This Mount Roberts Tramway is actually the GoldBelt Tram...but regardless of the proper name, this tram/skyway leads to some of the best overlook viewpoints of downtown Juneau, Alaska.
And...it's not just the scene when you first exit the tram, it's all about venturing on Mount Roberts Trail!
Yes, I need to repeat this one more time, lol...MOUNT ROBERTS TRAIL, from the station house at the "top of it all", was absolutely spectacular!
And, you can trek along Mount Roberts Trail for a very long time. Or...if at any point you decide you've had enough or fulfilled with the wondrous sightseeing moments...you can always turn around and head back down the tram.
With this info off my chest, lol, the actual "Mount Roberts Tram" but really the GoldBelt Tram was just fine.
I will talk a little about it, but the majority of what I'd like to enforce, or relay with this review, is that hiking on Mount Roberts Trail is an ABSOLUTE MUST DO while here in Juneau!
You will truly capture the essence of the surroundings of Juneau nestled within Alaska's Inside Passage.
First off, is the price of the tram fare for August 24, 2022. It was $45 roundtrip.
Yeah, that's a bit steep, but you just have to think in the big picture that when you're vacationing and enjoying yourself, you must let prices go.
In the end, it's all about the memories and stories you can make while traveling. And that's what you'll get by taking this tram and then hiking Mount Roberts Trail.
Btw...the ride to and from the top was one of the smoothest rides I have taken in terms of gondolas.
No swinging, very sturdy and fast. It was up and down the mountain in 5 -7 minutes.
At the top in the station house, there's a gift shop, restrooms, a restaurant and theater. I stopped at the gift shop to buy a magnet.
But now it's time to get hiking!
I was advised from people I spoke with to hike on Mount Roberts Trail and trek all the way to GOLD RIDGE and GASTINEAU PEAK to immerse myself in some of the most picturesque landscapes.
And, I really can't say much more than YOU HAVE TO HIKE ALL THE WAY TO THESE 2 SPOTS. I couldn't believe my eyes! So humbled to have made the journey to Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak.
With that in mind, let me relay the distances to all the popular points, climbing up Mount Roberts and eventually leading to, lol, again, Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak.
- Alpine Loop Trail - 1/2 mile, 30 minutes. Basic.
- Father Brown's Cross - 1 mile roundtrip, 45 min - 1 hour. This was a nice vantage point and photo opp.
- Gold Ridge! - 3 miles roundtrip, 2 - 3 hours, gaining 1500 feet in elevation! Right beside Gold Ridge is...
- Gastineau Peak! - 4 miles roundtrip, 4 - 4.5 hours and 1900 feet in elevation.
And, if you're interested in advancing further...
- Mount Roberts Peak - 6 miles roundtrip, 6 -8 hours and over 2000 feet in elevation gain.
I did not attempt to go all the way to Mount Roberts Peak as I was told the footing along the way was a little unsteady. Plus, I was more than satisfied with the surroundings at Gastineau Peak, and...I got a late start in the day and didn't want the sun to fade while hiking to the extremes.
A couple things I'd like to mention...
- The hike up to Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak wasn't difficult, imo, and that's because I was constantly stopping for pictures and lost track of the fact I was on a trail.
So, yeah, the higher you go, the better the sights will be looking down upon Juneau and the seaside waterway.
- While advancing further and further, there were barely any signs or posts about how far along you were. Many people were using the App on their phones called, "All Trails", to help guide them.
But basically, the pathway is well defined all the way to Gastineau Peak so as long as you don't veer off too far, you'll be fine.
- Although they say it rains 260 out of the 360 days of the year in Juneau, I can't believe how fortunate I was stopping here on a rare, beautifully, sunny day. Yep, the views were magical!
- When you exit the tram at the Station House, the trailhead for Mount Roberts Hike can be very tricky to find because there are no signs.
It's located behind one of the houses off to the right hand side. I had to ask for assistance, lol.
- The tram can get very BUSY once a cruise ship pulls into port and starts letting passengers exit.
Mendenhall Glacier is probably the most popular destination in Juneau, but this GoldBelt Tram is not far behind.
I'd just advise to try and beat the cruise rush so you're not waiting in line long to ride the tram.
- Also, I think it's very important to come here early in the day because you'll have the sun positioned at your back which will greatly enhance your photo taking moments.
Eventually as the day goes along, the sun moves across the sky and by mid - late afternoon, you're looking straight into the sun.
Finally, I'll just leave with this...
Mount Roberts/GoldBelt Tram and Hike was my most memorable highlight from visiting Juneau, Alaska. read more