Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

VGNonly

(8,547 posts)
Sat May 2, 2026, 02:44 PM May 2

Have you ever walked on a glacier?

In 1966 with my family, we were at the Columbia Icefield in Jasper and Banff NP, adjacent to Alberta and British Columbia Canada. Then you could drive to it, walk a short distance then ride a Snowcat to the glaciers.

In 1974 I backpacked to the Mummy Range in Rocky Mountain NP Colorado. We climbed Hague's Peak, almost 13,600 feet, highest elevation I've ever reached. Near there is Rowe Glacier, small then, I wonder if it still exists?

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Have you ever walked on a glacier? (Original Post) VGNonly May 2 OP
West Beckwith Mountain randr May 2 #1
I hiked up to Bow Glacier in Banff. It was pretty but there applegrove May 2 #2
Mendenhall Glacier in 1986. Glacier water was very cachukis May 2 #3
In Switzerland (also Italy!) justaprogressive May 2 #4
Yes, several. Hiked to one in Canada, landed on one in Alaska, stood on one in Switzerland, and got out of a Zodiac onto sinkingfeeling May 2 #5
Franz Josef glacier kcoates May 2 #6
I went the same year!! flor-de-jasmim May 2 #7
took a cruise to alaska mopinko May 2 #8
Yes actually, Rizen May 2 #9

randr

(12,652 posts)
1. West Beckwith Mountain
Sat May 2, 2026, 03:01 PM
May 2

Above Lost Lake off of Kebler Pass in Colorado. Small glacier was there for years as I made many treks with children and friends. Gone by way of the Climate Change. I can see the back side of the mountain from my deck.

applegrove

(133,009 posts)
2. I hiked up to Bow Glacier in Banff. It was pretty but there
Sat May 2, 2026, 03:11 PM
May 2

were pools of water in various bright colours there. It was a little odd. Years later I found out there was fallout from Siberian nuclear tests at places like Bow glacier. Don't think they were related.

cachukis

(4,063 posts)
3. Mendenhall Glacier in 1986. Glacier water was very
Sat May 2, 2026, 03:24 PM
May 2

different.
In 1993, my BIL left me alone on an iceberg for an hour as they motored out of sight. Hoped they would find their way back after a while.

justaprogressive

(7,140 posts)
4. In Switzerland (also Italy!)
Sat May 2, 2026, 03:27 PM
May 2

the (Zermatt) Matterhorn Glacier, both walked and skied on it over the course of a week





sinkingfeeling

(58,015 posts)
5. Yes, several. Hiked to one in Canada, landed on one in Alaska, stood on one in Switzerland, and got out of a Zodiac onto
Sat May 2, 2026, 04:37 PM
May 2

one in Antarctica.

flor-de-jasmim

(2,289 posts)
7. I went the same year!!
Sat May 2, 2026, 04:57 PM
May 2

I remember that even at that time there were already markers showing the glacier's position in earlier years, and it was clear that the glacier was receding.

mopinko

(73,886 posts)
8. took a cruise to alaska
Sat May 2, 2026, 05:07 PM
May 2

some yrs ago, and heloed out to a glacier.
they also offered sled dog trips, but they werent available rt then.
so cool.

Rizen

(1,121 posts)
9. Yes actually,
Sat May 2, 2026, 05:36 PM
May 2

Up in the Colorado Rockies by Estes Park at the highest point in the mountains.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Have you ever walked on a...