Mount Roberts Tramway

Address:Juneau, Alaska

The Mount Roberts Tramway in Alaska's capital, Juneau, offers tourists a six-minute journey towards a 2,000 foot high summit and a spectacular Southeast Alaskan view of far away glaciers, forests and sparkling harbors. This view attracts 200,000 visitors every year, and is one of Southeast Alaska's most popular tourist attractions. Built in 1996, the Mount Roberts Tramway is one of the most vertical tramways in the world and received the Governor's Award for facility accessibility design.

In addition to the view from the summit, tourists can enjoy a mutli-million dollar complex called the "Mountain House," or "Shaa Hit," complete with a restaurant, theater, nature center, and gift shop. The Chilkay Theater offers free showings, including a short film about Tlingit culture named, "Seeing Daylight," which is shown every half hour, and live performances by local Tlingit actors about Tlingit heritage. There are occasional Native Artist Demonstrations of woodwork, fossilized ivory or silver carvings, doll-making, sewing, beading and carving totem poles out of cedar logs.

The area surrounding the tramway is a haven for visitors interested in seeing the spectacular wildlife. Birds such as eagles and ravens are commonly seen, while other animals such as wolves, mountain goats and Sitka Black-tail deer have all been sighted and photographed around the complex. There are also several bear viewing platforms, a Nature Center, and the Juneau Raptor Center's Bald Eagle Display. The Tramway complex is surrounded by tall Sitka Spruce trees and beautiful wildflowers, which are a view unto themselves. Hiking information is available at the visitor's center, which will help tourists navigate around the wildlife and alpine flowers.

Restaurant options are limited to the Timberline Bar and Grill and Alaskan Beers and Seafood, both of which offer locally caught seafood as well as a selection of beers and wines. There are also several reception areas for visitors interested in holding catered events in the romantic Alaskan setting. Although there are no accommodations directly on The Mount Roberts Tramway, there are several cozy bed-and-breakfasts and hotels in nearby downtown Juneau. Although tickets for the Tramway are relatively expensive, children less than 6 years old are admitted for free. Tickets allow all-day unlimited rides and include free exhibits at the summit's complex. The entire experience should take only a few hours unless you hike. Keep in mind that The Mount Roberts Tramway is only open during the summer months, from May to September, from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Tourists that arrive between mid-June and September may be lucky enough to enjoy fresh crab at the annual Crab Feed. Shopping is limited, and the main gift shop is Raven Eagle Gifts, where visitors can buy original hand-made artwork by Native Alaskan artists. For a alternative path down the mountain, several trails can be followed to get back to the sea level. Along the hiking trails, tourists can enjoy massive totemic carvings.

The atmosphere at The Mount Roberts Tramway is one of pride for the Native American heritage, which is reflected in the food, artwork, and even the employees, most of whom are happy to talk about their culture with inquiring guests. Therefore, a trip to The Mount Roberts Tramway will provide you with more than just a nice view, but also an educational and enlightening experience.

Visitors to the Tramway must board the tramcar from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau. The tramcar is hard to miss, as it is covered in colorful Native American Tlingit artwork. Once aboard, the tramcar follows its route through the Southeast Alaska rainforest until the 1800 foot level of Mount Roberts. The view spans the Chilkat Mountains in the north, to the Gastineau Channel and waterways of the south, to Douglas Island in the west, and the Silver Bow Basin in the east by Gold Creek.