Juneau, AK – Aug 15, 2019 - Adventurous travellers are being offered unique opportunities to hike the wilds of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier with the help of a vastly experienced local guiding company.

Above and Beyond Alaska (ABAK), which has been offering hiking expeditions to the legendary Mendenhall Glacier for more than 17 years, is now taking bookings for a wide range of expeditions to this famous glacier.

"Over 1 million people visit the most famous glacier in Alaska every year, but less than one
percent of those will have the opportunity to walk to the surface and visit the amazing blue ice features," emphasized ABAK's Caitlin McElhinny.

The Mendenhall Glacier offers more amazing features than trekking the icy surface, with its
many seracs, moulins, ice caves, crevasses and more.

"The best part is that it changes every day. This dynamic environment is not only extremely
exclusive, but totally unique on the day you visit," she added.

ABAK's guides are offering either a day long, or an overnight stay, to enable hikers to embrace the remarkable environment around them.

One option to reach the glacier is by a hiking tour on the West Glacier Trail which takes
to the face of the glacier. The trail is roughly 4 miles out and 4 miles back.

"It is considered a more strenuous and challenging trail for several reasons, with steep points of elevation, but is beautiful, thrilling, and awe-inspiring," Caitlin added. "Hikers can also experience the Tongass National Rainforest, the second most bio-diverse forest in the world behind the Amazon."

Clients will be offered the chance to see the various stages of glacial recession from old growth to the newest exposed surfaces, and a tour also encompasses natural history, flora, fauna, and the best panoramic views.

She warned the trail is advanced enough that dozens of unguided travelers have to be
rescued by the state's City Fire and Rescue every year and highly recommends only heading out there with a trained and qualified guide.

They also offer a 10-hour hike along the most extensive and longest glacier adventure in
Southeast Alaska under their Glacier Blue Trek & Climb. It is not for the faint-hearted and
people must be physically fit.

She added: "This one involves ice climbing up the wall of a glacier with a top rope, real
mountaineering boots, and crampons. Our guide will show you the “secret spots” only they know about as they are up on the ice exploring every day."

Alternatively, ABAK also offers an overnight stay on the ice for the ultimate glacier experience.

The employee-owned local guiding company is based in Juneau and has been providing
journeys around the region by kayak, foot, boat, plane, or helicopter for more than 17 years.

Juneau, which is nestled below the Coast Mountains and beside the ocean in the heart of
Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. They are experts in exploring the Tongass National
Forest, glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, and waters of Alaska’s inside passage.

For more information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike to the Mendenhall Glacier
click over to https://beyondak.com/mendenhallglacier/ or call them on 907-364-2333.
Alternatively, email them at [email protected]