Car Rental Juneau - Exploring Juneau

While you can’t reach Juneau by car from the rest of the US mainland, there is a network of spectacular roads radiating out from the city which are worth exploring to fully appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

There are certainly bigger and more spectacular glaciers in Alaska, but the 19-kilometre long, 2.4-kilometre wide Mendenhall Glacier, 21kms from downtown Juneau, is easily the most accessible. The informative visitor centre is a great place to become aquainted with glacier features and terminology before you venture on to the glacier itself.

Demanding hiking trails include the West Glacier Trail, where with extreme caution and without official approval, you can explore the ice caves. Three-hour float trips on the Mendenhall River and one-hour helicopter trips (25 minutes over the glacier) can also be arranged.

Picturesque hiking trails are located just near the city, with Perseverance, Mt Roberts, Granite Creek and Mt Juneau all very popular. During the summer, these trails are dotted with wildflowers and year round contain some breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.

One of the best daytrips out of Juneau is up the narrow, twisting Tracy Arm Fjord, with waterfall-fringed cliffs and common sightings of whales and seals. Short-term or day-long cruises complete with lunch and drinks can be arranged.

Glacier Bay National Park, an hour from the city, offers wildlife such as wolves, moose, bears, dolphins, orcas, seals and humpback whales. The park is also rich with glaciers, spruce forests and a plethora of fjords. Those wanting a true outdoor adventure can rent a cabin in the huge Tongass National Forest, which also boasts a fabulous range of flora and fauna.