Glacier Bay National Park was officially set aside as one of our country's National Parks in 1980 along with 8 other parks. This and the Gates of the Artic, also in Alaska, are probably the coldest of them! On the bay in Alaska you will experienc nature in all its quiet solitude and serene beauty. We are luck that this natural area has been set aside so future generations may enjoy its unspoiled and unkempt scenery (other than by the forces of nature). Franklin Delano Roosevelt said it best: "There is nothing so American as our National Parks." We tend to agree with him here at GettingOutside.com, and we hope you do to. Take any opportunity you get to visit this majestic landscape. See this treasure of the Alaskan wilderness first hand, and you will have an experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve includes tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, ocean coastlines, deep fjords, and freshwater rivers and lakes. This diverse land and seascape hosts a mosaic of plant communities and a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife and presents many opportunities for adventuring and learning about this unique and powerful place.

Directions to Glacier Bay National Park

It is a short flight from Juneau to Glacier Bay National Park.
 
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, AK and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). There is no link to the Alaska highway system.

Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus (about 30 minutes) in the summer season. Year-round scheduled air service to Gustavus is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters.
Many visitors arrive in Glacier Bay as passengers on board cruise ships, tour boats, charter boats, and their own private vessels.
 
By Air -

• Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service  between Juneau and Gustavus during the summer visitor season. Juneau has daily jet service from Anchorage and Seattle.
• Several air taxi companies provide daily small-plane flights year-round between Juneau and Gustavus. Air taxis also fly a network of routes that link Juneau and Gustavus to Haines, Skagway, and other southeast Alaska towns. Air taxis can also assist in getting you into Glacier Bay's wilderness. Flying time from Juneau to Gustavus is about 30 minutes.
• Glacier Bay National Preserve at Dry Bay has air taxi service from Yakutat. Daily jet service to Yakutat is available from Juneau and Anchorage.

By Cruise -

• Many tour vessels and large cruise ships schedule a day in Glacier Bay in their Southeast Alaska itineraries.
• A daily boat tour based in the park conducts trips from Bartlett Cove to the tidewater glaciers.
• Private charter boats typically conduct multi-day custom adventures tailored to a small group's preferences.
• Private boaters may obtain permits and reservations to bring their own boats to Glacier Bay.
• Though there are dangerous crossings, some experienced kayakers paddle from nearby communities such as Haines, Juneau, Hoonah, or Pelican (all served by the Alaska Marine Highway). Others bring their kayak to Glacier Bay on the ferry or rent one in Gustavus or Glacier Bay.

By Ground Transport -

• Taxis (upon request) and buses (limited schedule) run between Gustavus and Bartlett Cove.
• Many local Inns and Lodges even have bicycles for rent.

See the National Park's Service Area Visitor Services Directory for a list of ground transportation providers, cruise providers and serviced airline companies.
 

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