Juneau Wildlife Viewing
Above Downtown Juneau

photo of Above Downtown Juneau area wildlife The Mount Roberts Tramway lifts you 2,000 vertical feet Above Downtown Juneau to subalpine habitats, with trails leading into the alpine. This is the closest Juneau has to a designated wildlife viewing area - marmots and grouse are habituated to people and readily viewable in the summer. Bears, deer, mountain goats, porcupines and other mammals are sometimes seen, and raptors may be seen hunting.

If you have the time and energy, hiking trails lead from Basin Road up Mount Juneau, Granite Creek Basin, and Mount Roberts to similar habitats and wildlife. Perseverance Trail at the end of Basin Road is a very popular hike. Be sure to stay on the trails – off trail hikers are lost and injured almost every year.

Habitat

As you ascend vertically above downtown Juneau, whether on foot or via the Mount Roberts Tram, the area changes from spruce-hemlock forest to subalpine and alpine. Subalpine includes taller shrubs like willows and alders, while alpine is characterized by low-lying plants like blueberry and heather, interspersed with rocky terrain.

Species

  • Black Bear
  • Common Raven
  • Eagles
  • Grouse
  • Marmot
  • Mountain Goat
  • Porcupine
  • Ptarmigan
  • Red Squirrel
  • Sitka black-tailed deer
  • Sparrows

Hints

Listen as well as look for marmots, grouse and ptarmigan in the alpine. These animals blend in well with their environments, and you may be able to hear them before you are able to see them

Facilities

  • Fee
  • Hiking Trails
  • Interpretive Signs
  • Public Transportation
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Within Walking Distance

Notes

The Mount Roberts Tramway is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and hours vary depending on passenger demand.

Fee is for tram use only. Hiking trails are free.

Other facilities and activities available at the tram terminal include cultural presentations, restrooms, a restaurant and gift shop.

Plan to spend at least: Plan to spend at least 2 - 4 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

The Mount Roberts tramway is located at 490 S. Franklin Street, near the south end of the main cruise ship dock. The Mount Roberts Trail is at the east end of sixth street. This trail ascends steeply from the conrete of downtown Juneau through the forest for two miles before reaching the tram terminal and connecting with facilities there.

Perseverance Trail is at the end of Basin Road, found by following Gold Street up the hill away from the center of town. Gold Street eventually meets Basin Road after eighth street. A small, free, city-run parking lot is found at 8th and Gold.

Contact

Mount Roberts Tramway
(ph) 888-461-4726
(email) junotram@alaska.net

Juneau Trail Mix (for trail info)
(ph) 907-790-6406

Additional Information

Wings Over Alaska http://www.birding.alaska.gov/