Geographical Coordinates and Dimensions
- Latitude: 57.8486° N
- Longitude: 133.1208° W
- Length: Approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers)
- Depth: Up to 1,200 feet (366 meters)
- Width: Average width of 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
Tracy Arm stretches inland from Stephens Passage, with high granite cliffs rising 3,000 feet (914 meters) on either side of the waterway. The fjord ends at two active tidewater glaciers: North Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier.
Access and Transportation
Tracy Arm is accessible only by water. There are no roads leading to the fjord.
- Nearest City: Juneau, Alaska
- Access Methods:
- Cruise ships (Alaska Inside Passage itineraries)
- Tour boats from Juneau
- Private yachts or charters
Boat tours from Juneau typically take 6 to 9 hours round-trip, depending on vessel size and weather conditions.
Notable Natural Features
- Tidewater Glaciers:
- Sawyer Glacier
- South Sawyer Glacier
These glaciers frequently calve, producing large floating icebergs and thunderous collapses.
- Cliffs and Peaks:
Granite walls rise over 3,000 feet (914 meters), often veiled by waterfalls created by glacial melt. - Icebergs:
Common even in summer, some icebergs reach 100+ feet (30+ meters) in length.
Wildlife Sightings
Tracy Arm Fjord is part of a rich ecosystem with regular sightings of:
- Humpback whales (best viewed June–September)
- Orcas (killer whales)
- Harbor seals, often found resting on icebergs
- Mountain goats, visible on cliff ledges
- Bald eagles, commonly seen near treetops and coastlines
Best Time to Visit
Month | Conditions |
May–June | Active glacier calving begins; peak wildlife sightings |
July–August | Warmest and sunniest period; highest tourist activity |
September | Fewer visitors, glacier activity slows |
Winter | Inaccessible due to ice and extreme weather |
Temperature Range (Summer): 50°F – 70°F (10°C – 21°C)
Environmental Protection
Tracy Arm is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, protected under the National Wilderness Preservation System. The area is subject to strict environmental regulations:
- No road development
- Motorized access is restricted to watercraft
- Wildlife interactions must comply with federal guidelines
Visitors are encouraged to use eco-certified tour operators and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Comparison with Nearby Glacier Bay
Feature | Tracy Arm Fjord | |
Accessibility | Only by water from Juneau | Cruise ships permitted |
Crowd levels | Lower | Higher |
Glacier proximity | Extremely close (<300 ft) | Moderate distance |
Iceberg density | High | Medium |
Permit requirements | None for Tracy Arm | Required for Glacier Bay |
Key Takeaways
- Tracy Arm Fjord is a 30-mile-long glacial fjord located 45 miles south of Juneau.
- Features include active tidewater glaciers, towering cliffs, and iceberg-filled waters.
- Best visited from May to September via boat tours or cruises.
- Wildlife sightings include whales, seals, and eagles.
- Recognized for its remote, pristine wilderness and environmental protection status.
