Mount Roberts Trail - a path in the middle of a forest with lots of trees
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Mount Roberts Trail

4.6
·491k reviews·Juneau, United States

Experience breathtaking Alaskan vistas via the Goldbelt Tram or a challenging hike up Mount Roberts Trail. Discover local culture at the summit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late May - Early June

Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Mount Roberts Trail - a path in the middle of a forest with lots of trees

Mount Roberts Trail

Best Time

Late May - Early June

Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking Alaskan vistas via the Goldbelt Tram or a challenging hike up Mount Roberts Trail. Discover local culture at the summit.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Goldbelt Tram offers stunning views of Juneau and the surrounding mountains, a must-do for any visitor!"

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Tram or Trail Decision

Choose the Goldbelt Tram for views or the challenging Mt. Roberts Trail for a hike. Trail is 'hard' and takes ~1.5 hrs up .

November Weather Warning

Expect snow, cold, and rain in early November. Hiking Mt. Juneau might be difficult for non-experienced hikers .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Goldbelt Tram Views

Goldbelt Tram Views

Mount Roberts

Panoramic vistas of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains. A must-see for breathtaking scenery.

Mount Roberts Trail Hike

Mount Roberts Trail Hike

Trailhead near cruise port

A strenuous but rewarding trek offering stunning alpine scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska Native Heritage Center

At the top of the tram

Immerse yourself in local culture with exhibits and demonstrations showcasing Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) for fewer crowds and potentially milder weather. November can bring snow, making some trails challenging for casual hikers. Check weather forecasts diligently before your visit.

Tram vs. Trail

Decide between the scenic Goldbelt Tram for easy access to views or the challenging Mount Roberts Trail for a rewarding hike. The trail is considered 'hard' and requires good fitness, taking about 1.5 hours to reach the Mountain House.

Best Times

When
Late May - Early June
Why
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
September
Why
Fall colors, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mt Roberts Goldbelt Tram. Spend the day with me and ill tell you everything you need to know for your trip to juneau alaska #juneaualaska #mtrobertstram #goldbelttram #alaska #weliveonacruiseship #spendthedaywithme #alaskatips #traveltips #juneautravel
@dutchworld_americangirl
11.4K likes • 108.5K views

Tram or Trail Decision

Choose the Goldbelt Tram for views or the challenging Mt. Roberts Trail for a hike. Trail is 'hard' and takes ~1.5 hrs up.Instagram

November Weather Warning

Expect snow, cold, and rain in early November. Hiking Mt. Juneau might be difficult for non-experienced hikers.Reddit

Would you hike Mount Roberts Trail in Juneau, instead of taking the Goldbelt Tram? ✅ This is NOT an easy hike. In fact, the AllTrails website classifies it as “Hard”, and Alaska.org classifies it as difficult. ✅ Most sources say that it takes about 1.5 hours to get from the trailhead to the Mountain House (top of the Tram). ✅ Also, factor in that it takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to walk to th...
cruisetravelmama
120 likes • 8.1K views
reddit.com

Hiking down Mount Roberts trail from Tram

Pack for All Conditions

Layers are key! Be prepared for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, even in summer.

Tram Ticket Value

The Goldbelt Tram offers a great way to access stunning views without the strenuous hike.TikTok

reddit.com

Hiking

Tips

from all over the internet

Tram or Trail Decision

Choose the Goldbelt Tram for views or the challenging Mt. Roberts Trail for a hike. Trail is 'hard' and takes ~1.5 hrs up.Instagram

November Weather Warning

Expect snow, cold, and rain in early November. Hiking Mt. Juneau might be difficult for non-experienced hikers.Reddit

Pack for All Conditions

Layers are key! Be prepared for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, even in summer.

Tram Ticket Value

The Goldbelt Tram offers a great way to access stunning views without the strenuous hike.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Roberts, accessible via the Goldbelt Tram. The cultural insights at the Alaska Native Heritage Center are also a highlight. However, the Mount Roberts Trail is noted as a strenuous hike, and weather can be unpredictable.

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Goldbelt Tram convenience
Alaska Native Heritage Center

What People Dislike

Strenuous trail difficulty
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead is conveniently located near the cruise ship terminal in Juneau. You can easily walk to it from the port. For those opting for the tram, the base station is also a short walk away.TikTok

Limited parking may be available near the trailhead, but it's often easier to access via foot if you're arriving by cruise ship. The Goldbelt Tram also has a base station with parking options.

While not directly to the trailhead, Juneau's public buses can get you close to the downtown area, from where you can walk to the trailhead or tram base.

You have two main options: hike the challenging Mount Roberts Trail or take the scenic Goldbelt Tram for a quicker ascent with stunning views.TikTok

The Goldbelt Tram offers accessibility for most visitors. The Mount Roberts Trail, however, is a strenuous hike and not suitable for everyone.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Goldbelt Tram can vary, but it's generally recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any package deals. It's a popular option for cruise ship visitors.TikTok

While not always mandatory, purchasing Goldbelt Tram tickets in advance, especially during peak cruise season, is highly recommended to avoid long queues and ensure your spot.

The Mount Roberts Trail itself is free to access. The costs are associated with using the Goldbelt Tram for a scenic ride up or down.

Operating hours for the Goldbelt Tram typically align with cruise ship schedules, usually running from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to confirm current hours online.

Look out for potential discounts for seniors, children, or package deals that might include other Juneau attractions. Checking the Goldbelt Tram's official website is your best bet.

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and access the start of further hiking trails. There's also a restaurant and gift shop.TikTok

The hike from the trailhead to the Mountain House (top of the tram) typically takes about 1.5 hours, but this can vary greatly depending on your fitness level and trail conditions.Instagram

Wear sturdy hiking boots, dress in layers, and bring waterproof outerwear. The weather can change rapidly, and the trail can be muddy or snowy, especially outside of summer months.Reddit

Restrooms are available at the base station and at the Mountain House (top of the tram). There are no facilities along the hiking trail itself.

While not guaranteed, it's possible to spot various birds, and occasionally marmots or other small mammals. Keep a safe distance if you do encounter wildlife.

📸 📸 Photography

The observation decks at the top of the Goldbelt Tram offer incredible panoramic shots. The trail itself provides stunning forest and mountain vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, from the channel views to the alpine meadows, are perfect for photography. A good zoom lens can be useful for capturing distant scenery.

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be bright but still offers spectacular views.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of any cultural sensitivities at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and respect private property.

The tram ride itself offers unique perspectives of the forest canopy and the ascent. From the top, you get sweeping views of Juneau and the surrounding fjords.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Goldbelt Tram is a fantastic option for families visiting Mount Roberts. The tram ride offers a fun and scenic journey with incredible views that will captivate children.TikTok At the top, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an engaging cultural experience, and there are often opportunities to see local crafts and learn about indigenous traditions. While the Mount Roberts Trail is generally too strenuous for young children, families can enjoy shorter, accessible paths near the Mountain House. Pack snacks and be prepared for changing weather, as even summer days can be cool and damp.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers Seeking a Challenge

For experienced hikers, the Mount Roberts Trail offers a rewarding challenge. Be prepared for a steep, rugged ascent that can take around 1.5 hours to reach the summit area.Instagram The trail is classified as 'hard' and requires good physical condition and appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots and layers for unpredictable weather.Reddit If you're visiting in the shoulder seasons, like early November, be aware of potential snow and ice, which can significantly increase the difficulty and risk.Reddit Many hikers enjoy combining the hike with the tram, perhaps hiking up and taking the tram down, or vice versa, to experience both the exertion and the ease.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Mount Roberts Trail

The Mount Roberts Trail is a significant undertaking, often described as 'hard' by hikers.Instagram It's a steep ascent, typically taking around 1.5 hours to reach the Mountain House, the upper station of the Goldbelt Tram.Instagram The trail winds through lush temperate rainforest, offering glimpses of the Gastineau Channel and surrounding peaks. Proper footwear is essential, as the path can be uneven, muddy, and even snow-covered depending on the season.Reddit Many hikers opt to take the tram up and hike down, or vice versa, to experience both perspectives.

For those planning to hike, especially outside of peak summer months, checking trail conditions and weather forecasts is crucial. Early November, for instance, can bring snow, making the hike considerably more challenging and potentially hazardous for unprepared individuals.Reddit It's advisable to carry water, snacks, and to inform someone of your hiking plans. The reward for your effort is not just the physical accomplishment but also the unparalleled natural beauty and solitude you can find away from the main tourist paths.

The Goldbelt Tram Experience

The Goldbelt Tram provides a much more accessible way to experience the stunning vistas from Mount Roberts. This aerial tramway whisks visitors from near the cruise port up to the Mountain House, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding Tongass National Forest.TikTok The ride itself is an experience, with large windows providing unobstructed sightlines. It's an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery without the strenuous hike, or for families with young children and individuals with mobility concerns.

At the upper station, visitors can explore the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which offers insights into the rich culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples through exhibits and demonstrations. There's also a restaurant with incredible views, a gift shop, and access to shorter walking paths. The tram operates seasonally, and its schedule often aligns with cruise ship arrivals, making it a popular choice for day-trippers looking for a memorable Juneau experience.TikTok

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