Cruising Glacier Bay. Photo: NPS / T. VandenBerg
- Entrance
- Free
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- Not sold
- Payment
- Not listed
Work out the cost for your group
About Glacier Bay
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 Lingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
Things to do
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Camp at Bartlett Cove
The Bartlett Cove Campground is steps away from incredible views of the Fairweather Mountains and the bay.
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Experience the Huna Tribal House
Take a walk on the Łingít trail to see the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay since Łingít villages were destroyed by an advancing glacier over 250 years ago.
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Explore Gustavus
The town of Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay.
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Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove
Bartlett Cove has the only developed trails in the park.
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Kayak the Beardslees
If you’re visiting Glacier Bay on a budget, one of the more accessible wilderness areas of the park is the Beardslee Islands.
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Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center
Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center to watch a program, join a ranger on a walk, or just explore the exhibits yourself.
Photos

Iceberg on the shore Photo: NPS Photo 
Pan ice in Tarr Inlet Photo: NPS Photo / B. Whitehead 
Beachcombing Brown Bear Photo: NPS Photo / C. Behnke 
Sheltered waters of Glacier Bay Photo: NPS Photo 
Camping in the Glacier Bay backcountry Photo: NPS photo
Entrance fees
This park has no entrance fee.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
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.
Hours
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.
Getting there
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.
Campgrounds
- Bartlett Cove Campground
Webcams
- Bartlett Cove Public Dock
- Bartlett Cove Lagoon and Fairweather Range
- Bartlett Cove Dock and Tlingit Trail
- Lower Glacier Bay
Visitor centers
Alerts
No alerts as of October 26, 2026.



