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.
Photo: NPS / T. VandenBerg
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
- LocationGustavus, AK
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now46°F Light rain shower
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Ancient Seas
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Birds
- Climate Change
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Colonization and Settlement
- Explorers and Expeditions
11 more topics
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Glaciers
- Maritime
- Mountains
- Natural Sounds
- Oceans
- Rainforest
- Whales
- Wilderness
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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…
Learn more about Camp at Bartlett Cove on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Experience the Huna Tribal House on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Explore Gustavus on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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…
Learn more about Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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…
Learn more about Kayak the Beardslees on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 6 of 6
All 30 activities in the park
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Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Bartlett Cove Campground
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Details
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
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center
Facility
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…
1 Park Road, Gustavus, AK (907) 697-2230 Directions
Details
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
Facility
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…
1 Park Road, Bartlett Cove, AK (907) 697-2627 Directions
Details
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.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Glacier Bay Operating Hours and Seasons
Hours by area (3)
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Glacier Bay Operating Hours and SeasonsOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
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Glacier Bay Visitor Center Desk HoursDaily, 11:00AM - 5:30PM
Located 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.
Monday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Tuesday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Wednesday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Thursday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Friday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Saturday 11:00AM - 5:30PM Sunday 11:00AM - 5:30PM -
Visitor Information Station (VIS) HoursDaily, 7:00AM - 5:00PM
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.
Monday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
46°F
Light rain shower · feels like 43°
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Today
48° 41°
Patchy rain nearby84% rain -
Tomorrow
47° 39°
Overcast36% rain -
Wednesday
47° 37°
Overcast21% rain
Updated 2 hr ago
What to expect by season
Summer temperatures average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in lush southeast Alaska. It is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather, especially rain. Suggested clothing includes waterproof boots, rain gear, a hat, gloves, wool or pile layers or a warm coat. Good rain gear is essential here. April, May and June are usually the driest months of the year. September and October tend to be the wettest.
Photos
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Glacier Bay offers a rare glimpse into the Ice Age — NPS Photo / B. Whitehead -
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Getting There
Gustavus, AK 99826
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).
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Gustavus, AK 99826
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