Skagway hike to galcier
 

Has anyone done the 5 mile hike to the glacier in Skagway? If you train and can easily do the miles, is it a lot harder with thinner air? Also we will be going in Sept next year.

Thanks,
Kathy

I'm assuming you're doing a cruise. If so, it's much easier to get to Mendenhall Glacier when in Juneau. There's a bus that runs on a regular basis - cost is $16 per person roundtrip to the visitor center and takes about 15 minutes to get there from town. Walking to the glacier is not strenuous and affords a wonderful opportunity to see a glacier up close and personal.

You can get more information here; Tongass Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Pete

Skagway's at sea level so no thin air there. Not sure the elevation of the glacier you're looking at hiking too.

You might like the helicopter tour that lands on the glaciers. You get a great view of the whole area then land and walk on the glacier.

It is abit expensive but a really great experience.

Here is the excursion I was asking about. I love to hike, but since I live in Texas was wondering about the air:

A wilderness trek to the magnificent Laughton Glacier combined with a scenic train ride aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway make this adventure one not to soon forget.
On this adventurous excursion you will:

• Board the train for a 50-minute, 14.1 mile journey filled with spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers and jagged mountain peaks.
• At Glacier Station, you will begin a fully guided five to eight-mile roundtrip hike in the clean mountain air. The magnificent sub-alpine rain forest valley is home to moose, bear, and mountain goats.
• This spectacular trail winds along the raging Skagway River to the majestic Laughton Glacier. The terrain changes dramatically as you leave the forest, hike up the riverbed and climb over a boulder field onto the glacier.
• Enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views, exposed crevasses and moulons of the great frozen river of ice.
• Upon your return to the trailhead, you will be greeted with a traditional “Bush Buffet”, complete with a cold brew and juice.
• Relax and enjoy the ride back to town on “The Scenic Railway of the World”.

Hi Kat,
Weather permitting, that does sound breathtaking, if you can handle the hike, which I think you can...I would do it too...