How much time at Mendenhall and which trails

[Travelbug1978]

In july we will be taking a cab to the glacier. We are doing the nugget falls for sure. There will be myself, husband, 8 year old daughter, 9 yr old son and 13 yr old son. How much time should we alotte at the glacier. We are in port from 8am-830pm. What is others favorite trails. We may also do the tram depending on weather. Also is it better to get there early.

[Budget Queen]

Depends on you?? Have you looked at the Mendenhall visitor web site and their trail map and guide? Nugget Falls needs an hour, are you spending time in the visitor center?

 

Is a car rental an option for you, especially would be useful with your long port day. Numerous other places you can easily add and stop at.

[Travelbug1978]

Depends on you?? Have you looked at the Mendenhall visitor web site and their trail map and guide? Nugget Falls needs an hour, are you spending time in the visitor center?

 

Is a car rental an option for you, especially would be useful with your long port day. Numerous other places you can easily add and stop at.

 

My husband doesn't want to rent a car...I was just wondering which trails people liked.

[Budget Queen]

My husband doesn't want to rent a car...I was just wondering which trails people liked.

 

I don't see a lot of people on CC doing the East Loop, it's ok, not for glacier viewing. With a lot of invested time, Nugget Creek is very nice, even fewer people do this.. Steep Creek is simple and so is Trail of Time. There used to be a guide sheet you could print out for the latter. Nice trail as well. Add to the mix Photo Point which is worth the short detour from Nugget Falls. I have done all of these.

 

West Loop is a lot more effort.

 

As I suggested , take a look at the trail guide.

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• if it's raining... you might find 15 to 20 minutes at the visitor center is enough time.
  
• Love Nugget Falls to get up close to the glacier. Some say to budget an 45 minutes to an hour.
  
• Trail of Time is a fascinating review of how the glacier has retreated. Hard to believe the glacier used to be at the visitor center in the 40's. In the 80's it was at Nugget Falls.
  

[Travelbug1978]

Thoughts....

• if it's raining... you might find 15 to 20 minutes at the visitor center is enough time.
  
• Love Nugget Falls to get up close to the glacier. Some say to budget an 45 minutes to an hour.
  
• Trail of Time is a fascinating review of how the glacier has retreated. Hard to believe the glacier used to be at the visitor center in the 40's. In the 80's it was at Nugget Falls.
  

 

We will probably never get to Alaska again, so even if it is raining we will be walking the trails.

[Hsmama]

Just back,(first timer too) be aware that the trails (other than nugget falls) are fairly steep,lots of uphill/downhill etc. With kids that all depends on how active they are. I liked East Glacier trail a lot,it's really pretty- but it isn't a level walk like Nugget falls. I felt like I could have just wandered the shores around the lake for a lot longer than my family allowed....it's very pretty there.

[JT888]

Is Nuggets Falls a pretty easy trail? Is it paved? We have grandparents in 70s. Wondering if it's doable for them. Thanks.

 

 

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[Budget Queen]

Is Nuggets Falls a pretty easy trail? Is it paved? We have grandparents in 70s. Wondering if it's doable for them. Thanks.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

It's about a level mile, that is NOT paved. Mostly gravel/dirt.

[xlxo]

Nugget falls is not paved and sometimes can get flooded.

 

Photo Point is paved... But you are still some distance from the glacier.

[Hsmama]

You can ask at visitor center when you arrive, I saw a lot of people of all ages on Nugget Trail just fine. It's not paved, but pretty level for active people in their 70's.