Hiking Tips for the West Glacier Trail in Juneau

Hiking is a single of the greatest approaches to see the splendor and elegance of the region. The West Glacier Trail in Juneau delivers a moderately complicated hike that supplies amazing views and varied terrain. 

You will obtain it just tough plenty of to fill 50 % a working day with a hike even though looking at some need to-see locations in the course of your travels.

Find out extra about the mountaineering path and some recommendations for how to enjoy your time exploring the outside to the fullest.

About the West Glacier Trail in Juneau

This trail is about four miles extended and is a fantastic out and again for people who are unfamiliar with the place. On the other hand, it won’t be the simplest hike to have interaction in all through your go to.

You need to enable no a lot less than two hrs to entire the 4 miles. That’s in all probability far more of a time commitment than you would assume for a 4-mile walk all over your community.

West Glacier Path is a popular hiking spot so count on some targeted traffic, specially if you pay a visit to from June through October as these are the most popular hiking months.

Truly feel free of charge to deliver your canine with you, just know that they will have to stay on a leash when on the climbing trail.

Through the 4-mile hike, you will working experience 567 feet of elevation obtain. The location is excellent for hen viewing and other mother nature encounters. You are going to probable face wildlife so be ready.

If you’re browsing through chillier months, you should foresee some snow throughout your hike. No matter the year you are mountaineering in, prepare for moist problems and precipitation because Juneau encounters a fantastic offer of this.

Alongside your hike, you’ll also see Mendenhall Lake and a waterfall, producing this a neat area to delight in the selection of sights Juneau has to offer you.

West Glacier Path Features

Just before picking West Glacier Path for your Juneau mountaineering experience, evaluate these attributes to make certain you are ready for the climbing expertise.

• Well-marked and good for readers
• The paths are effectively preserved all round
• Whilst the upward climb can be demanding, the sights at the finish are so truly worth it
• Light uphill expertise on the way out and then downhill on the way back
• The terrain is much easier and less tough to start out so you can change back whenever you get exhausted
• Can get slippery based mostly on the climate
• Since it is a lot more rugged, check out out for downed trees or branches
• Immediately after major rains, the trail is incredibly muddy

Climbing Guidelines

Since Juneau has unbelievable wildlife and character, you’ll want to make confident you are all set for mountaineering in the space. Get ready with these hiking strategies.

1. Approach for Bugs

Pack lots of bug spray. You are going to be hiking via the spectacular forests of Juneau. As these types of, you’ll come upon a lot of bugs and will appreciate donning bug repellant. 

2. Carefully Comply with Indication Hues

Make guaranteed you know what route you are on and what color of flags and indications to abide by. It’s uncomplicated to get off the path if you commence adhering to the improper shade indications mainly because a lot of paths intersect. Although if you do end up on one more path, you are going to however see neat destinations close to Mendenhall Glacier.

3. Contemplate Bringing a GPS or Compass

If you have hardly ever hiked the path ahead of and you are not going with a team or locals, you may want to just take a GPS or compass with you just in scenario. You really don’t want to get dropped on the trails and facial area dusk in the wilderness.

4. Costume for the Weather

Contemplate all weather situations that could take place when you are out climbing. The climate can and does change quite swiftly. Layer up and make sure your levels incorporate drinking water resistance. You are going to also want thermal layers in the wintertime months.