Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Designation: National Park & Preserve
Location: Alaska
📘 Park Overview
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 Łingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Passengers line the deck to enjoy the icy scene at Margerie Glacier
Credit: NPS / T. VandenBerg
Icebergs, calved from tidewater glaciers are a common sight in Glacier Bay National Park.
Credit: NPS Photo
Glacier Bay offers a rare glimpse into the Ice Age
Credit: NPS Photo / B. Whitehead
Brown bears frequently forage along the shoreline of Glacier Bay
Credit: NPS Photo / C. Behnke
Glacier Bay is a paradise for wilderness aficionados.
Credit: NPS Photo
Glacier Bay provides endless possibilities for wilderness camping.
Credit: NPS photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Nov 4
Overcast
High: 41.7°F | Low: 35.5°F
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.1
Sunrise: 07:27 AM
Sunset: 04:05 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (96%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 33.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Nov 5
Patchy rain nearby
High: 41.7°F | Low: 36.4°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 0.1
Sunrise: 07:30 AM
Sunset: 04:03 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 31.9°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Nov 6
Patchy rain nearby
High: 40.2°F | Low: 36.4°F
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 07:32 AM
Sunset: 04:00 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 35.1°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Guided Walk: Forest Loop Trail
Walk with a ranger to track the “footprints” left by a glacier and discover hidden stories of Glacier
Bay’s forests and shore. Walk will take about 90 minutes, one mile walk, easy. A self-guiding walk is available at any time using the NPS App.
Note: If you are departing Bartlett Cove for a flight after the walk ends at 3 pm and have a tight turnaround, inform the ranger before the walk starts and they will work to accommodate your timing.
Location: Meet at Glacier Bay Lodge Entryway (Walk will begin at the front steps near the parking lot)
Date: May 23, 2025 12:00am to Sep 1, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Evening Program
Join a park ranger for daily presentations in Bartlett Cove! Hear from a National Park Service
Ranger at the Glacier Bay Lodge Theater (upstairs) for a deep dive into what makes Glacier Bay
special. Programs begin at 6 pm, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Ranger will depart at 7:00
pm after the program, although the Glacier Bay Lodge front desk remains open 6 am - 11 pm.
Program topics vary nightly: See weekly flyer posted at the lodge or on the Glacier Bay Event Calendar webpage.
Location: The Glacier Bay Lodge is located in Bartlett Cove, about 9 miles from the town of Gustavus. The theater is upstairs, past the exhibits.
Date: May 23, 2025 12:00am to Sep 1, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Open House at Xunaa Shuká Hít, the Huna Tribal House
Discover the beauty and significance of this building, Xunaa Shuká Hít (Huna Ancestors' House), a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and Hoonah Indian Association.
*Visitor hours may be altered to accommodate special events and Tribal/NPS uses.
**Special tribal programming or traditional demonstrations may be available on Sundays from 1-4 pm. Check the Glacier Bay Calendar for updates! (Scan QR code at top)
Location: Xunaa Shuká Hít is located on the Tlingit trail to the northeast of the Glacier Bay Lodge.
Date: Jun 3, 2025 12:00am to Aug 30, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Sanctuary for the Future: Film Showing
Watch a film showing how the Tribal House came to be through a unique partnership.
Location: Xunaa Shuká Hít is located on the Tlingit trail to the northeast of the Glacier Bay Lodge.
Date: Jun 3, 2025 12:00am to Aug 30, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Healing Across the Waters: Film Showing
Watch our award-winning film highlighting our collaborative partnership and continued healing journey.
Location: Xunaa Shuká Hít is located on the Tlingit trail to the northeast of the Glacier Bay Lodge.
Date: Jun 3, 2025 12:00am to Aug 30, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Film Premiere: Forces of Change, The Story of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Join us for a premiere of the new park film, "Forces of Change, The Story of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve". We will start the film at 7 pm in the Glacier Bay Lodge Theater. We hope to see you there.
Date: Aug 28, 2025 12:00am to Aug 28, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1 Park Road
Gustavus, AK 99826
🏤 Mailing Address:
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
📞 Voice Phone: 9076972230
📞 Fax Phone: 9076972654
✉️ Email: glba_administration@nps.gov