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The Trail of Time is 0.7 miles long. It begins behind Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and ends between the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center parking lots. Walking this trail is like walking through time. As you walk away from the glacier you pass through changes in the landscape and vegetation that correspond to the length of time that has passed since the glacier's retreat. First noticed is the bare rocks, lichens and mosses near the visitor center. Then a new forest of willow, alder and cottonwood is present. Later, Sitka Spruce and even a few Western Hemlock are noticeable in the last half of the trail. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
At a Glance
Reservations:
No reservations are available for this area.
Open Season:
1/1
Usage:
Heavy
Closest Towns:
Juneau, AK
Water:
No
Restroom:
No
Operated By:
Forest Service
General Information
Directions: From downtown Juneau, travel north on Egan Drive to Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn right and continue straight ahead to the end of the road, which will be come Glacier Spur Road after Mendenhall Loop Road turns off to the left. Walk down the paved path to the Visitor Center and up the stairs past the Visitor Center and toward the rear. The trail begins at the top of the stairs behind the Visitor Center.
This is a 10’ – 12’ wide gravel trail that runs through the forest parallel to the Glacier Spur Road to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. It connects with the Trail of Time and then East Glacier Trail. This is an easy ride for riders of all experience levels.
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Day Hiking
The Trail of Time is 0.7 miles long. It begins behind Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and ends between the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center parking lots. Walking this trail is like walking through time. As you walk away from the glacier you pass through changes in the landscape and vegetation that correspond to the length of time that has passed since the glacier's retreat. First noticed is the bare rocks, lichens and mosses near the visitor center. Then a new forest of willow, alder and cottonwood is present. Later, Sitka Spruce and even a few Western Hemlock are noticeable in the last half of the trail. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Difficulty Level:
Easy
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
This trail is open and smooth, so not much snow fall is required for a good skiing surface.
