departure

The experience

The glacier sits two hours of self-guided time in front of you, and the Blue Bus gets you there from downtown Juneau without the logistics. You board near the cruise ship terminal, ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who narrates the route, and arrive at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center ready to move at your own pace. The Visitor Center entry is included, so you can walk through the interactive exhibits about how the glacier formed and what's happening to it now, or skip straight to the trails.

Most people spend their two hours split between the Visitor Center and the walking paths that branch out from the parking area. You can photograph Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake from the main viewpoint without hiking, which takes five minutes. If you want to see Nugget Falls up close, the roundtrip hike runs 45 to 60 minutes, so timing matters. You'd do that first if you're going, then circle back to the Visitor Center before the return bus leaves. The trails are open to all fitness levels, and you're not locked into a pace or a guide's schedule.

The narrated ride back to the terminal gives you time to sit down after being on your feet, and you're back at the ship with enough buffer before departure. This works because it's built around cruise schedules. The return timing is planned so you don't have to sprint back or cut your glacier time short. Strollers work fine for the Visitor Center and the main viewpoint, and infants ride on an adult's lap during the bus ride.

What’s included

• Your experience includes narrated roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center with interactive exhibits, and two hours of self-guided exploration at the glacier.
• You can walk the trails, photograph Mendenhall Lake and the glacier, visit the Visitor Center, or hike to Nugget Falls if you choose.
• All park entrance fees are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “You will meet the team on the water side of the Gold Belt Tram building underneath the green canopy tent. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by M&M Glacier and City Tours

Is this one for you?A good fit if you're docked in Juneau and want to see Mendenhall Glacier without arranging your own transport or worrying about timing back to the ship. The self-guided format means you set the pace, and the return is timed around cruise departures so you're not rushed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Can I hike to Nugget Falls if I'm not very fit?

The hike to Nugget Falls is optional and takes 45 to 60 minutes roundtrip. You can see it from the parking lot and Visitor Center without hiking. All the walking trails are suitable for various fitness levels.

Is the Visitor Center entry included?

Yes. Entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is included, along with access to interactive exhibits and educational presentations.

What if I want to bring a stroller?

Strollers are fine. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants are required to sit on an adult's lap during the bus ride.

How much time do I actually have at the glacier?

You have two hours total at the Mendenhall Glacier to explore on your own. This is self-guided time, so you decide how to spend it.

What's included in the price?

Narrated roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver/guide during the bus tour, Visitor Center entry, and park entrance fees.

Is there time to do both the Nugget Falls hike and the Visitor Center?

It's tight. The Nugget Falls hike takes 45 to 60 minutes roundtrip, so if you do it, start right away and plan to visit the Visitor Center afterward or skip it. You need to be back at the bus on time.