Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center: 11:00AM - 5:30PM
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About the Park
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is known as Homeland to the Huna and Yakutat Lingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
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What to See & Do
Experience the Huna Tribal House
Take a walk on the Łingít trail to see the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay since Łingít villages were destroyed by an advancing glacier over 250 years ago.
Kayak the Beardslees
If you’re visiting Glacier Bay on a budget, one of the more accessible wilderness areas of the park is the Beardslee Islands. Kayak through these peaceful, wild waters and look for wildlife along the shoreline for a true Glacier Bay adventure.
Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove
Bartlett Cove has the only developed trails in the park. The forests and shorelines offer great hiking opportunities through a beautiful setting and a chance to see all manner of wildlife. Spend some time, stretch your legs, and discover the wonders of the park!
Camp at Bartlett Cove
The Bartlett Cove Campground is steps away from incredible views of the Fairweather Mountains and the bay. Spend a night in this enchanting rainforest campground and listen to whales from where you sleep.
Explore Gustavus
The town of Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay. This charming Alaskan community offers plenty for travelers to explore as they make their way to the park.
Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center
Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center to watch a program, join a ranger on a walk, or just explore the exhibits yourself. There's plenty to learn for visitors of all ages.
Self-Guided Tours
The Birds of South Marble Island
Learn the many species of birds who call South Marble Island home! This rocky island is not only home to endangered Steller Sea Lions, but also many birds who feast in the productive waters surrounding the island. Keep a look out for humpback whales who also frequent this area.
Walk Bartlett Cove
Walk through Bartlett Cove's developed area, discover rich cultural history, scientific research, and natural wonders. This tour starts at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) due to the large parking area, but could be completed in any convenient order.
Guided Walk - Forest Loop Trail
Join this guided walk written by a Glacier Bay Park Ranger. The Forest Loop Trail is a great short hike in Bartlett Cove, able to completed in an average of about 45 minutes.
Visitor Centers
Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center
OPEN on the second floor of Glacier Bay Lodge in Bartlett Cove, 10 miles from Gustavus. Staffed daily in summer with park rangers. Stop by for exhibits, park information, trip planning, bookstore, reading area, hydrophone kiosk, interpretive programs, park films, brochures, and much more.
Visitor Information Station - Backcountry Office
Located near the head of the public-use dock in Bartlett Cove, 10 miles from Gustavus. The "VIS" provides trip planning information, boating and camping permits, and offers boater/camper orientation sessions for visitors heading into the wild backcountry of Glacier Bay. Stop by and meet a park ranger. Open annually between May and September.
Where to Stay
Bartlett Cove Campground
The National Park Service maintains a free walk-in campground in Bartlett Cove. The campground features bear-proof food caches, a fire-pit and warming shelter (with firewood provided) located in a very scenic setting along the shore, 1/4 mile south of the Bartlett Cove dock. Stays are limited to 14 days
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road in the area merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus in the summer months. Year-round scheduled air service is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries also provide regular service from Juneau.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Glacier Bay Operating Hours and Seasons
There are no entrance gates at Glacier Bay National Park, so we are technically open 24-hours a day; however, services may be extremely limited depending on the time of your visit. The main visitor season is from late-May through early-September with the peak being the month of July. Check the VISITOR CENTERS tab below to see hours for specific facilities, and read the exceptions that detail seasonal changes in hours.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
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webcam
Bartlett Cove Public Dock
The public-use dock in Glacier Bay National Park is a hub of activity. Sailboats, kayaks, park boats, large tour vessels, and smaller charter fishing boats come and go throughout the summer months. On a clear day the peaks of Excursion Ridge are visible. The activity changes by the minute ... click the preview image to see the action live!
Bartlett Cove Lagoon and Fairweather Range
Located adjacent to park headquarters, this serene location hosts a variety of wildlife. Watch for river otters, harbor seals, waterfowl, moose, black bears, and an endless cycle of tides. On clear days, summits of the the Fairweather Range are on spectacular display. The scenery changes by the minute ... click this preview image for a live view!
Bartlett Cove Dock and Tlingit Trail
The Tlingit Trail follows the shoreline of Bartlett Cove from the Huna Tribal House to the Visitor Information Station and the public-use dock. Interpretive signs explain Tlingit culture and common native plants. A variety of vessels from around the world dock here, including an occasional floatplane. On a clear day the high peaks of the Beartrack Mountains can be seen rising above the forested Beardslee Islands in the distance. Click the image to see a live view!
Lower Glacier Bay
Two hundred fifty years ago this entire area was covered with ice. Now it’s home to sea otters, humpback whales and orcas. Occasional ships enter Glacier Bay, rounding Point Carolus from Icy Strait; park visitors wander the shoreline, checking out tidepools at Halibut Point. Weather patterns over the Bay change by the minute … click this preview image for a live view!
Photos
Icebergs, calved from tidewater glaciers are a common sight in Glacier Bay National Park.
Pan ice in Tarr Inlet
Beachcombing Brown Bear
Sheltered waters of Glacier Bay
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Glacier Bay & Preserve
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