Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Trails

Map of Trails
Photo Point Trail
Trail of Time
Moraine Ecology Trail
East Glacier Loop
Nugget Creek Trail
West Glacier Trail

Photo Point Trail

Easy trail with scenic glacial views
Length - 0.3 miles
Time - 20 minutes
Elevation gain - 10 feet

As its name implies, Photo Point Trail is the best vantage point to capture panoramic shots of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding peaks. The entire trail is accessible, with benches and interpretive information spaced along it.

Trail of Time

Easy self-guided nature trail
Length - 0.5 miles
Time - ½ hour
Elevation gain - 50 feet

Visitors may reach the Trail of Time from the Visitor Center or directly across the main access road from the second parking lot. Trail of Time brochures are available at the Information Kiosk by the first parking lot or at the Information Desk inside the Visitor Center. (Self-guided walk brochure)

[key information - salmon viewing, 50-100 years forest growth]

Moraine Ecology Trail

Easy trail that shows glacial effects on the landscape
Length - 1.5 miles
Time - 1 hour
Elevation gain - 10 feet

The Moraine Ecology Trail starts at the North side of the second parking lot. This trail explores the recently deglaciated landscape, meandering over an outwash plain and into a young forest.
[key information - glacier views, salmon viewing, birding, wildlife viewing, 25-100 years forest growth]

East Glacier Loop

Moderate trail that follows the glacial trimline
Length - 3.5 miles
Time - 2 hours
Elevation gain - 400 feet

East Glacier Loop branches off from the Trail of Time. Visitors starting the Trail of Time from the second parking lot will intersect the East Glacier Loop at a Civilian Conservation Corps shelter. Visitors starting the Trail of Time from the Visitor Center will intersect the East Glacier Loop

Info about hydroelectricity and mining

[key information - glacier views, 100-200 years forest growth]

Nugget Creek Trail

Moderate trail that follows the Nugget Creek drainage
Length - 3 miles + 3.5 mile access trail
Time - 5 hours
Elevation gain - 500 feet

Info about hydroelectricity and mining

[key information - birding, berry-picking, 200-400 years forest growth]

West Glacier Trail

Moderate trail that follows the glacier's west side
Length - 6.8 miles
Time - 5 hours
Elevation gain - 1,300 feet

The West Glacier trailhead cannot be reached from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Take Mendenhall Loop Road to Montana Creek Road and follow the signs to Mendenhall Campground.

[key information - glacier views, birding, 50-200 years forest growth]