Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is located in the southern part of Alaska not far from the capital of Juneau.
This area in southeastern Alaska was proclaimed a U.S. National Monument in 1925. The name was changed to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in 1980. The park and preserve covers over 5,130 square miles.
Getting to the park is not easy as no roads lead to it. It may be easily reached by one of the many National Park Service ferries. Some travelers prefer to come in by air. The small community of Gustavus offers an airport that is open throughout the year. Even without roads, the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve averages 380,000 visitors per year.
The park’s glaciers create one of the world’s most dramatic displays of ice and iceberg formations. The most recognized glacier is the Muir Glacier. This glacier is about 2 miles wide and 265 feet tall. Most of Glacier Bay was glacier-bound as until the mid-1700s.
The park offers a no-fee walk-in campground with a 14-day limit. This area features bear-resistant food storage, firewood, a warming hut and is located at Bartlett Cove. No reservations are accepted and a permit is required. Camping permits are given out at the Visitor Information Station on a first-come, first-served basis.
All campers and kayakers are obligated to attend a daily camper orientation. This orientation is held daily at the Bartlett Cove Visitor Information Station. This orientation session will answer any questions visitors might have as well as provide: tide table information, special wildlife regulations, safety procedures and assistance in planning excursions in the park. Visitors are required to fill out a mandatory registration and personal information form.
More Glacier Bay Reading
National Parks Service Website
Wilderness Adventures
Nature and Science in Glacier Bay
Park Newspaper and Guide
Visitors Activity Guide
Geology of Glacier Bay
Marine Forecast
Glacier Bay Cruises
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Our Alaskan Cruise Guide
Photos of Glacier Bay
NPS Gallery
Pictures by QT Luong
Stock Photos
Glacier Bay Videos
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