Riding the Goldbelt Tram to the Top of Juneau – Things to Do and All the Details

If you talk to anyone who’s visited Juneau on a cruise, they’ll likely tell you about the Goldbelt Tram tour from the cruise port directly up Mount Roberts. This isn’t just a cruise visitor activity though, it’s open to the general visiting public as well. The Goldbelt Tram gondola in Juneau is a beautiful viewpoint up on Mount Roberts, a visitor center and a hiking transport, and we’ve got the scoop on making the most of your time high above the city.

Have you done the Goldbelt Tram or is it on your Juneau itinerary? I think the biggest question anyone could have with it is whether or not its price tag is worth adding to your trip. We’ve got the answers to all the questions and tips for having the best experience with the Goldbelt Tram. If you have any questions about this activity or planning your time in Juneau, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Alaska trip!

Highlights of Riding the Goldbelt Tram

Our family loves tram rides because they usually mean that we’re going skiing or doing an all-downhill hike. The Goldbelt Tram in Juneau is more than transportation up to the top. You’ll catch the tram down at the cruise dock and head up 1800 feet to nearly the top of the mountain. It doesn’t take long, only about four minutes, from when you board the Goldbelt Tram until you’re unloading.

Once at the top, take in the view and see what all is happening in the lodge. During the day you’ll be able to visit a few different shops, check out Tlingit art (and buy some if you want) and even have a nice meal with a view. During busier times, there is typically a local totem pole carver working on a piece up here, and this is a really special activity to get to watch. Using a traditional adze and other tools, the carvers take their time getting their story poles just right. Also in the lodge is a theater that plays a fifteen minute film twice per hour. This film is the story of how Raven stole the sun and brought light to the world and then it turns into the history of the Tlingit people and how colonization impacted them, including how they keep their culture alive today. It’s actually a great short film.

When you’re ready, head outside to do the trails on Mount Roberts. Something interesting about the Goldbelt Tram gondola in Juneau is that a lot of people actually use the tram as a way to get to the top of the mountain to then hike down. It’s 2.5 miles back into town and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter wildlife along the way. If you want a shorter trail, the totem pole loop is easy and really cool. You’ll be able to see several totem poles and tree carvings in forest, followed by some epic views of the town of Juneau 1900 feet below.

Tips for a Great Goldbelt Tram Experience

The Goldbelt Tram is not an all day activity. If you’re visiting from a cruise ship, you can easily do the tram to the top, enjoy the sights and activities and be back down in tow in 90 minutes or so. If you’re planning to hike back down Mount Roberts, give yourself time to enjoy the top and the lodge (including the Tr’ale House or the Timberline Bar & Grill) and then more than an hour to get back to the bottom via the trail.

When you do the Goldbelt Tram you can bring your own snacks or dine at the restaurant. They have burgers, fish and chips, chowders and more. There is also a full bar up here at the top. It’s pricey, but so is the tram ticket so maybe this all together is your plan for the day and you just want to take your time enjoying it all. When you’re ready to take the Goldbelt Tram back to the bottom, be sure that you give yourself enough time to wait in line. Often the line to get back down to Juneau is more than 20 minutes wait, so be sure to plan appropriately especially if you’re coming from a cruise ship.

Also, when you purchase your gondola tickets for the Goldbelt Tram you’ll be able to choose one way or roundtrip. If you AREN’T certain that you want to hike down, get your ticket for the downward trip when you buy your upward one to save time and ensure you make it back down.

NOTE: the staff at the Goldbelt Tram does fill the gondola cars to their near capacity, particularly when it’s busy. If you are claustrophobic, keep this in mind as the combination of heights and a crowded enclosed space may be a lot to take in for some people.

Being Prepared Hiking on Mount Roberts

Depending on what you’re plan is with taking the Goldbelt tram to the top, you may not need to bring anything in particular to be prepared. The tram goes 1800 ft up Mount Roberts. so when you get to the top, if your plan is to hike back down to the town of Juneau, hiking boots are a very good idea. The misting clouds can move through pretty quickly and the trail can get a bit wet and muddy. It’s 2 and 1/2 mi from top to bottom so just be well prepared for that downhill. hike. If you aren’t doing the down, there are some good trails at the top that you could do just in tennis shoes, but hiking boots might be nice. also.

The totem pole loop that goes up to the different viewpoints is well maintained and there is gravel on the trail, but if you wanted to wear boots nobody would judge you. Although the mountains are rather sheltered, there can be a little wind up at the top of the Goldbelt Tram. Be sure that you are dressed warmly and that you have a rain jacket. The dining room, theater, art and gift shop are all indoors, but you’ll probably want to spend some time outside, including watching the totem pole carving when it is going.

From the top of the Goldbelt Tram lines you have a great view of the city of Juneau. Be sure that you have a camera. Getting some interesting pics of town as well as eagles soaring all around you. for the hike down, you’ll need to be aware of wildlife and have your camera ready because the boundaries between the Tongass National Forest and the city blocks are non-existent. Black bears will find their way into town and on to the trail. so be prepared both with safety in mind and a camera at the ready.

Parking for the Goldbelt Tram

Most people taking the Goldbelt Tram are going to be visiting from a cruise ship. It is just a few minutes walk from most of the dock locations. If your ship is making port out in the harbor or at the southern anchor point, don’t worry, it is still very easy to get to the Goldbelt Tram gondola station. If you are driving yourself, find parking ahead of time in one of the designated lots. There is even a parking garage very nearby. There is NOT parking for regular travelers directly next to the tram entry, but just a two minute walk away.

If you’re staying in downtown Juneau, like at the Baranof Hotel, it’s less than a ten minute walk to get here. Really, Juneau on foot is easy and so much less stress than driving a car around, so if you don’t have to drive, don’t do it.