Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews in Juneau

Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews in Juneau: A Practical and Authentic Adventure

If you’re visiting Juneau and eager to see its natural beauty up close while enjoying some outdoor activity, the Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews tour offers a well-rounded experience. It combines a scenic bike ride through the lush Tongass National Forest with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier, topped off with a local craft beer tasting. This tour provides a chance to see some of Juneau’s most iconic sights on two wheels, with opportunities for independent exploration and a laid-back brewery visit.

One thing we genuinely appreciate about this tour is how personalized it feels—it’s capped at just 8 travelers, so you won’t be lost in a crowd. Plus, the knowledgeable guides like Fletch help make the experience both enjoyable and informative. The scenic bike route is accessible for most, making it an excellent choice for those with moderate physical fitness who want to combine activity, nature, and local flavors.

A possible consideration is the total duration of around four hours, which includes physical activity and sightseeing, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of movement and don’t mind a half-day outing. If your time in Juneau is limited or you prefer a more relaxed, less energetic tour, this might require some planning.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and craft beer enthusiasts who want a genuine glimpse of Juneau’s wild side in a fun, engaging way. Now, let’s explore every detail to help you decide if this is your ideal Alaska adventure.

Key Points

• Balanced combination of biking, sightseeing, and local beer tasting.
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience.
• Expert guides like Fletch provide insightful commentary and a friendly attitude.
• Accessible trails suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
• Flexible exploration time at the glacier visitor center.
• Includes transportation from downtown Juneau, simplifying logistics.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting the Journey: From Downtown to Mendenhall Valley

The tour kicks off with a 20-minute van ride from Juneau’s historic downtown, along the Gastineau Channel. This scenic drive sets the tone, offering views of the water and mountains, and your guide shares interesting facts about the area. The ride is comfortable and smooth, and it’s a good chance to get oriented before hitting the trails.

The Bike Ride: Scenic Trails and Glacier Views

Once at the Mendenhall Valley, you’ll be outfitted with bikes, helmets, and rain gear if needed—Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so packing a rain jacket might be handy. The first stretch involves pedaling about 4 miles over gravel trails alongside the Mendenhall River and past the glacier itself, offering stunning vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding forest.

Reviewers like Neal mention how the ride is manageable and enjoyable, emphasizing that the group kept a good pace. The trail is scenic, with views of ice and forest, making it a highlight for nature lovers. Since the guide’s commentary is informative, you’ll learn about the area’s flora, fauna, and glaciers, adding depth to the experience.

Exploring the Western Face of Mendenhall Glacier

After reaching the western shore of Mendenhall Lake, you’ll take a short walk (about 15 minutes) to see the glacier’s face up close. This spot is perfect for photos and soaking in the icy majesty. The guide points out notable features and shares stories about the glacier’s history and ongoing changes, making the visit more meaningful.

Return Ride and Free Time at the Visitor Center

The second bike leg takes you back through two more trails in the Mendenhall Valley, offering a different perspective and quieter trail sections. The total biking time is around 40 minutes, but what makes this part special is the independent exploration time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. You’ll have about 45 minutes to walk the trails, take photos, or visit the exhibits, which is enough for most visitors to get a good sense of the area.

According to one reviewer, Fletch’s knowledge and friendly demeanor enhanced the experience, making the glacier visit both educational and enjoyable. The visitor center offers interpretive displays and a chance to learn more about climate change impacts on glaciers—adding a layer of awareness to your visit.

Beer Tasting at Forbidden Peak Brewery

Post-glacier, it’s time to relax and indulge at Forbidden Peak Brewery. You’re greeted with a custom flight of local beers against the backdrop of Auke Bay, providing a laid-back contrast to the morning’s active portion. The brewery’s views and the chance to sample local brews make this stop a delightful way to wind down.

One review praises the guide’s local knowledge and the quality of the beers, noting how the friendly atmosphere enhances the experience. If you’re not a beer drinker, non-alcoholic drinks are available for those under 21 or those who prefer to avoid alcohol.

Returning to Downtown Juneau

Finally, your guide drives you back to your starting point in downtown Juneau, conveniently ending the tour where you can continue exploring or relax after your outdoor adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The guide’s expertise, especially Fletch’s personable manner and knowledge, makes a real difference. Guests frequently mention how Fletch’s storytelling and local insights brought the experience to life. Neal highlights how the group visited “off-the-beaten-path spots that other tours missed,” ensuring a more authentic experience.

The scenic routes through the Tongass National Forest and around the glacier are a major draw, offering constantly changing views. The trails are manageable for most, and the chance to see the glacier from different angles—without a strenuous hike—is a big plus.

The combination of outdoor activity and relaxed tasting creates a well-balanced half-day experience. It’s a great way to combine physical activity with cultural and culinary highlights, especially for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and local flavor.

Evaluating the Price and Overall Value

At $198.45 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. The inclusion of transportation, bike rental, a guided experience, glacier exploration, and a brewery visit all add up to excellent value. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want an active day with meaningful sightseeing without the hassle of planning multiple separate activities.

The small group size enhances the value further, providing personalized attention and flexibility that larger tours often lack. Plus, the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing you to book confidently knowing you can change plans if needed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those curious about local culture and natural beauty. It suits families with children over 10, especially since the tour involves moderate physical activity, and children must be at least 4’10”. If you enjoy biking but prefer easy terrain, the manageable trails and scenic stops make this a perfect fit.

It’s also well-suited for cruise ship passengers, as the organized transport from downtown simplifies logistics. Beer lovers and those keen to sample local Alaska brews will appreciate the brewery stop, while nature lovers will relish the chance to see Mendenhall Glacier from various viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews in Juneau offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of Alaska’s natural splendor combined with local flavors. The tour’s highlights—scenic bike rides, close-up glacier views, and a relaxing brewery visit—are thoughtfully curated, providing a memorable experience that balances activity and relaxation.

The knowledgeable guides, especially Fletch, make all the difference, ensuring you’re both informed and entertained. The small group size allows for a personal touch, and the flexibility at key stops means you can appreciate the scenery at your own pace.

While it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of physical activity, the manageable routes and scenic stops make this accessible for many. If you’re looking for a fun, active way to connect with Juneau’s wilderness, culture, and craft beer scene, this tour should be high on your list.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes a 20-minute van ride from downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Valley, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the bike ride? The biking portion totals about 8 miles, split into two 4-mile segments, with manageable trails suitable for most with moderate fitness.

What can I expect during the glacier stop? You’ll have around 45 minutes at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for walking trails, viewing the glacier, and learning from exhibits.

Are children allowed on this tour? Children must be at least 10 years old and 4’10” to participate, and must be accompanied by a guardian.

What is the tour duration? It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, biking, exploring, and the brewery visit.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility? While the trails are manageable, the biking portion involves moderate activity, so those with mobility issues should consider this.

What about weather considerations? Rain gear is provided if needed, but it’s wise to prepare for variable weather. The experience can be enjoyed rain or shine.

Is alcohol served to minors? No, alcoholic drinks are only served to those 21 and older; minors will be offered non-alcoholic options.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour cleverly combines outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and local flavors, creating a memorable Alaska experience that appeals to active explorers and curious travelers alike. Whether you’re a lover of glaciers, forests, or craft beers, it’s a chance to see Juneau from a unique perspective—on two wheels, with a guide who knows the area inside out.