Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ

About Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ

Overview Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ translates to 'Face of the Glacier House.' It is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of the Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound. This rustic retreat is open year-round and is open as an overnight accommodation. The cabin is an ideal base for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Mendenhall Lake or participating in various recreational activities. The site can be accessed through the Mendenhall Campground or access trail depending on conditions. Winter weather may require a 1/2-mile trek on snowshoes or skis. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.Winter season provides even more ways to recreate. The Mendenhall Campground is groomed when conditions allow for classic and skate skiing.Facilities Cabin is drive up between May 15th to September 15th when the campground is open for reservations. Three to four parking spots reserved for cabin guests located at Site 17.Cabin site is accessed by walking campground road from September 15th to May 15th. Groomed walk-in trail or groomed ski trail when conditions allow. One parking spot is reserved at Skater's Cabin for winter access.The entrance gate is closed nightly from 10pm to 7am and the exit gate is open 24 hours a day. Water faucets, accessible vault toilets, a dump station and trash dumpster are provided nearby, inside the Mendenhall Campground, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities.This 14 ft. by 16 ft

How to Get There

This campsite is approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Access is via the Alaska Marine Highway or via Alaska Airlines.From the ferry terminal: turn right and travel 1.7 miles to DeHarts Store above Auke Bay marinas. Turn left uphill to Mendenhall Loop Road, and travel 2.5 miles to Montana Creek Road, turn left and travel .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right .3 mile to campground road and continue on campground loop to cabin. From downtown Juneau, Take Egan Drive northwest 8 miles to stoplight intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn right 2.2 miles to the intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. Turn left 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right .3 mile to campground road and continue on campground loop to site 17. Cabin is located up the short road beyond the cabin parking area in site 17.From the airport: go 0.1 mile to the junction of Yandukin Shell Simmons Drive. Turn left on Shell Simmons Drive and travel 0.3 miles to stoplight at the intersection of Old Glacier Highway. Turn left on Old Glacier Highway and travel 0.5 mile to the stoplight at the intersection of Egan Drive. Continue on Mendenhall Loop Road 2.2 miles to the intersection of Back Loop Road. Turn left on Backloop Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to campground. Continue on campground loop t

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ

Heading to Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)