Herbert Glacier Trail

The trailhead for the Herbert Glacier Trail is located near Juneau, Alaska. You'll find parking available directly at the trailhead, which is situated at mile 28 of Glacier Highway. This makes it convenient for those driving to the starting point.

The trail offers a varied experience. The initial 3.5 miles are considered easy, featuring a 6-foot-wide gravel tread that's great for an enjoyable ride, even for beginners. However, the last 1.5 miles towards the glacier become significantly more technical, rocky, and narrow, often requiring more advanced riding skills or even walking your bike through tricky sections. Overall, it's relatively flat but the end segment demands more effort.

The terrain transitions significantly along the route. The first 3.5 miles boast a smooth, 6-foot-wide gravel path. As you get closer to the glacier, it becomes a more technical singletrack with rocky sections, narrow passages, and parts undercut by water. You'll also pass over small mounds of glacially deposited rock and sand.

You'll journey through diverse ecological zones. The trail starts in a lush, mature spruce/hemlock forest, gradually moving through smaller stands of trees. It winds along the picturesque Herbert River. Closer to the glacier, the landscape shifts to scrub trees and rocky moraines, showcasing a classic example of Ice Age plant succession. The ultimate reward is a view of the Herbert Glacier itself, though it's important not to approach the glacier face due to falling ice.

Yes, the Herbert Glacier Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best practice to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

The best time to mountain bike the trail is typically during the warmer, drier months when the path is free of snow and ice. This usually spans from late spring through early fall. Always check local weather and trail conditions before you go, as Alaska's weather can be unpredictable.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for day use of the Herbert Glacier Trail within the Tongass National Forest. However, it's always a good idea to check the USDA Forest Service website for any updated regulations or specific requirements, especially if you plan on camping or other activities.

While enjoying the diverse ecosystems, you might spot various birds and smaller forest animals. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, which are sometimes seen on the cliffs surrounding the glacier. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.

Yes, while the route primarily follows the Herbert Glacier Trail, it also passes through sections of the Windfall Lake Trail for a small portion of its length.

This trail is notable for its unique display of post-glacial plant succession, offering an observable timeline of how plant communities reclaim land after glacial retreat. It provides a direct view of the Herbert Glacier and its associated river valley, making it one of the more accessible glacier-access trails in Juneau that allows for mountain biking.

Yes, Juneau's Capital Transit bus routes can take you close to the trailhead. Look for routes that service Glacier Highway around mile 28, as there are bus stops in the vicinity that can get you within walking or a short biking distance of the trailhead.