March 29, 2024

thecinematravelers

Inspired By Travel

Hiking Tips for the West Glacier Trail in Juneau

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Hiking is one of the best ways to see the splendor and beauty of the area. The West Glacier Trail in Juneau offers a moderately challenging hike that provides incredible views and diverse terrain. 

You’ll find it just challenging enough to fill half a day with a hike while seeing some must-see locations during your travels.

Learn more about the hiking trail and some tips for how to enjoy your time exploring the outdoors to the fullest.

About the West Glacier Trail in Juneau

This trail is about four miles long and is a great out and back for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area. However, it won’t be the easiest hike to engage in during your visit.

You should allow no less than two hours to complete the four miles. That’s probably more of a time commitment than you would expect for a 4-mile walk around your neighborhood.

West Glacier Trail is a popular hiking spot so expect some traffic, especially if you visit from June through October as these are the most popular hiking months.

Feel free to bring your dog with you, just know that they must remain on a leash while on the hiking trail.

During the 4-mile hike, you’ll experience 567 feet of elevation gain. The area is great for bird watching and other nature encounters. You’ll likely encounter wildlife so be prepared.

If you’re visiting during chillier months, you should anticipate some snow during your hike. No matter the season you’re hiking in, plan for moist conditions and precipitation because Juneau experiences a great deal of this.

Along your hike, you’ll also see Mendenhall Lake and a waterfall, making this a neat place to enjoy the variety of sights Juneau has to offer.

West Glacier Trail

West Glacier Trail Features

Before selecting West Glacier Trail for your Juneau hiking experience, review these features to make sure you’re ready for the hiking experience.

  • Well-marked and great for visitors
  • The paths are well maintained overall
  • Although the upward climb can be challenging, the views at the end are so worth it
  • Gentle uphill experience on the way out and then downhill on the way back
  • The terrain is easier and less challenging to start so you can turn back whenever you get tired
  • Can get slippery based on the weather
  • Because it is more rugged, watch out for downed trees or branches
  • After heavy rains, the trail is very muddy

Hiking Tips

Because Juneau has incredible wildlife and nature, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for hiking in the area. Prepare with these hiking tips.

1. Plan for Bugs

Pack plenty of bug spray. You’ll be hiking through the stunning forests of Juneau. As such, you’ll encounter plenty of bugs and will appreciate wearing bug repellant. 

2. Carefully Follow Sign Colors

Make sure you know what path you’re on and what color of flags and signs to follow. It’s easy to get off the path if you start following the wrong color signs because many paths intersect. Though if you do end up on another path, you’ll still see neat locations around Mendenhall Glacier.

3. Consider Bringing a GPS or Compass

If you’ve never hiked the trail before and you aren’t going with a group or locals, you might want to take a GPS or compass with you just in case. You don’t want to get lost on the trails and face nightfall in the wilderness.

4. Dress for the Climate

Consider all weather events that could happen while you’re out hiking. The weather can and does change quite quickly. Layer up and make sure your layers include water resistance. You’ll also want thermal layers in the winter months.



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