Laughton Glacier Trail
Walk directly onto the Laughton Glacier via a historic train ride, experiencing stunning ice formations and alpine beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize glacier exploration time
Laughton Glacier Trail
Best Time
Maximize glacier exploration time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk directly onto the Laughton Glacier via a historic train ride, experiencing stunning ice formations and alpine beauty.
"The combination train + Laughton Glacier hike is the best bang for the buck in all of Skagway."
🎯 Book Hiker Train Early
Secure your spot on the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train for direct access to the Laughton Glacier Trail .
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain and potentially icy glacier surfaces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laughton Glacier
Trailhead accessible by White Pass Yukon Route RR
Walk directly onto a glacier, explore ice formations, and discover hidden waterfalls. A truly unique Alaskan adventure!
Wildflower Displays
Along the Laughton Glacier Trail
Be amazed by the vibrant and abundant wildflowers that carpet the landscape during the summer months.
White Pass Yukon Route RR
Skagway to Laughton Glacier Trailhead
Enjoy a scenic train ride through stunning Alaskan wilderness to reach the glacier's base.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Glacier Access
Trailhead Logistics: Train or Helicopter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Hiker Train Early
Secure your spot on the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train for direct access to the Laughton Glacier Trail.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain and potentially icy glacier surfaces.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the glacier.
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera to photograph the stunning glacier, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Hiker Train Early
Secure your spot on the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train for direct access to the Laughton Glacier Trail.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain and potentially icy glacier surfaces.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the glacier.
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera to photograph the stunning glacier, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 6.5 hours to truly explore the glacier and catch your return train.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique opportunity to walk directly on the Laughton Glacier, calling it a highlight of their Alaskan cruise. The combination of the scenic train ride and the glacier exploration is highly praised for its value and unforgettable experience. However, some find the allotted time on the glacier insufficient if they don't plan for the earliest and latest trains.
"Great hike for a cruise excursion! The whole family enjoyed it, pretty easy for any regular hiker but considered "strenuous" for cruisers, I guess it all depends on the weather. We got all the way up onto the glacier and into a waterfall that happened to have a giant rock stuck in it. Just perfect timing!"
Kirk Wrzesien
"Beautiful stop. So many wildflowers!
We booked directly with the White Pass train to be able to get off the train, hike around as a family, and catch a later train back."
Linda Frandsen
"The combination train + Laughton Glacier hike is the best bang for the buck in all of Skagway. Where else can you literally walk right on to a glacier? Trailhead only accessible by White Pass Yukon Route RR or helicopter"
Christopher Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Laughton Glacier Trailhead is exclusively accessible via the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train or by helicopter. You cannot drive directly to it.
No, driving to the trailhead is not possible. The only access points are the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train or helicopter tours.
The most popular and recommended method is taking the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train. This allows you to disembark at the trailhead and catch a later train back.
No, standard shuttle services do not go to the Laughton Glacier Trailhead. Access is limited to the train or helicopter.
The train ride from Skagway to the Laughton Glacier Trailhead is approximately 14 miles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to book a ticket on the White Pass Yukon Route RR with their hiker service. Booking directly with the train company is recommended.
The ticket typically includes the round-trip train journey to the trailhead and allows you to disembark and re-board later trains.
Yes, you can book a combination train and hike package. Ensure you select the 'hiker service' option for the White Pass train.
Costs can vary, but booking directly with the White Pass train for the hiker service is often considered the best value for the experience.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train tickets in advance, especially during peak cruise season, to secure your preferred times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While considered 'strenuous' for some cruise passengers, it's a moderate hike for regular hikers. The trail is 4.4 miles roundtrip from the train tracks, with the option to go onto the glacier itself.
You'll need at least 6.5 hours to truly explore the glacier and catch your return train. Rushing can mean missing out on the full experience.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, layers of clothing as the weather can change, and be prepared for potentially wet conditions on the glacier.
Yes, families have enjoyed the hike. It's important to assess your children's hiking abilities and ensure they have appropriate footwear and supervision.
You can expect to see stunning glacier ice, unique rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers. Some visitors have even found waterfalls with rocks stuck in them.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vastness of the glacier, intricate ice formations, and the surrounding alpine scenery. Waterfalls and wildflowers also make for great shots.
Exercise caution when taking photos on the glacier. Stick to designated areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially on icy surfaces.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive glacier views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of waterfalls.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific park regulations or guide instructions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for photography. Midday sun can be harsh but still offers opportunities for dramatic ice shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Consider booking the earliest train and the latest return to allow for extensive exploration of the ice formations and surrounding terrain. While the main trail is moderate, venturing onto the glacier itself requires caution and appropriate footwear. Experienced hikers might find opportunities for more challenging routes or longer exploration periods if time permits.🚢 Cruise Excursion Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The White Pass Yukon Route RR: Your Gateway to the Glacier
Opting for the hiker train is often cited as the 'best bang for your buck' in Skagway, combining a scenic journey with an unforgettable adventure.
While the train is the primary access, some visitors opt for a more exclusive experience via helicopter tours. These tours offer a bird's-eye view of the glaciers and surrounding wilderness, often including a landing on the ice. However, this is a significantly more expensive option compared to the train and may not offer the same extended exploration time on the glacier itself.
Exploring the Laughton Glacier: What to Expect
Visitors often describe the feeling as surreal, with opportunities to see fascinating ice formations, crevasses, and even meltwater waterfalls.To make the most of your time on the glacier, it's essential to plan your visit around the train schedule. Many reviewers emphasize that two hours is not enough to truly explore; dedicating a full day with the earliest train and latest return is highly recommended.
While the primary draw is the glacier itself, the journey to and from the trailhead offers its own rewards. The Gold Rush Cemetery is also mentioned as a nearby point of interest, offering a glimpse into Skagway's historical past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit