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.

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.

6/18

Rain showers: Slight intensity

L:41.1°
H:46.5°

6/19

Thunderstorm: Slight or moderate

L:40.9°
H:51.4°

6/20

Overcast

L:49°
H:53.5°

6/21

Overcast

L:51°
H:53.2°

6/22

Overcast

L:46.2°
H:52.3°

6/23

Overcast

L:42.3°
H:47.3°

6/24

Rain: Slight intensity

L:36.6°
H:43.1°

58.80086718, -136.8407579

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Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Icebergs, calved from tidewater glaciers are a common sight in Glacier Bay National Park.

Activities

Things To Do

Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, ATV Off-Roading, Boating, Motorized Boating, Boat Tour, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Fishing, Food, Flying, Guided Tours, Boat Tour, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Hunting and Gathering, Hunting, Paddling, Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store

Topics

Things To Explore

Architecture and Building, Colonization and Settlement, Explorers and Expeditions, Maritime, Ancient Seas, Animals, Birds, Fish, Climate Change, Coasts, Islands and Atolls, Forests and Woodlands, Rainforest, Geology, Glaciers, Mountains, Natural Sounds, Oceans, Whales, Wilderness

Pan ice in Tarr Inlet

Contact

Phone

Voice: (907) 697-2230

Fax: (907) 697-2654

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.

Wednesday: All DayMonday: All DayThursday: All DaySunday: All DayTuesday: All DayFriday: All DaySaturday: All Day

Glacier Bay Visitor Center Desk Hours

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.

Wednesday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMMonday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMThursday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMSunday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMTuesday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMFriday: 11:00AM - 5:30PMSaturday: 11:00AM - 5:30PM

Visitor Information Station (VIS) Hours

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.

Wednesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMMonday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMThursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMSunday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMTuesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMFriday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMSaturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM