Smartphone Photography & Hiking Tour
Capture Juneau in the palm of your hand with better smartphone photographyExplore light as you chase down a glacier, grow with the trees, and capture the power of water all from your phone. Don?t just take a picture, make a photograph.
Expectations
Capture
Details
What you'll do
- Difficulty: Easy for most.
- 4 miles hiking on even terrain. Sometimes muddy.
- Learn about the natural and cultural history of the area, and how to photograph it.
- 4 hour tour. 3 hours hiking. 1 hour for transportation.
- Free photos. Take home photos and memories for a lifetime.
- Read the FAQ section below if you have questions.
Ecotourism
Clean energy
Sustainable and clean energy is vital for our future. By joining us, you help create sustainable reliable energy for Juneau, communities across Alaska, and around the world. We are donating $2 from every booking on this tour to the Tour Green project, an initiative giving visitors to Alaska the opportunity to support energy education and advocacy.
Ready to book?
FAQ - More details!
Get in contact with us or click blue question mark icon in the bottom-right hand corner if we don't answer your question below.
What is included?
We will provide you the following:
- Water resistant daypack
- Rain poncho
- Water
- Energy snacks (feel free to bring your own too)
- Transportation to and from the trailhead from the cruise ship docks
What is NOT included?
A camera. We do focus on smartphones but you can also bring a GoPro, DSLR, or no camera at all.
What trail do you hike?
We hike Nugget Falls Trail and Trail of Time.
How difficult is the trail?
These trails are easy for most. They are almost completely flat with a few rolling hills on Trail of Time. They are mostly dirt trails with some uneven terrain. We move at a very casual pace and take plenty of time for nature interpretation and shooting photographs. Great for groups with diverse fitness levels.
How close will I get to the glacier?
At the end of Nugget Falls trail, you will be about 1/2 mile from the face of Mendenhall Glacier.
What wildlife will I see?
This is not a wildlife tour and wildlife is wild for a reason, so we do not guarantee any sightings. However, wildlife that could be seen are red squirrels, porcupine, and a large array of birds.
Will I see a bear?
Black bears do thrive in this area and they frequent the Trail of Time. There is a chance a black bear will stumble into our path (or us into theirs) while on the tour. Your guide is trained in proper bear safety protocol and carries bear spray at all times.
Can I bring my own backpack and snacks?
Yes! Although we do provide a small pack and snacks, you are welcome to bring your own as well. In order to protect the bears that frequent this area, the Forest Service does not allow any food on the trails. It must stay on the bus and we can eat it there. You may leave personal items on the bus while hiking should you decide any other items aren?t needed.
What is the weather like?
Temperatures range in the summer from mid 40's to mid 60?F typically. Juneau rains on average 62 inches per year with more rain coming in the later summer compared to spring and early summer. Conditions on the trail are about the same as they are in town. Prepare for cool weather and rain.
Does my cell phone work in Juneau?
Maybe. AT&T and Verizon are the only two providers who support Juneau. Neither Sprint or T-Mobile users will have service here unless they are roaming.
Do you pickup guests at the cruise ship docks?
Yes! Our primary pickup location is at the bus lot of the cruise ship terminal (CT dock, or Dock C). This is right next to the Mt. Roberts Tramway. It is a 5 minute walk from the Alaska Steamship dock and Franklin dock. Those who are dropped off at AJ dock are recommended to allow extra time to take the short shuttle ride that leaves you at the pickup location, CT dock. You will be provided detailed pickup instructions upon booking.
Do you pickup guests staying at a hotel?
Sometimes. We ask that all guests staying at downtown hotels or B&B's walk to the pickup location near Mt. Roberts tram. This is anywhere from a 10-20 minute walk depending where you are located. We do pickup at hotels in the Valley (near the airport). Please let us know during booking that you would like pickup and which Valley hotel you are staying at. We will provide additional instructions for pickup after booking. We are not able to pickup anywhere on Douglas Island.
Where do you drop off?
We drop you off at the same location we pick you up.
What are these free photos you offer?
We believe you should stay focused on the nature and beauty of Alaska and not have to worry about taking photos. We want to keep you in the present moment. Your guide is a talented photographer, naturalist, historian, and all around good human being. Sticking with the photography part, your guide takes photos throughout your entire time on the trail. We have been on this trail many times so we know where to get the best angles for your perfect Instagram post, Facebook update, or for hanging in your hallway at home. A couple days after your tour, we email you a web link where you can view and download all of the photos we shot. They are yours to use however you wish at no additional cost.
Why do I need a headset on the trail?
This is how most non-Adventure Flow hiking tours work: walk on trail; group spreads apart; guide waits for everyone to come together; guide gives a few minute spiel; repeat. We do it different. We want you fully engaged with your guide throughout the whole tour and hearing your guide is difficult if they are 50 feet ahead and 4 other people are in-between. Using our specialized headset, you can hear the guides stories, jokes, and fun facts from wherever you are on the trail! This also let's the guide become more conversational with the group because there is far more time for interpretation of the beautiful scenery. And don't worry about missing out on the wonderful sounds of nature either. The headsets are bone-conducting and sit outside the ear. This leaves your ear canal wide open for hearing the rest of the world. And if you get tired of listening to your guide, you can always turn him off 🙂 Everyone wins!
What type of clothing should I wear?
This depends on the weather. We recommend wearing 2 layers plus a waterproof jacket. This could be a t-shirt, long-sleeve base layer, and rain jacket. Avoid cotton! Materials such as polyester, nylon, wool, or other wicking material that do not retain moisture are best. These material suggestions go for pants too. Consider wearing rain pants should conditions call for it. We do provide a durable waterproof rain poncho, however, having your own well-fitting clothing is more comfortable.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! If you are a large group, you can purchase 7 adult tickets and bring up to 10 people for the same price. This comes out to $553 ($79 * 7). Call to book.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes! If you go with the large group discount mentioned above, you may have a private tour for $658 ($94 * 7). You can bring up to 10 people. Pending availability. To combine this tour with other activities, we require the typical private tour flat rate of $130 per hour, minimum of 4 hours. See our private tour page or call to book.
What is your refund policy?
See our refund policy by clicking here.
What if the tour is late returning and I miss my cruise ship?
No cruise passenger has ever missed their ship when on our tours. We guarantee you will make it back for yours. In the event this does happen, we provide you with a hotel room, food, and flight to meet your ship at the next port. Please feel free to contact us ahead of time to verify scheduling of the tour and cruise ship departure.
What if my ship is delayed getting into port?
Please notify us ASAP if you know your ship going to be late. Contact numbers are listed in your booking details which you can call or text. We will rearrange the schedule if possible to accommodate your changed arrival time. If we are unable to change the schedule, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket.
What if I miss my tour?
If you miss your tour for reasons within your control, our refund policy allows to still refund you 50% per your request. We think this is a pretty sweet deal! Only applies if you book directly with us and not a 3rd party re-seller. Tickets purchased through a re-seller forfeit the entire cost of the tour.
What if my tour is canceled by Adventure Flow due weather or other reason?
If Adventure Flow cancels your tour, we will refund you 100% the cost of your ticket.
Do I need to print my ticket?
We recommend printing the email confirmation we send you because it has detailed instructions for your tour. However, we store your booking information in our database and we will not ask you for any ticket.
The Smartphone Photography and Hiking Tour is under permit with the Tongass National Forest. Adventure Flow is an equal opportunity service provider.