Laughton Glacier Trail - Image 1
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Laughton Glacier Trail

4.8
·35 reviews·Skagway, United States

Walk directly onto the Laughton Glacier via a historic train ride, experiencing stunning ice formations and alpine beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning train

Maximize glacier exploration time

CrowdMedium
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Laughton Glacier Trail - Image 1

Laughton Glacier Trail

Best Time

Early morning train

Maximize glacier exploration time

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk directly onto the Laughton Glacier via a historic train ride, experiencing stunning ice formations and alpine beauty.

4.8
(35 reviews)

"The combination train + Laughton Glacier hike is the best bang for the buck in all of Skagway."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 35 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laughton Glacier

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Glacier Access

To truly experience the Laughton Glacier, book the earliest White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train and the latest return train. This gives you ample time to explore the ice and waterfalls without rushing.Reddit

Trailhead Logistics: Train or Helicopter

The Laughton Glacier Trailhead is only accessible via the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train or a helicopter tour. Plan your transportation in advance, as this is a key part of the excursion.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning train
Why
Maximize glacier exploration time
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon train
Why
Enjoy a full day on the ice
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Pettysetg0 my goal is to travel all over the world trying food 🥹🤍 #alaska #cruise #alaskancruise #juneau #skagway #juneaualaska #skagwayalaska #skagwaybrewingcompany
@tallzz_
538.6K likes • 6.3M views

🎯 Book Hiker Train Early

Secure your spot on the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train for direct access to the Laughton Glacier Trail.Reddit

👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain and potentially icy glacier surfaces.

Are you going on an Alaskan cruise? Here is where you are going to eat in Skagway Alaska. They catch their halibut just 19 miles away in the pristine waters of HAINES. @BrewCo #alaskacruise #alaskafood #skagwaybrewingcompany #rootbeer #halibut #alaska
@dutchworld_americangirl
22.6K likes • 282.6K views
We hiked to a glacier in the Alaskan Backcountry and if you’re looking for an adventure you should add this to your list. 🥾Laughton Glacier Trail Skagway Alaksa Trail Length: 4.4 miles Roundtrip from the train tracks Book a ticket on the Yukon White Pass Train @whitepassrailroad with hiker service. **The hiker train is not available at all times for pickup or drop off so plan accordingly. 🏚️...
alicesadventuresonearth
116 likes • 2.5K views

💧 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.Instagram

Add this cruise to your bucket list #juneau #skagway #ketchikan #glacierbay
@matthew_hogan
11.7K likes • 88K views

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.Reddit

👟 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.Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Give yourself at least 6.5 hours to truly explore the glacier and catch your return train.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(35 reviews)

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

Walking on a glacier
Scenic train ride
Abundant wildflowers

What People Dislike

Limited time on glacier

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.Reddit

No, driving to the trailhead is not possible. The only access points are the White Pass Yukon Route RR hiker train or helicopter tours.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit

The ticket typically includes the round-trip train journey to the trailhead and allows you to disembark and re-board later trains.Reddit

Yes, you can book a combination train and hike package. Ensure you select the 'hiker service' option for the White Pass train.Instagram

Costs can vary, but booking directly with the White Pass train for the hiker service is often considered the best value for the experience.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vastness of the glacier, intricate ice formations, and the surrounding alpine scenery. Waterfalls and wildflowers also make for great shots.Instagram

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.

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