Mount Roberts Tramway
4.2(602)google
1.0(1)yelp
Scenic LookoutMountainPhoto SpotFamilyOutdoor
Overview
The Mount Roberts Tramway is an exhilarating aerial cable car system located right at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau. The tram swiftly elevates passengers 1,800 feet high through lush, temperate rainforest canopies to the mountain's observation timberline. At the peak, travelers are treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel and Juneau's urban core. The summit complex features a native cultural center, a nature theater, and an extensive network of alpine hiking trails lined with traditional totem carvings.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeOperates seasonally from May to September. An absolute must on a clear, fog-free evening or sunset. Riding this aerial tramway up 1,800 feet to the mountain summit provides unmatched, spectacular bird's-eye views over downtown Juneau, the cruise terminal, and the Gastineau Channel.
Getting ThereThe lower tram terminal boarding station is perfectly situated directly along the main cruise ship docks on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau. It is an easy 2-to-5-minute flat walk from the ships. The upper mountain station links directly to alpine hiking paths.
Travel Tips
- The mountain summit encounters extreme winds; gales reaching 30 mph prompt immediate, unannounced tram groundings for structural safety.
- The upper trail extending past the tram terminal turns into dangerous mud slick after alpine rains; technical mountain footgear is required.
- Keep your receipts; spending above the minimum threshold at the summit gift shop or restaurant qualifies you for downhill fare rebates.
Reviews
Positive
- The red tram rises smoothly up the steep mountainside; large glass windows offer unobstructed views over Juneau harbor and cruise docks with great impact.
- The mountain-top tram station is highly modern, featuring a wide accessible viewing deck, premium restrooms, a cozy theater, and a native gift shop.
- The tram operators and peak staff are very enthusiastic, delivering witty bites of Juneau history during the minutes-long ride; management is orderly.
- Right opposite the Juneau cruise dock, it's a one-minute walk from the ship to the tram base, yielding unmatched transit convenience for cruise guests.
Heads up
- Tram tickets are shockingly expensive; though valid for unlimited rides all day, riding just once offers terrible value, acting as a classic tourist tax.
- When hit by Juneau's standard continuous rain or dense low clouds, the peak gets choked in total whiteout fog, leaving you with zero views and wasted cash.
- Whenever four or five massive cruise liners dock together, lines at the tram base snake for hundreds of meters, stretching wait times past an hour.
- Beyond a few short gravel trails, the peak is dominated by upscale dining and souvenir shops; commercial vibes are too thick, lacking raw wilderness.