Juneau Travel Forum

I have a little over 3 hours in the morning before my sightseeing bus tour to Mendenhall Glacier et. al. I wanted to hike up Mt. Roberts to the halfway point (at 1800 ft where the tram lets out) and then take the tram down.

Will I have time to do this? Does anyone know? I have been getting conflicting answers. I know I've read somewhere that the hike to the halfway point should take about an hour to an hour and a half but the Juneau Visitor's Center is saying 3 1/2 (I'm fairly sure I've read online that it should take 3-4 hours to get to the summit, and I don't want to go to the summit).

Anyone know?

I havent hiked the trail below the tram, but I can tell you that it is a very steep 1800 feet. Also, it looked to me like the best views dont really start until just above the tram, where there are gaps in the treeline. Since you are limited on time, you could take the tram and hike from there, and just turn around when your time is halfway over.

Above the tram, the trail eventually takes you up a treeless ridge to Mt Gastineau and Mt Roberts. If its a clear day the views will be amazing.

Mike

I wouldn't try it. How long it takes depends on your conditioning. If you're in great shape you might be able to do it but it would be cutting it close. It is quite steep that direction. It is true most of the views are from the tram and above, but I enjoy the forest as much or more than the mountain tops. Hope that helps.

Nathan

Did the hike twice from bottom to tram terminal. Took about 1.5 hours at a steady but not excessively fast pace. Nice hike, but more for exercise than scenery.