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West Glacier Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 276 Google reviews · Running trail in Juneau, Alaska · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from West Glacier Trailhead'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.
Outdoor recreation area known for hikes, glacial views, canoeing, and a waterfall.
What runners say about West Glacier Trailhead
“Beautiful views with great chance for photos and a lazy float down through town.”
“Just kidding but It's not an easy hike if you want to make it all the way to the end of it.”
I am going to try to be as detailed as possible to hopefully help other people in the future determine if this is the right hike for them: Like the other reviews say, the first approx 2 miles of this hike are easy along a paved path.
Very challenging trail. Took us about 5 hours. Weather can change in seconds and there's areas where you can't see the trail. There's a GIS available map that you can ask to the rangers or go and scan on the trail. Be mindful of the weather and wear appropriate shoes and clothes. Bring enough water and snacks.
Is the best trail that I went close Juneau. You can go, from the down town, by taxi (US46), or public bus (US2). The bus stop is 1 mile away to the trail enter. The trail is amazing with a wonderful panoramic view of the Mendenhall Glacier. The trail is moderate around 2:30 to 3:00 hrs in one way.
Sign says it's maintained. Well it is up to a certain point then it becomes a 5.10 wall climb . Just kidding but It's not an easy hike if you want to make it all the way to the end of it. About 40 minutes from the trail head you will have fantastic view of the glacier the mountains Mendenhall Lake and the valley .
Trail conditions & character
“Definitely not “easy,” as there is about a 650’ elevation gain from the start to the point of the 3rd glacier overlook, and most of that gain is done via “stairs.”
“Definitely not “easy,” as there is about a 650’ elevation gain from the start to the point of the 3rd glacier overlook, and most of that gain is done via “stairs.”
“We are in our 60's from a flat area, we made the hike but some spots were a bit difficult for us.”
“Nice trailhead with restrooms and some parking.”
“There are coloured markings to guide the route, but it is very well marked, at the end of the rocks you have to pay more attention to the markings.”
“This included an 8 mile biking trek to see this wondrous land.”
Plan your run at West Glacier Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 907-225-3101
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
