Dave and Atka climbed McGinnis Mountain (West Glacier Trail) to the "top" (as far as you can go) while I was in Kansas with my family. He sent me a billion (slight exaggeration) pictures of their hike and talked about how amazing it was up there. I knew I wanted to give it a try when I got back to Juneau, even though he sent me pictures the rest of the week after their hike of his ginormous blisters...thanks husband.
The hike was tough, but not terrible...I'm just a bit out of shape. It was so worth it once we got to the top and had the most incredible view of Mendenhall Glacier. And, I'm happy to report, thanks to the correct footwear no one got blisters this trip. Thank goodness.
It took us about 4 hours to get up and back, and that was really hauling it. If you're in Juneau and want a great view of the glacier without having to shell out the big bucks for a helicopter, this is a great way to do it. Although I told Dave, if we were on The Bachelor there would have been a romantic table complete with candles and wine and a delicious dinner waiting for us at the top. We settled for granola bars and water.
Oh, and I may or may not have said I felt like Walter Mitty (you know the scene of him on top of the mountain)...it was just so majestic and peaceful up there.