If the idea of exploring magnificent areas that define the extremes of the world is the kind of thing that gets your heart racing and tickles your fancy, a trip to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska might be just the thing for you. A tract of land that extends over some 3.3-million acres of mountains, fjords, glaciers and rain forests, Glacier Bay is the grand daddy of protected areas in the United States which you can visit and explore to your heart’s content – and which will unequivocally leave you (maybe a bit colder) but certainly richer for the experience.
History
Some say different communities of people may have been living in the area, up to 9,000 years ago.
A national heritage monument
In 1925, United States President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the area surrounding Glacier Bay as a national heritage monument.
UNESCO world heritage site
In 1979, UNESCO declared Glacier Bay a world heritage site. The area’s conservation status was at the time enlarged by 523,000 acres by US President Jimmy Carter in 1980, which is when the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was formally established.
Things to See
As with any outdoor national park, in Glacier Bay you can indulge in all kinds of physical activities, which include hiking, camping, mountaineering and bird watching. Be warned, however: this terrain is icy and therefore very slippery by nature. Watch your step and make sure that you buy yourself proper Alaskan hiking boots. Better still, if you’ve never yet explored the area, go on a guided tour with a local ranger. That way, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the environment, as you will learn to respect its hazards, the sensible way.
Fjord flying
Still keen to visit, but not that keen to get your feet cold or wet? Have you ever heard of the concept of fjord flying? Well, it’s exactly what it implies. You can charter a small aircraft that will fly you through fjords and enable you to see the amazing sheets of ice, mountain and water from above. There are many different aircraft carriers in the area which will cater to your flight-seeing needs in comfort and safety.
Plan Your Visit
At Bartlett Cove, there’s a fully equipped camp site, where you can listen to the whales sing in harmony with one another as you lie in your sleeping bag. Snuggled next to a rain forest, this camp site features free firewood, bear-proof food storage cache and some of the most beautiful and tranquil landscapes you could only dream of.
Stay at Glacier Bay Lodge for an unforgettable adventure.
Back to: Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Gustavus, AK 99826, Phone: 907-697-2230
