National Park Guide

Glacier Bay National Park

Alaska, US

A dramatic landscape of tidewater glaciers, temperate rainforest, and marine wilderness in southeast Alaska.

3,223,384

Acres

Trails

1980

Established

600,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

May - September

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Gustavus Airport (GST), 10 min drive

Best Months

June, July, August

Highlights

Margerie Glacier calving into the bay
Humpback whale watching
Kayaking among icebergs
Bartlett Cove temperate rainforest trails
Boat tours of the West Arm fjord

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Glacier Bay National Park

Bartlett Cove Forest Trail

Easy

1.0 miles loop

50 ft gain

Bartlett River Trail

Easy

2.5 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Tlingit Trail

Easy

1.0 miles round trip

50 ft gain

Point Gustavus Beach Walk

Moderate

12.0 miles round trip

50 ft gain

Beardslee Islands Kayak Trail

Moderate

6.0 miles round trip

0 ft gain

About Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park protects 3.3 million acres of rugged coastline, towering glaciers, and diverse marine ecosystems in southeast Alaska. The park is a living laboratory of glacial retreat and ecological succession, where humpback whales breach in icy waters and brown bears roam the shoreline.

In-Depth Guide

Glacier Bay National Park Guide: Best Activities, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Glacier Bay National Park. Top activities, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Alaska's tidewater glacier wilderness.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near Glacier Bay National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Glacier Bay Lodge

$$$

The only lodge within Glacier Bay National Park, surrounded by temperate rainforest at Bartlett Cove. Offers guided boat tours, nature walks, and a warm lodge atmosphere with dining.

Inside the park$250-400/night

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Glacier Bay Country Inn

A charming bed and breakfast in Gustavus offering complimentary breakfast, hiking trails on the property, and a short drive to Glacier Bay National Park. Free airport shuttle available.

5 min drive$180-300/night

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Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge

$$$

Set on 15 acres along the Chena River in Fairbanks, this 328-room lodge offers three restaurants, a gift shop, and a large riverside deck. A staging point for flights to Glacier Bay.

Gateway city (Fairbanks)$200-350/night

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Compare Glacier Bay National Park

See how Glacier Bay National Park stacks up against other national parks

Glacier Bay National Park vs Kenai Fjords National Park

Choose Glacier Bay for a more remote, expansive glacial wilderness and cruise ship access. Choose Kenai Fjords for easier access from Anchorage, affordable day trips, and excellent marine wildlife.

See full comparison