Juneau to Alaska's Glaciers: 10 Places on the Map
Explore Alaska's most iconic glaciers and national parks through this curated route in Juneau. The interactive map features 10 key destinations including Mendenhall Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Mount Denali, Katmai National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park, showcasing the state's diverse wilderness areas from coastal fjords to alpine peaks.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Mendenhall Glacier
- End
- Columbus Glacier
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mendenhall Glacier — Iconic glacier near Juneau featuring stunning blue ice and Nugget Falls.
- Kenai Fjords National Park — Marine park featuring Exit Glacier and pristine fjord landscapes.
- Mount Denali (Mount McKinley) — North America's tallest peak dominating Alaska's interior landscape.
- Katmai National Park and Preserve — Wilderness park known for Brooks Falls and abundant wildlife including bears.
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve — Coastal park featuring tidewater glaciers including Margerie and Reid Glaciers.
- Nugget Falls
- Eklutna Lake
- Chulitna River
- Hubbard Glacier
- Columbus Glacier
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Mendenhall Glacier in winter when the lake remains open; this allows you to enjoy the area's tranquility with fewer crowds.
- Timing
- Nugget Falls reaches peak flow in summer, making it the best time for photographers and nature enthusiasts to visit.
- Timing
- Humpback whales are frequently spotted in Juneau from spring to late autumn; plan whale watching tours during this period.
- Tip
- Exit Glacier is the most accessible part of Kenai Fjords National Park and can be reached by road, unlike other areas in the park.
- Tip
- Visit Potlatch Totem Park and Museum in Ketchikan to learn about Tlingit culture and see intricately carved totem poles with tribal stories.
- Timing
- Brooks Falls in Katmai comes alive every summer when brown bears gather to catch salmon; visit during this season for wildlife viewing.
- Tip
- Eklutna Lake stretches for 7 miles and transforms into a frozen wonderland in winter, ideal for winter photography.
- Transport
- The George Parks Highway runs parallel to much of the Chulitna River, offering travelers views of its natural scenery by road.
- Tip
- Driftwood Bay on Unalaska Island is difficult to access, often requiring a challenging hike or boat ride; plan accordingly.
- Tip
- Glacier Bay National Park spans 3.3 million acres; a cruise through the bay offers close-up views of glaciers and fjords.
- Tip
- Kodiak Island is home to over 3,500 Kodiak brown bears and approximately 600 nesting bald eagles; wildlife photography tours are available.
- Tip
- Keystone Canyon features 600-foot cliffs and waterfalls including Bridal Veil Falls; it is located on Alaska's Richardson Highway.
Video on this route
Alaska: America’s Frozen Giant | 4K Travel Documentary