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East Glacier Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Juneau, Alaska · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from East Glacier Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about East Glacier Trail
East Glacier Loop Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a lake and water falls (AJ Falls) and is good for all skill levels. The hike is fairly easy with some moderate sections with several breathtaking views from high above the glacier. The trail is also well marked.
Very nice hike, moderate difficulty, bring waterproof hiking shoes, gets muddy
Excellent place to go for hiking, If you are doing the complete loop, will take you around 2.5 hours, remember be aware of bears and enjoy the nature and how clean it is. Respect the wildlife and dress properly, make sure you bring what you need to enjoy your time inside. At the end, you can go to the visitor.
Short, 3.5 mile loop that takes less than 90 minutes to complete. The trail is very well maintained and has a lot of stairs and railings. However, the view really is nothing spectacular- there are only a couple times that the glacier can be viewed, but the trail is primarily through brush.
Trail conditions & character
“However, the view really is nothing spectacular- there are only a couple times that the glacier can be viewed, but the trail is primarily through brush.”
“Excellent place to go for hiking, If you are doing the complete loop, will take you around 2.”
“At one point you will climb 160 to 200 steps with lots of rocky terrain and steps along the trail.”
“Parking lot accessible 5 minutes walking from the visitor center.”
Plan your run at East Glacier Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Juneau
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Nugget Falls Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Popular route to a waterfall on the Mendenhall Glacier featuring views of the glacier.
West Glacier Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 276 reviews
Outdoor recreation area known for hikes, glacial views, canoeing, and a waterfall.
