HELICOPTER GLACIER WALKABOUT
See Mendenhall Glacier both from the air and on foot during this excursion of around three hours and 15 minutes, including a helicopter flight and time on the ice. Traveling in a small group, the experience centres on an interpretive glacier walk led by a professional guide.
Excursion details
Lasting approximately three hours and 15 minutes, this excursion lets you view Mendenhall Glacier from the air before experiencing it up-close on a glacier walkabout. Helicopter access allows visitors to reach areas of the glacier that are not accessible by road or trail.
The transfer to the heliport takes about 15 minutes, followed by approximately 45 minutes for safety briefings and preparations before boarding the helicopter. Next, set off on your “flightseeing” trip of around 20 minutes. Enjoy views of the immense Juneau Icefield from the skies and soak up the dramatic glacial scenery below, before landing on one of those very glaciers – the immense Mendenhall.
You’ll then take part in a guided glacier walk lasting approximately one hour, which involves trekking over the ice surface of this vast natural phenomenon. The walk is non-strenuous and focuses on the glacier’s history and visible features, with time to explore the surface under the supervision of your guide. Conditions permitting, there may also be opportunities to pose with ice formations and crevasses at close range.
A brief return flight takes you back to the heliport, where you’ll spend around 30 minutes disembarking and decompressing before the approximately 15-minute drive back to the port.
Important information: With relatively flat and moderate hiking conditions, the Walkabout is designed for ages 8 and up. No experience is necessary; however, guests should be prepared to walk unassisted on uneven and rolling terrain for a moderate amount of time. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing, long socks, and bring a hat and gloves. Guests will be outfitted with mountaineering boots, rain pants, rain jacket, crampons, a trekking pole, and a hip pack with a can of water and a granola bar. Backpacks and purses cannot be accommodated on this tour. Storage options are available to keep your items during the tour
