📜 A 13-mile-long glacier located in Mendenhall Valley, near downtown Juneau, Alaska, part of the Tongass National Forest. 🔍 Part of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field, monitored since 1942. # Why Go 🚗 Easily accessible by car, air, foot, or cruise ship. 🚶‍♀️ Various trails, including to Nugget Falls, for different trekking abilities. 🏞️ Offers stunning views of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and Nugget Falls. 🐻 Opportunity to spot native wildlife like mountain goats, bears, and beavers, with seasonal bear viewing (August-September) at Steep Creek. # Why Avoid ⚠️ Mendenhall Ice Caves are permanently closed due to melting. 📉 Glacier is steadily receding due to global warming. # Tips 🚶‍♀️ Nugget Falls Trail is about 3/4 mile (or 2 miles roundtrip gravel path, 45 min) and suitable for strollers. 🚌 Bus route 3 from Juneau Public Library goes to West Glacier Trail base. 🚫 Do not bring food or drink to bear viewing areas. # Cost 💰 Outside areas and trails are free. Visitor Center: $5 entrance fee, $15 season pass. Kids under 15 free. # Hours 🕒 Grounds open daily 6 AM - midnight year-round. Visitor Center hours vary by season: Summer (May-Sep) 10 AM - 5 PM (Sun-Fri), Winter (Nov-Mar) 10 AM - 4 PM (Fri-Sat). April and October are intermittent. # 🅿️ Parking Parking available at the Visitor Center. # ♿ Accessibility Wheelchair accessible facilities are available at the Visitor Center.