Walking on Mendenhall Glacier

[cruzzz1000]

Has anybody tried to walk on the Mendenhall glacier?

Did you do this completely on your own or did you have a guide?

If you did this on your own what recommendations can you provide to help make the trip successful?

I realize there are serious consequences to being negligent and I realize that you need a map. What else might be advisable?

[Karen16]

There are glacier helicopter and trekking tours to consider.

Otherwise access is via the west side, usually better with a guide perhaps. http://www.beyondak.com/index.html

[familytrippers]

we are signed up for a hike and glacier trek (all day) with Above and beyond alaska when we go in June....sounds really good and was recommended by several other people. www.beyondak.com

[CanCanCase]

North Star Trekking and Gastineau Guiding have also been doing Mendenahall Treks... far longer than anyone else, I might add.

The "common" way of walking on the glaciers is via helicopter tour, otherwise you'll need a taxi or guide to get you to the trailhead on the West side of Mendenhall Lake (NOT where the visitor center is located...)

Either that, or come in the middle of winter when the lake is frozen and explore all you want!

-Case