Juneau - cab to Mendenhall

[CisforCookie991]

Good morning! I've been reading that cabs to Mendenhall can be hit or miss. Actual entrance fees are $5 for adults and free for kids under 15 if you walk up and by them yourself. But if you take a cab, you have to buy them from the driver and some companies are charging up to $17 per adult and $12 for kids, and that's allowed? Anyone have any specific companies they've worked with who don't upcharge? I've also read that you can request to be dropped off outside and just pay the actual cab fare. Any recommendations for companies who will do that? Thanks!

 

[professorandmom]

Just one additional thought, the visitor's center (where cabs take you) is VERY far from the glacier as the glacier has moved a great deal since the vistor's center (and path) was built..be sure to set expectations realistically

 

[CisforCookie991]

Just one additional thought, the visitor's center (where cabs take you) is VERY far from the glacier as the glacier has moved a great deal since the vistor's center (and path) was built..be sure to set expectations realistically

Thank you! That's very helpful to know. We were last there in 2010 and I remember them telling us that, at one point, the glacier was right where the visitors center is now, and it was pretty far back then.

We were planning on walking some of the trails. Are they also going to be disappointingly far? I looked into some of the canoe tours that get closer after reading another thread, but looks like they all conflict with the morning tour that we already have booked, and we already eliminated the helicopter tour as an option. Would greatly appreciate any other suggestions!

 

[dcassetta]

The forest service manages entrance to Mendenhall, but they don’t have any control over with the taxis charge. You could consider taking one of the blue bus shuttles, I think that’s around $40 per person round-trip, including entrance to the park. The other option is to use the public bus. It’s about $2 per person, but significantly adds to your transportation time as the bus obviously makes many stops along the way. The public bus drops you at the entrance road to Mendenhall which is still about a mile to the visitor center. There is a paved path but obviously that also adds to your transportation time.

 

[auntlynne]

I am a slow walker. I would never describe the distance from the parking lot to Nugget Falls (where most people go) as far. It is 1.5 (or 2) miles RT. (It is doable for even those not in shape. Not necessarily those who need wheelchairs. But there is a pavilion from which they can see the glacier.)

I started going to Mendenhall in 2011; if it wasn’t for being told that it was receding, I couldn’t point it out by memory. It is pulling back from the lake, up the mountain. The angle of the photograph does change the perspective. But the overall appearance is similar.

2011


2012


2013


2015


2021


Talking about perspective, this favorite of mine makes the glacier look giant - and up close: That is from the Edge of the parking lot, near the bus loading zone.

 

[auntlynne]

This blog offers some info on the glacier and getting there

https://foreverkaren.com/travel/best-way-see-mendenhall-glacier/

It has the same info about taxis as mentioned above.

I like to combine Mendenhall with a whale watch, so transportation is just bundled into the price.

 

[CisforCookie991]

I did a little more digging and found some posts where people copied what the cab companies quoted for prices. And it seems like for 4 of us, the cab with all the charges is going to be about the same as 4 of us on the shuttle. I’m also seeing some complaints about cabs not showing up, spotty cell service is calling one to come back… am I right in thinking the shuttles might be more reliable? I’m also guessing I can just make this a day-of decision and the shuttles won’t sell out ahead of time?

 

[auntlynne]

If the shuttle is the Big Blue Bus, I have used it twice. Never have heard bad things about it. I just don’t bother with a business if there’s a bad reputation.

(Some years, rental cars are cheaper for 4 people than paying individual fees.)

Have a great trip!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We did the rental car out of the port-which was perfect-Juneau Car Rental. The car a bit uncertain due to age and condition, but it was fine. We made it to Mendenhall and before the crowds, unfortunately the trail to Nugget Falls was severely flooded and even with hikers, the water was over the top of our boots. We also made the trip out to Eagle Beach, which was amazing-salmon, bears and plenty of eagles. I believe the owner of that business retired-we did this in 2018. Not sure if it re-opened with a new owner. Worth checking out as it was very economical and one of our favorite days on this cruise.

 

[Geomom]

In 2016 we did the Juneau Tours Glacier shuttle to Mendenhall glacier. The shuttles ran every half hour, so you could take any of them back. The drivers also gave a little tour/culture talk each way. Just so you know, you're not supposed to bring snacks to Mendenhall due to all the bear activity there.