Mendenhall Ice Caves is a popular destination that has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction just outside Mendenhall Glacier, which is in Juneau, Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Ice Caves were both formed by the advance and retreat of the Mendenhall Glacier over many years. The Mendenhall glacier covers about 625 square kilometers and has an average thickness of around 330 meters (about 1100 feet).
The Mendenhall Ice Cave was first discovered in 1910 when Joseph (Sepp) Holzer led a hunting party through the area and found it while scouting for game. It soon became a regular stop for people visiting nearby Mendenhall Glacier. Today, Mendenhall Ice caves are closed during July and August because of increased tourism and the danger of too many people inside the caves. Mendenhall Ice Caves are open from September through June. Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Ice Cave in Alaska Mendenhall Ice Caves is a popular destination that has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction just outside Mendenhall Glacier, which is in Juneau, Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Ice Caves were both formed by the advance and retreat of the Mendenhall Glacier over many years.
While Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Ice Caves were both formed by the advance and retreat of the Mendenhall Glacier, there has been little change in size or shape since Mendenhall Glacier was first discovered. They captivate spectators with blue crystal-like caves that are breathtaking with frozen icicles and frozen water all around. Mendenhall's ice caves are a unique geological formation that has given people a chance to witness history being made not once but twice! The Mendenhall Glacier is part of a National Park and will be protected from further advancing or retreating. Visitors have been known to hike several miles on trails leading from Mendenhall Glacier to other nearby glaciers that are part of the Mendenhall Glacier system.
Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Ice Caves were both formed by the advance and retreat of the Mendenhall Glacier, which is part of a National Park, Mendenhall Glacier system. Mendenhall Glacier is another popular nearby attraction that brings thousands of visitors every year. It is one of the fifty-some glaciers that make up the Mendenhall Glacier System. Those visiting Mendenhall Glacier will find it a fantastic sight with its ever-changing surface that includes blue ice as well as crevasses or cracks in the glacier where air bubbles emerge from deep within the ice.
The best way to access Mendenhall Ice Caves is with a local tour guide who knows the area. There are several companies that offer tours, but be sure to plan ahead as these tours often fill up quickly. As mentioned earlier, Mendall Ice Caves are open from September through June but are closed during July and August due to an increased number of visitors.
