Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to the Last Frontier, the Mount Roberts tramway is a must-see stop on your Alaskan adventure. Located just minutes from downtown Juneau, the Tramway offers a thrilling ride up the mountain to enjoy an unforgettable vista of the Alaskan wilderness. While the ride itself is an adventure, the tramway also offers a variety of activities at the top, including hiking, dining, shopping, and learning experiences.
To help you prepare for your trip, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Mount Roberts Tramway, including how to get there, itinerary suggestions, and local tips for your visit. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at the Mount Roberts Tramway!
About the Mount Roberts Tramway
The Mount Roberts Tramway is an aerial tramway that takes visitors on a scenic ride up to the top of Mount Roberts in the comfort of an enclosed cable car. The 1,800-foot ascent takes only 6 minutes, and rewards riders with some of the most breathtaking views in all of Alaska.
This iconic piece of Juneau’s landscape was first proposed in 1994, when John Heiser developed a plan to build a tramway in downtown Juneau to attract tourists to the area. After years of planning and fundraising, construction on the tramway officially began in 1995.
The project was a massive undertaking, involving the installation of two aerial tram cars that would carry passengers up the steep slopes of Mount Roberts. With the focus on creating an accessible experience for all visitors to enjoy Juneau’s natural scenery, there was special interest paid to creating a structure as environmentally-friendly as possible so the natural scenery had minimal impact.
The Mount Roberts Tramway officially opened to the public on June 18, 1996, and quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Juneau. Visitors from all over the world flocked to the tramway to experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding Tongass National Forest and Gastineau Channel.
Over the years, the Mount Roberts Tramway has undergone several renovations and upgrades to improve the experience for visitors. In 2008, a new restaurant was added to the top, offering diners panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
Today, the Mount Roberts Tramway remains one of the top tourist destinations in Juneau, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Its rich history and commitment to sustainability continue to make it a beloved part of the community and an important contributor to the local economy.
Planning Your Trip
The Mount Roberts Tramway operates from May to September, and visitors can walk to the bottom terminal from Juneau’s cruise port. Visitors not traveling to Juneau by cruise can opt to fly into the capitol or take a ferry via the Alaska Marine Highway System from Washington or other ports serviced in Alaska. The tramway is easily accessible by walking or a short drive from any hotels located in the downtown area.
Tickets are available at the base or online. If you’re visiting during the peak season of June-August, you may want to buy your ticket in advance. Prices vary depending on the time of the year, and there are multiple different packaging options for large groups or discounts for riders looking to only ride one direction and hike the other way.
The tramway does operate on a weather-dependent schedule, so be sure to check the weather ahead of time before planning your trip. High winds can close the tram completely, and low clouds can impact the views you will see at the top. The best trips are on sunny and clear days, but you can still have an enjoyable adventure with a bit of rain.
Enjoying a Day on the Tramway
Riding the Mount Roberts Tramway is only a small part of all the fun you can here. Once you reach the top of Mount Roberts via the tramway, you'll have a variety of activities to choose from. Check out some of the top things to do at the summit:
Enjoy a day on the trails: Mount Roberts boasts a network of excellent hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area, without having to exhaust yourself by hiking to the summit. You can choose from a variety of difficulty levels, from family-friendly short walks to more challenging hikes along the ridge. Many visitors opt to ride the tramway up the mountain and hike down, enjoying the scenery from different perspectives as well as saving the cost of a roundtrip ticket.
Spot wildlife: This is definitely an adventure that you will want to bring your binoculars on. The Mount Roberts Tramway is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and mountain goats. Visitors can often spot these animals along the hiking trails or from the observation deck at the top of the tramway. Be sure to stop in the visitor center at the top to learn about recent wildlife sightings. If you’re visiting in late May and early June, you can also enjoy seeing fields of wildflowers.
Go souvenir shopping: The top of the tramway offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options, including a gift store, visitor center, small theater, and a restaurant. Celebrate your day by picking up a souvenir from the top of a mountain, or opt to enjoy one of the numerous shops at the bottom that offer more specialized options. Keep an eye out for locally made gifts as a unique option to remember your trip!
Enjoy a dinner with a view: The Timberline Restaurant, located at the top of Mount Roberts, offers you the chance to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning scenery of Juneau and the local area. The Timberline is open for lunch and dinner throughout the summer season, and offers locally-caught seafood, traditional bar and grill fare, an excellent selection of alcoholic beverages, and a kid’s menu.
Making Your Trip an Enjoyable and Memorable Experience
A day enjoying the Mount Roberts Tramway is sure to be one of your peak experiences while traveling through the Last Frontier. To ensure your day is enjoyable and comfortable, be sure to do a bit of extra planning ahead of time by buying tickets in advance and checking the weather. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and carry extra layers, as the summit of the mountain is often much cooler than the base. Pack sunscreen and bug spray, as well as plenty of water if you plan on hiking. If you’re visiting in the summer, be prepared for crowds when the cruise ships are in port – but don’t let the crowds dissuade you. There’s plenty of room at the top for everyone to spread out a bit.
Visiting the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must for any traveler to Alaska. With its breathtaking views, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, shopping, and excellent dining options, this is an adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come.
