Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau is a port excursion destination during an Alaska cruise, offering a chance to see the Mendenhall Glacier. A 20-minute shuttle bus ride brings you to the site. The trekking path, which takes about 20 minutes, feels like a pleasant walk. The weather was great, and the trail was truly beautiful. Finally, the glacier comes into view. Unfortunately, this is all that remains of the glacier, as much of it has melted. 😢 Next to it is Nugget Falls. The water cascades down with such force that the sound is overwhelming. On the way back, I spotted some unnamed wildlife. I couldn’t identify them. Although it was saddening to see how much the glacier has melted, the Juneau tour was still awe-inspiring, offering a close-up view of the massive glacier. Cruise Travel: Juneau

#closetonature #100waysoftravel My experience on the Mendenhall Glacier tour was nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment we arrived, the beauty of Mother Nature enveloped us. The towering ice formations and the stunning shades of blue in the glacier were mesmerizing, a testament to nature’s artistry. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs, and the sounds of cascading waterfalls echoed around us. Each step brought new vistas of the icy blue of the glacier, reminding me of nature's incredible diversity. Witnessing the glacier calving into the serene waters below was a powerful reminder of nature’s force and fragility. It was a humbling experience, connecting me to the raw beauty of our planet. This tour is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders. The Mendenhall Glacier is a stunning embodiment of Mother Nature's beauty, and I left with memories that will last a lifetime. #alaska #glacier #onceinalifetime #beauty #nature

Below is an introduction to Alaska's blue glaciers: Formation - Principles of Physical Optics: Over vast periods, glacial ice becomes highly compressed, reducing internal air bubbles and making it extremely dense. When light penetrates the ice, most wavelengths are absorbed, while shorter blue wavelengths are less readily absorbed and penetrate deeper, scattering and reflecting more, giving the glacier its blue hue. - Oxygen Enrichment: During glacier formation, accumulating snow compresses, gradually releasing gases like nitrogen. However, under immense pressure, oxygen bonds with ice crystals, forming structures similar to impurities in gemstones, also contributing to the blue color of glacial ice. Main Distribution Blue glaciers are scattered throughout Alaska's fjords and valleys. Glacier Bay National Park, Mendenhall Glacier, College Fjord, and Tracy Arm Fjord are all excellent locations for viewing blue glaciers. Famous Glaciers - Hubbard Glacier: North America's largest tidewater glacier, spanning 76 miles and reaching depths of 1,200 feet. Its highest point is equivalent to a 40-story building. It surges rapidly into the Gulf of Alaska, forming Yakutat Bay, an area rich in wildlife. - Spencer Glacier: Located deep in the Alaskan mountains. From Anchorage, travel to Whittier, then transfer to a train to reach the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. From there, a trail leads to Spencer Glacier. Viewing Methods - Cruise Tours: Cruises offer access deep into the fjords, providing close-up views of the magnificent blue glaciers, as well as witnessing dramatic events like calving and floating icebergs. - Helicopter Tours: Helicopter tours provide aerial perspectives of the blue glaciers, offering panoramic views of the entire glacier and its breathtaking intersection with mountains and ocean. - Hiking Expeditions: With professional guides, hike closer to the blue glaciers, experiencing their cold majesty firsthand. You can even touch the ice and observe its textures and structures.

Mendenhall Glacier, located about 19 kilometers northwest of Juneau, is one of the most accessible glaciers in Southeast Alaska. The glacier stretches approximately 21.9 kilometers in length, 2.4 kilometers in width, and its front edge rises over 30 meters high. 🚁 Helicopter Glacier Tour Experience Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Walk: Typically lasting 2.25–2.5 hours, this tour includes an aerial view of mountains and icefields, followed by a landing on the glacier for a guided walk lasting about 20–30 minutes. Price: Around USD 379–419 (approximately NT$12,000–13,500), which includes the flight, glacier landing, ice cleats, hot beverages, and other equipment and services. Highlights: - From the helicopter, you can see glacier crevasses, deep blue ice caves, Mendenhall Towers, and glacier lake views. - After landing, a guide will lead you across the glacier surface, allowing you to touch ice spires and learn about the glacier's geology and ecosystem. 🎯 Recommended Reasons Spectacular Views: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of glacier crevasses, icefields, land-ice boundaries, and glacier lakes, showcasing the incredible Alaskan landscape. Exclusive Experience: Walk on the glacier, explore ice caves and formations, and touch ancient ice—a rare opportunity to connect with nature.