Juneau Trail System
Alaska’s Capital City Trail Network — Perseverance Trail Gold Rush History, Mount Roberts Tramway Summit, Treadwell Mine Ruins, Mendenhall Glacier Access, 80+ Miles of Urban Wilderness
Juneau Trail System is a state-maintained trail network throughout the City and Borough of Juneau, Southeast Alaska. The system features 80+ miles of interconnected trails ranging from easy waterfront walks to challenging alpine ascents, historic gold rush mining sites, glacier viewpoints, old-growth rainforest, and wildlife viewing in Alaska’s roadless capital city.
Juneau is America’s only state capital inaccessible by road — surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier, and the Gastineau Channel. The Juneau Trail System transforms this geographic isolation into an extraordinary hiking destination with trails that climb from sea level to alpine summits within just a few miles.
The trail network tells the story of Alaska’s Gold Rush heritage — the Perseverance Trail follows Gold Creek into Silverbow Basin past the Perseverance Mine ruins and Ebner Falls. The Treadwell Mine Historic Trail on Douglas Island winds through the remains of what was once the world’s largest gold mine, including the famous Glory Hole — a massive water-filled pit. The Mount Roberts Trail climbs steeply to panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, and Douglas Island.
Signature Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perseverance Trail | 3 mi one-way | Moderate | Gold Rush mines, Ebner Falls, Silverbow Basin |
| Mount Roberts Trail | 4.5 mi one-way | Strenuous | Alpine panoramas, Gastineau Channel views |
| Treadwell Mine Historic | 2+ mi loop | Easy | World’s largest gold mine ruins, Glory Hole |
| Treadwell Ditch Trail | ~14 mi point-to-point | Easy-Moderate | Historic aqueduct, old-growth forest |
| West Glacier Trail | 3.4 mi one-way | Moderate | Mendenhall Glacier ice views |
Things to Do
- Gold Rush history hiking — Perseverance Trail, mine ruins
- Alpine hiking — Mount Roberts summit views
- Glacier viewing — Mendenhall Glacier trails
- Treadwell Mine exploration — Douglas Island historic site
- Wildlife viewing — bears, eagles, whales from coastal trails
- Mount Roberts Tramway — ride up, hike alpine loops
- Old-growth rainforest walks
- Photography — Gastineau Channel panoramas
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | City and Borough of Juneau, Southeast Alaska |
| Trail Miles | 80+ miles of maintained trails |
| Terrain | Sea level to alpine — rainforest, glacier, mining sites |
| Wildlife | Bears (carry bear spray), eagles, whales, mountain goats |
| Weather | Juneau gets 60+ inches rain/year — be prepared |
| Access | No road access to Juneau — fly or ferry only |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks + City of Juneau + USFS |
| Coordinates | 58.3005° N, 134.4197° W (downtown Juneau) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking trail in Juneau Alaska?
The Perseverance Trail is Juneau’s most popular hike — a 3-mile trail following Gold Creek into Silverbow Basin past historic gold rush mine ruins and Ebner Falls. For views, Mount Roberts Trail climbs steeply to alpine panoramas of the Gastineau Channel. The Treadwell Mine Historic Trail on Douglas Island explores the ruins of what was once the world’s largest gold mine. Over 80 miles of trails connect throughout Alaska’s roadless capital city.
Can you hike to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau?
Yes — the West Glacier Trail (3.4 miles one-way) provides views of Mendenhall Glacier’s ice face and is part of the Juneau Trail System. The trail is moderate difficulty and passes through temperate rainforest. Note: glacier access conditions change annually due to ice retreat. Always check current trail conditions and be bear-aware — carry bear spray.
Last updated: May 2026
Top Tours & Activities in Alaska
from $258
from $850
from $165