Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is essentially 3.3 million acres of insanely enthralling glaciers, vibrant flora, robust seas, soaring mountains and endless wildlife. Each year visitors from all across the globe travel up the panhandle, west of Alaska’s state capital city of Juneau, to visit this extreme outdoor mecca-land. Close your eyes and imagine a quintessential Alaskan paradise, and your heart will lead you right to this awe-inspiring park that is guaranteed to leave you flabbergasted.

The breathtakingly beautiful land that makes up Glacier Bay is rugged and off-the-beaten-path. But this is one place where you're guaranteed to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
Not to mention, a trip here will undeniably be one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your life.
It's not only off the road system, but it can actually only be accessed by plane or boat.
Flickr - trent roche
In fact, the only road is just 10 miles long and connects the small town of Gustavus to its airfield (and park headquarters) in Bartlett Cove.
Head west from the capital city of Juneau and head towards the town of Gustavus, population 430.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
Next, prepare to visit an area that is truly wild, resilient and sacred.
Day tours are available into Glacier Bay, while others choose to experience the magic of the park via contemporary cruise line.
Flickr - Jerry and Pat Donaho
Cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival all operate massive vessels that take hundreds of thousands of guests to enjoy the serene beauty of Glacier Bay each year.
Flickr - Tavis Jacobs
The summer months between roughly May-September tend to be the best time to experience all of the exceptional beauty that Glacier Bay has to offer.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
From Bartlett Cove, a variety of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, rafting and wildlife viewing can be enjoyed inside of the park.
Watch in amazement as you experience towering snow-capped mountains surrounding you, piercing blue glaciers overwhelming you with eye-candy and robust amounts of wildlife roaming freely in their natural environment.
Flickr - Jill Blue Moonbeam Studio
In the park, there are 11 glaciers that reach the sea and only 8 of which are within the bay.
Flickr - Tyler Corder
Johns Hopkins, Muir, Lamplugh, Riggs and Reid are some of the most stunning glaciers that you will ever experience in your lifetime.

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Hop on a sea-kayak and make your way into the park for an overnight camping trip next to Lamplugh Glacier.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
Sleeping in this awe-inspiring remote wilderness will make you feel a sense of wanderlust like you won't believe.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
Plus when you wake up in paradise, you'll be able to enjoy breakfast with a multi-million dollar view.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
Talk about spoiling you for life!
Walk around the sandy, silty beaches while hopping over chunks of glacial ice...
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
As you gaze up in amazement at the towering mountains that surround you.
Feel the empowering magic that rushes through you as you reach a summit and are rewarded with the most phenomenal aerial perspective of your life.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
One thing is for sure; you'll feel like a tiny little speck on earth after standing next to these massive frozen landmasses.
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
But hiking in the lush Tongass National Forest that surrounds the enormous glaciers, will bring you back down to reality and provide you with a sense of happy, calm contentment.
Flickr - mark byzewski
In the early 1900s, efforts for protecting the land of Glacier Bay was largely in part pioneered by the renowned naturalist, author and environmental philosopher - John Muir.
Flickr - mark byzewski
Today, countless visitors from all around the world are awestruck and filled with admiration and graciousness at the mere sight of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's natural beauty. All thanks to the early pioneers and those who continue to work hard to relentlessly protect America's beloved national parks. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to visit this awe-inspiring destination this summer.

Fuel your wanderlust even more with these 10 places in Alaska you must see before you die. Also, here are 21 reasons why Alaska has the world’s greatest outdoor classroom. For more great articles and incredible video footage from Alaska, be sure to check us out online HERE.

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