The Mendenhall Glacier, formerly known as Sitaantaagu ("the Glacier Behind the Town"), is a 12 mile long glacier about 12 miles outside Alaska’s capital Juneau. A quick drive from downtown Juneau to the ‘trailhead’ parking lot finds you overlooking the nearly half a mile wide face of the glacier. I say ‘trailhead’, as the trail across the lake only exists in the winter months when the lake is frozen enough to cross on foot or ski.

The past two years the caves have mainly been found along the far west side of the glacier, where it meets the base of Mt. McGunnis. As glaciers are constantly shifting, the caves can never be completely mapped, but that leads to the adventure.

A popular day hike for the locals, expect to see others out enjoying the frozen lake in snowshoes, cross country and nordic skis, as well as on foot. Glacier travel should always be done with care, even when following a well defined trail. Slick conditions on the ice may call for crampons, and it’s always best to travel with a partner. Use caution, and have fun exploring the land of the bluest ice.

Frozen Trails:

• 3 mile out and back hike/cross country ski/snowshoe across the frozen Mendenhall Lake, culminating at extensive ice caves for some mild spelunking
• Duration: Winter, 3-4 hours.

West Glacier Trail:

• 8 miles and 2000 vertical feet cumulative elevation change offers a challenging yet rewarding approach to the glacier
• Duration: Summer, 5-8 hours. Includes time for exploring.