Ice caves are an incredible place to visit if you are interested in seeing how glaciers form. The Mendenhall Glacier specifically has been retreating for the past few decades, and as a result, is becoming more accessible to visitors. Calving of the glacier forms caves and range from small nooks and crannies to large ice tunnels.
Requirements for Ice Cave Exploration
To ensure you’re properly prepared for your time in the caves, look up what requirements there are. Most places will tell you to make sure you’re dressed well for the visit to avoid any injuries to both yourself and the glacier.
Safety Tips: Be aware that there can be sudden changes in weather when visiting ice caves, so always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
What should I bring?
Visiting the ice caves requires some preparation and several must-have items. The most important item is proper clothing. It can be quite cold inside the caves, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a warm jacket. You will also need sturdy shoes, as there is a lot of uneven ground and ‘moon rock’ inside the caves. It is also important to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as it can be very bright inside the glacier.
Safety Tips
Many ice caves have signs posted throughout the area that guide visitors to protect themselves and others from harm or injury. Ice Caves are an extremely delicate environment that requires careful treatment by their visitors. Here are some key safety tips to remember while visiting glaciers and ice caves:
- Stay on designated paths
- Do not touch or climb on the glacier
- Do not litter
- Be aware of weather and dress appropriately
- Use caution when walking on ice
Best time of year
Ice caves are an attractive destination for tourists and locals, but the glaciers require cold temperatures to maintain their ice. This means that ice caves can be found throughout all seasons of the year if proper safety precautions are followed.
If you can make it out to the Mendenhall Ice Caves AK or other cave, be sure to take some time and explore. The glaciers themselves are an interesting place with a lot of history behind them that can be explored in just about any season. Be prepared for cold temperatures, dress warmly, and bring good traction shoes or boots, depending on what type of terrain you plan on hiking through. With these tips under your belt, hopefully, your visit will go smoothly!
