Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail Photos
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After doing work in Soldotna, we took a day trip over to Seward to see the Exit Glacier before heading home. Kenai Fjords National Park is made up of three main areas - the Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and the coastline. The Exit Glacier is the easiest section of the park to reach. I stopped by the visitor center in Seward first before seeing the glacier. We then made the quick drive over to the Exit Glacier. It is the only destination in Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by car. They have a small nature center that you can visit before heading out on the trail to the glacier. The Exit Glacier hike is the best way to see this glacier up close. The Glacier View Loop is a 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible, paved trail that gives you panoramic views of the glacier's descent. We spent a part of our day doing this short hike. Sadly, the glacier has shrunk considerably due to climate change. They have signs showing where the glacier once stood by year. Park scientists continue to monitor and record the glacier's accelerating recession. At some point, you won't be able to see the glacier anymore from the overlook trail. I wish I had more time to do the longer hikes. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a moderately strenuous 2-mile round trip that will get you closer to the glacier terminus. It is an extension of the loop trail. The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile round trip with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. It is full-day hike that can be strenuous. You get amazing close-up views of this massive ice field when you reach the top. I was able to fly in a small plane over the Harding Icefield earlier in the week and saw its size from above. I hope someday to return to do this hike.
Beautiful stop in a beautiful national park. We did the one mile loop which was flat and accessible and affords a great view of Exit Glacier. There's many other hikes there for people of all levels of hiking. One thing to look for is markers showing how much the glacier has receded over the past century - it's shocking. A great educational moment.
Let me start by saying that I had set some pretty high expectations of the Harding Icefield Trail and was worried they wouldn't meet them ... But they actually ended up far surpassing them. This trail was, by far, our favorite hike we did in Alaska, and one of our top hikes in general. This is a strenuous hike that you need to come prepared for. It's about 8.2 miles roundtrip with over 3000 feet of elevation gain with some rocky areas. We wore hiking shoes and rented some poles, and it went great. We did the hike in September, and there was still snow toward the end of the hike - so these poles definitely came in handy once we hit that. This hike was absolutely beautiful. You'll start out with gorgeous views of the trees, rivers, and wildlife. The higher up to go, you'll start to get a sneak peek of the glaciers, and let me tell you - pictures don't do it justice and won't prepare you for what you're going to see. The Harding Icefield is absolutely breathtaking - just pure white as far as you can see. It's such a peaceful experience that we could've just sat there for hours and taken it all in. The hike up was rough, but it's 100% worth it when you reach the end. Pack lots of water and snacks. It was rainy the day we went, so our rain jackets were lifesavers. But there is a lot of open hiking, so definitely back sunscreen if it's a sunny day. And don't forget your bear spray. Absolutely incredible hike. 100% recommend it.
We checked in at the visitor center before the hike, where they loaned us trekking poles and let us know the trail was open all the way to Top of the Cliffs--it had only just opened past Marmot Meadows. The hike itself is tough, especially with the snow patches you have to cross to reach the top, which was also still snow-covered. Coming down was actually kind of fun--you could slide if you didn't mind a wet bum. The views made it all worth it. The Harding Icefield is just massive and awe-inspiring. We also saw the glacier below, along with people mountaineering through the crevasses and hiking out on the ice. We saw a few hikers pushing past the recommended stopping point, but we turned around at the top. Not interested in testing our luck with a rockslide or avalanche. There were plenty of people on the trail, so we never felt concerned about wildlife, and we ran into a couple of interpretive rangers along the way who were friendly and happy to chat.
My family and I did this hike as a day hike two days ago, and it was an absolute blast. Although, it's a super strenuous hike, the views are completely worth it. The trails are well maintained, and there are a variety of natural spectacles that you can see. This ranges from marmots, to rushing mountain streams, to, of course, GLACIERS. The exit glacier is absolutely sick. On the way down the mountain, sliding down the snow on your butt is also a great thrill.
Fantastic hike! We loved how the topography changed drastically throughout the hike - from forest to shrubbery to an epic glacier. Come prepared for changing weather and a big climb - the elevation change in this hike is no joke!
This is the Exit Glacier section of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska. Just make a turn at Exit 3 off Seward Highway and you'll arrive here and for the start of the famed Harding Icefield Trail. I visited back in late June 2021 in early morning and spent a majority of my day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail which runs beside Exit Glacier. In total, Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile round trip trek gaining almost 3500 feet in elevation. It's the primary activity to do while in Exit Glacier. From high above you're afforded wonderful views looking down upon the stunning glacial landmark and the snowcapped mountains set in the distance. You can also stop by the Visitor Center as well and pick up any gifts or souvenirs you may need along with getting your National Parks Passport stamped. During my hike of Harding Icefield Trail, unfortunately it was pretty rainy and foggy throughout the day and so I never got the fulfilling pictures I was hoping for. In fact, I couldn't even complete the rugged hike because near the top of the trail, I was engulfed among feet of snow making it virtually impossible to finish. I completed about 2.5 miles or maybe 2/3's of the way up before I was practically scrambling in my final attempts to arrive near the summit. It was just brutal conditions during my climb. You can go for as long as you'd like but the pathway gets diluted among the immense heaviness of snow, and I'd suggest turning around if you start questioning how much further you can handle the snowy altitude. Overall, in general, this place is truly magical though. You just need some good luck with the weather cooperating. I believe maybe had I visited in late July or August, I would have been much better served. But keep this in mind...in the end Harding Icefield Trail is an absolute MUST-DO while exploring Kenai Fjords NP. And...at the very least for those short on time, back down near the trailhead at "The Toe" of Exit Glacier there are 2 very attainable overlook spots that are good starting points for observing Exit Glacier in the background. You can access those vista points along a short 1-mile roundtrip walking path that can't be missed when you arrive in the Visitor Center parking lot. Finally, outside of coming here to Exit Glacier and making the arduous Harding Icefield Trail climb...my other recommendation for enjoying what makes Kenai Fjords National Park so magical would be to take an all-day boat tour cruise departing off the piers of downtown Seward. I booked my unforgettable excursion with majormarinetours.com whom I highly recommend. Alright well this is incredible Exit Glacier and the iconic Harding Icefield Trail.
I highly recommend the Hardening Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier. Any other trail might receive mixed reviews and some people might be disappointed. The reason is because the other trails are more like a walk in the park with different overlook points. The Exit Glacier Trail for example is just a short hike to a viewpoint where you can see the glacier from afar. But if you want to go on top of the glacier and see white mountains as far as the horizon goes, then you need to make that 9.6 miles hike up. Is it worth the 3.5 hours hike one way with a steep incline? Absolutely! Once you see the emergency hut on top of the mountain then you're only 15min away from the end of the trail. If you want to go on the glacier you need to hike another 20min downhill. It's possible to walk on the glacier with your hiking boots but it's slippery and can get dangerous without proper gear. Enjoy this monster hike.
Our family did the Exit Glacier hike and scoffed at the "1 1/2 hour" estimate. It was more like twenty minutes to the glacier. Still incredible though. Beautiful. Somber. Sobering. A few days later, I returned to hike Harding Icefield with my 14 and 11 year old sons. Now THAT is an epic hike! The estimate was 6 to 8 hours. We finished in 6 hours 40 minutes, with a few water/breather breaks and two long breaks for lunch and at the end of the trail. I think it's my favorite hike of all time. Better than Grand Canyon. Even better than Hawaii. Simply glorious. Thanks to Alaska's rainforest status, the first leg of the hike was seriously like hiking through jungle. Then it merged into beautiful meadows blanketed in gorgeous flowers; Sound of Music could've been filmed there. After the meadows came vast plains where the winds really whipped up - and we saw a few marmots frolicking in the lupine!- then it got quite rocky and we had to do some scrabbling, and then we found ourselves trekking through snow. It was undoubtedly the most varied hike I've ever been on. I recommend hiking poles, and plenty of water. No bathrooms or refill stations. Also- LAYER. We went in July and It did get quite cold about halfway up; I was wearing a t-shirt, long sleeve wicking shirt, and sweatshirt, as well as a hat and knit gloves. I layered on, then layered off for the descent. If you're a hiker, don't pass this one up.
Kenai Fjord National Park is near Seaward Alaska. If you landed there, I would encourage you to rent a car or take a tour there. There is Glacier Road connects to the Exit Glacier. It is about 10 miles each way to the park parking on the exit glacier. This glacier is one of the most accessible glacier. To the view point need about 30 minutes walk. To the edge of the glacier is 1.5 hour walk. Basically you can get very close to glacier if you have not been to one. Along the way you will see the actual glacier line indicating when it was receded to. I believe in our life still have a chance to get close to it. The glacier is cleaner than most. It quite beautiful. The trail is easy for all ages. I would recommend you to visit if you make your way up from Seward to Anchorage.
Very nice fairly easy hike (for Alaska, let's be honest this would probably be a moderate hike in Michigan ). We only hiked up to Exit glacier and the surrounding river basin. Was probably about 2-3 miles total. You do have to climb up a few small rocks but nothing too difficult. The trail is well marked and maintained. The views are worth the hike. Dress in layers as it gets cooler closer to the glacier. When we went you were not able to hike on the glacier as the conditions were too hazardous, but it was still a great experience!
Just a quick updated review as I visited Exit Glacier again this past summer (June 30, 2019) and while it was just as incredible as I remembered it, it was noticeably smaller than it was during my visit just four years previously. This time around my dad and I went on an 11:00am Ranger-Led Hike which was led by Ranger Brenden to Exit Glacier. It was so nice having Ranger Brenden lead us because he was so informative! After we got to the glacier we hiked back down and spent some time at the Exit Glacier Nature Center as I completed my Junior Ranger book, stamped my National Park passport, looked at the exhibits, and asked the rangers questions. I love, love, love National Parks!
They do such a good job with this trail. It's well paved and well marked and flows the foot traffic seamlessly. It's so peaceful to stroll through sounds of running water and falling leaves. A great hike for people of all fitness levels. Great for kids and seniors. Everyone keeps talking about how the glacier is melting and ..well...it's true. I'm super bummed that I waited so long to see it. And now exit glacier has receded sooo much. Plan your visit when it's high sun so you can get that dazzling blue ice in your pics. When we have more time..we need to do the icefield trail and get into the thick of all that ice. Fo realsies.
This is a great place for a walk or a difficult hike. You can take a walking trail to see the area where the glacier is or take the 8.2 mile loop to see it up close. There are several areas with benches to sit and take the scenery, which is also beautiful. When you come, there is no fee for parking, which is great. Restrooms are available and be mindful that the ones closest to the parking lot are out houses, but they do have regular bathrooms with running water. This is such a scenic place to see and interesting to view all the markers of where the glacier was over overtime and how it's receded. Happy hiking! read more
1 month ago
Definitely a beautiful trail you don't want to miss! It's located in Kenai Fjords National Park, and honestly, we saw so many glaciers during our cruise, but hiking this trail to the glacier just hit different. Along the way, you'll see signs showing where the glacier used to reach as far back as the 1920s. Seeing how much it has retreated over the years makes it feel so real that one day, this glacier might disappear. It's a little heartbreaking, but also makes you pause and truly appreciate what we still get to see today. read more
Read lots of good things about the Harding Icefield Trail online, so decided to make this the main hike of our Alaska trip. Came here on June 30th around 8:30am, and the parking lot was not that full yet. Parking is free and available right by the trailhead, with bathrooms and information boards right there as well. We initially planned to only hike to Marmot Meadow based on previous reviews that a few weeks prior, there was avalanche risk at the top and rangers highly discouraged hiking any further. However, by the time we went, things seemed to have cleared up a bit and the hike to Marmot Meadow was only medium level, so we decided to push on. The views between Marmot Meadow and the End of the Trail were so stunning! We got amazing views of the icefield and surrounding mountains - probably some of the best views I have ever seen. There was some snow between Marmot Meadow and this point, but it seemed to be much more piled on after this point. I had Yaktrax on, but the snow was ankle-deep, so they didn't help at all. Definitely recommend hiking poles, hiking shoes, and snowshoes/microspikes if conditions are similar to when we went. The last part was one of the most difficult hikes I have ever been on because we just kept slipping and falling on the snow while walking on an incline. A good amount of people stopped a little past Marmot Meadow, but there were some along with us who were also hiking to the End of the Trail. The End of the Trail was very pretty, and I'm glad I can say I completed the trail, but in my opinion, the best views were right after Marmot Meadow. I would only recommend hiking to the very end if you can handle the difficulty and snow conditions. The way down was even more challenging, and at some point we just sat and slid down the slopes whenever possible because it was so tiring. With breaks, it took us almost nine hours to finish this hike, and we were totally wiped out afterwards. The trail until Marmot Meadow is well maintained, but after that the snow obscures everything, so definitely recommend downloading AllTrails and following where others are going. There were also a lot of mosquitoes in the first third of the hike near the trailhead, so be aware! This was probably the most difficult hike I have ever done, but that was partially due to the snow and my lack of snowshoes/microspikes. The hike to Marmot Meadow is not too tough, and you still get great views, so you don't necessarily have to go all the way to the top. If you are not up for Harding Icefield, the Exit Glacier Trail is another family-friendly option. I would 100% recommend Harding Icefield if you're relatively fit and enjoy hiking! Despite how difficult it was, I'm really glad we did it and the views made it completely worth it. read more
After doing work in Soldotna, we took a day trip over to Seward to see the Exit Glacier before heading home. Kenai Fjords National Park is made up of three main areas - the Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and the coastline. The Exit Glacier is the easiest section of the park to reach. I stopped by the visitor center in Seward first before seeing the glacier. We then made the quick drive over to the Exit Glacier. It is the only destination in Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by car. They have a small nature center that you can visit before heading out on the trail to the glacier. The Exit Glacier hike is the best way to see this glacier up close. The Glacier View Loop is a 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible, paved trail that gives you panoramic views of the glacier's descent. We spent a part of our day doing this short hike. Sadly, the glacier has shrunk considerably due to climate change. They have signs showing where the glacier once stood by year. Park scientists continue to monitor and record the glacier's accelerating recession. At some point, you won't be able to see the glacier anymore from the overlook trail. I wish I had more time to do the longer hikes. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a moderately strenuous 2-mile round trip that will get you closer to the glacier terminus. It is an extension of the loop trail. The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile round trip with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. It is full-day hike that can be strenuous. You get amazing close-up views of this massive ice field when you reach the top. I was able to fly in a small plane over the Harding Icefield earlier in the week and saw its size from above. I hope someday to return to do this hike. read more
Beautiful stop in a beautiful national park. We did the one mile loop which was flat and accessible and affords a great view of Exit Glacier. There's many other hikes there for people of all levels of hiking. One thing to look for is markers showing how much the glacier has receded over the past century - it's shocking. A great educational moment. read more
Let me start by saying that I had set some pretty high expectations of the Harding Icefield Trail and was worried they wouldn't meet them ... But they actually ended up far surpassing them. This trail was, by far, our favorite hike we did in Alaska, and one of our top hikes in general. This is a strenuous hike that you need to come prepared for. It's about 8.2 miles roundtrip with over 3000 feet of elevation gain with some rocky areas. We wore hiking shoes and rented some poles, and it went great. We did the hike in September, and there was still snow toward the end of the hike - so these poles definitely came in handy once we hit that. This hike was absolutely beautiful. You'll start out with gorgeous views of the trees, rivers, and wildlife. The higher up to go, you'll start to get a sneak peek of the glaciers, and let me tell you - pictures don't do it justice and won't prepare you for what you're going to see. The Harding Icefield is absolutely breathtaking - just pure white as far as you can see. It's such a peaceful experience that we could've just sat there for hours and taken it all in. The hike up was rough, but it's 100% worth it when you reach the end. Pack lots of water and snacks. It was rainy the day we went, so our rain jackets were lifesavers. But there is a lot of open hiking, so definitely back sunscreen if it's a sunny day. And don't forget your bear spray. Absolutely incredible hike. 100% recommend it. read more
1 year ago
We checked in at the visitor center before the hike, where they loaned us trekking poles and let us know the trail was open all the way to Top of the Cliffs--it had only just opened past Marmot Meadows. The hike itself is tough, especially with the snow patches you have to cross to reach the top, which was also still snow-covered. Coming down was actually kind of fun--you could slide if you didn't mind a wet bum. The views made it all worth it. The Harding Icefield is just massive and awe-inspiring. We also saw the glacier below, along with people mountaineering through the crevasses and hiking out on the ice. We saw a few hikers pushing past the recommended stopping point, but we turned around at the top. Not interested in testing our luck with a rockslide or avalanche. There were plenty of people on the trail, so we never felt concerned about wildlife, and we ran into a couple of interpretive rangers along the way who were friendly and happy to chat. read more
1 year ago
My family and I did this hike as a day hike two days ago, and it was an absolute blast. Although, it's a super strenuous hike, the views are completely worth it. The trails are well maintained, and there are a variety of natural spectacles that you can see. This ranges from marmots, to rushing mountain streams, to, of course, GLACIERS. The exit glacier is absolutely sick. On the way down the mountain, sliding down the snow on your butt is also a great thrill. read more
2 years ago
Fantastic hike! We loved how the topography changed drastically throughout the hike - from forest to shrubbery to an epic glacier. Come prepared for changing weather and a big climb - the elevation change in this hike is no joke! read more
This is the Exit Glacier section of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska. Just make a turn at Exit 3 off Seward Highway and you'll arrive here and for the start of the famed Harding Icefield Trail. I visited back in late June 2021 in early morning and spent a majority of my day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail which runs beside Exit Glacier. In total, Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile round trip trek gaining almost 3500 feet in elevation. It's the primary activity to do while in Exit Glacier. From high above you're afforded wonderful views looking down upon the stunning glacial landmark and the snowcapped mountains set in the distance. You can also stop by the Visitor Center as well and pick up any gifts or souvenirs you may need along with getting your National Parks Passport stamped. During my hike of Harding Icefield Trail, unfortunately it was pretty rainy and foggy throughout the day and so I never got the fulfilling pictures I was hoping for. In fact, I couldn't even complete the rugged hike because near the top of the trail, I was engulfed among feet of snow making it virtually impossible to finish. I completed about 2.5 miles or maybe 2/3's of the way up before I was practically scrambling in my final attempts to arrive near the summit. It was just brutal conditions during my climb. You can go for as long as you'd like but the pathway gets diluted among the immense heaviness of snow, and I'd suggest turning around if you start questioning how much further you can handle the snowy altitude. Overall, in general, this place is truly magical though. You just need some good luck with the weather cooperating. I believe maybe had I visited in late July or August, I would have been much better served. But keep this in mind...in the end Harding Icefield Trail is an absolute MUST-DO while exploring Kenai Fjords NP. And...at the very least for those short on time, back down near the trailhead at "The Toe" of Exit Glacier there are 2 very attainable overlook spots that are good starting points for observing Exit Glacier in the background. You can access those vista points along a short 1-mile roundtrip walking path that can't be missed when you arrive in the Visitor Center parking lot. Finally, outside of coming here to Exit Glacier and making the arduous Harding Icefield Trail climb...my other recommendation for enjoying what makes Kenai Fjords National Park so magical would be to take an all-day boat tour cruise departing off the piers of downtown Seward. I booked my unforgettable excursion with majormarinetours.com whom I highly recommend. Alright well this is incredible Exit Glacier and the iconic Harding Icefield Trail. read more
I highly recommend the Hardening Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier. Any other trail might receive mixed reviews and some people might be disappointed. The reason is because the other trails are more like a walk in the park with different overlook points. The Exit Glacier Trail for example is just a short hike to a viewpoint where you can see the glacier from afar. But if you want to go on top of the glacier and see white mountains as far as the horizon goes, then you need to make that 9.6 miles hike up. Is it worth the 3.5 hours hike one way with a steep incline? Absolutely! Once you see the emergency hut on top of the mountain then you're only 15min away from the end of the trail. If you want to go on the glacier you need to hike another 20min downhill. It's possible to walk on the glacier with your hiking boots but it's slippery and can get dangerous without proper gear. Enjoy this monster hike. read more
Our family did the Exit Glacier hike and scoffed at the "1 1/2 hour" estimate. It was more like twenty minutes to the glacier. Still incredible though. Beautiful. Somber. Sobering. A few days later, I returned to hike Harding Icefield with my 14 and 11 year old sons. Now THAT is an epic hike! The estimate was 6 to 8 hours. We finished in 6 hours 40 minutes, with a few water/breather breaks and two long breaks for lunch and at the end of the trail. I think it's my favorite hike of all time. Better than Grand Canyon. Even better than Hawaii. Simply glorious. Thanks to Alaska's rainforest status, the first leg of the hike was seriously like hiking through jungle. Then it merged into beautiful meadows blanketed in gorgeous flowers; Sound of Music could've been filmed there. After the meadows came vast plains where the winds really whipped up - and we saw a few marmots frolicking in the lupine!- then it got quite rocky and we had to do some scrabbling, and then we found ourselves trekking through snow. It was undoubtedly the most varied hike I've ever been on. I recommend hiking poles, and plenty of water. No bathrooms or refill stations. Also- LAYER. We went in July and It did get quite cold about halfway up; I was wearing a t-shirt, long sleeve wicking shirt, and sweatshirt, as well as a hat and knit gloves. I layered on, then layered off for the descent. If you're a hiker, don't pass this one up. read more
Kenai Fjord National Park is near Seaward Alaska. If you landed there, I would encourage you to rent a car or take a tour there. There is Glacier Road connects to the Exit Glacier. It is about 10 miles each way to the park parking on the exit glacier. This glacier is one of the most accessible glacier. To the view point need about 30 minutes walk. To the edge of the glacier is 1.5 hour walk. Basically you can get very close to glacier if you have not been to one. Along the way you will see the actual glacier line indicating when it was receded to. I believe in our life still have a chance to get close to it. The glacier is cleaner than most. It quite beautiful. The trail is easy for all ages. I would recommend you to visit if you make your way up from Seward to Anchorage. read more
Very nice fairly easy hike (for Alaska, let's be honest this would probably be a moderate hike in Michigan ). We only hiked up to Exit glacier and the surrounding river basin. Was probably about 2-3 miles total. You do have to climb up a few small rocks but nothing too difficult. The trail is well marked and maintained. The views are worth the hike. Dress in layers as it gets cooler closer to the glacier. When we went you were not able to hike on the glacier as the conditions were too hazardous, but it was still a great experience! read more
Just a quick updated review as I visited Exit Glacier again this past summer (June 30, 2019) and while it was just as incredible as I remembered it, it was noticeably smaller than it was during my visit just four years previously. This time around my dad and I went on an 11:00am Ranger-Led Hike which was led by Ranger Brenden to Exit Glacier. It was so nice having Ranger Brenden lead us because he was so informative! After we got to the glacier we hiked back down and spent some time at the Exit Glacier Nature Center as I completed my Junior Ranger book, stamped my National Park passport, looked at the exhibits, and asked the rangers questions. I love, love, love National Parks! read more
7 years ago
They do such a good job with this trail. It's well paved and well marked and flows the foot traffic seamlessly. It's so peaceful to stroll through sounds of running water and falling leaves. A great hike for people of all fitness levels. Great for kids and seniors. Everyone keeps talking about how the glacier is melting and ..well...it's true. I'm super bummed that I waited so long to see it. And now exit glacier has receded sooo much. Plan your visit when it's high sun so you can get that dazzling blue ice in your pics. When we have more time..we need to do the icefield trail and get into the thick of all that ice. Fo realsies. read more
8 years ago
Awesome hike to check out if you're in Seward! We took the exit glacier shuttle to drop us off at the entrance. I would recommend checking out the park ranger tour if you'd like a free guided walk to the top! They have several tours throughout the day so you can usually catch one. It's not too hard of a hike, however if you want to go on the longest one I've heard that one gets difficult towards the end. There is bathrooms at the bottom. The views from the hike are great and exit glacier is an awesome place to see! read more
I'm jaded, apparently. But as an Alaskan, I found Exit Glacier very, very disappointing. It's not the glacier's fault it's receding, but um.... dear glacier, wherefore art though? Unless you're going to do the 8 mile hike up to the ice field, there really isn't much to see. We hiked the 2ish miles up to the edge of the glacier, but it's receded so much, you really can't get all that close to it. The one nice thing about this is the thoughtful creation of a handicap accessible trail with a nice distant vista of the glacier. In another 5 to 10 years, I doubt it will be visible from this vantage anymore though. They also have a nice interpretive center and lectures given by park rangers. The main trail is also very much navigable by children and people of average fitness. Just don't expect too much glacier-ness unles you want to hike 8 miles to the ice field. Meh. read more
Buck up, and go to the top! Don't do what I did. I had been here many times, but I had only done the casual stroll out to the Exit Glacier. It's a worthy pursuit, it's quick and easy, and you can touch the glacier. But, the Harding Ice Field trail is so much more rewarding. It's about 4 miles with about 3,800 ft of gain. That's pretty steep. My definition of "steep" is about 1000 ft of gain in a mile. Anything steeper than that can start to turn from "hiking" to "scrambling" and maybe even to "climbing. (for comparison, Mt Hood in Oregon is 5,000 ft of gain in 3.6 miles, it's a bona-fide climb though, do not attempt unless you are skilled) Anyway, lots of neat stuff to see on the way up: From the trailhead to Marmot Meadows: not a whole lot to see during this let, honestly. You're in the trees most of the time; the views are sporadic at best. Marmot Meadows: Didn't see no stinking marmots, but did get my first good view of that big, fat, blue and dirty glacier. This is the first place you can camp. This is also the lowest-elevation spot where you can go down to the glacier to climb on it. Why can't you climb on the glacier lower down? Because you might ruin someone's stupid touristy photo. Seriously. What the heck, NPS. Marmot Meadows is a beautiful and picturesque meadow though. You'll want to sing the hills are alive with the sound of music and/or "Riiiiiicoooooolaaaah". "Top of the Cliffs": Definitely worth sticking it out for the extra 0.8 miles to get here! Views are noticeably better here than at Marmot Meadows. Don't' tell anyone, but they are almost as good here as they are at the end of the trail. There also ARE marmots up here, tons of them. I love those chubby little guys. I also saw a herd/flock/whatever of mountain goats. Emergency Shelter: shack you should only use if you get into big trouble. Don't lose heart, you're almost there. End of trail: weather up here is sporadic, and often bad. It can be sunny, flip-flops-and-a-thong weather at the car and be a raining/snow/white-out mess up here. We had partial views, it was still worth the effort. The end of the trail often has patches of snow. So either get better shoes or stop being a candyarse and power through. Either bring bear mace or be able to run faster than the other folks on the trail. read more
8 years ago
Going, going, glacier ... Exit Glacier is literally exiting the planet as it recedes each year. The park does a great job of documenting where the ice was by year, so, that you can clearly see just how much of the glacier has disappeared. Signs along the 1-mile trail from the parking area mark (by year) the accelerating retreat since 1917 and notably after 1950. These days, Exit Glacier is a tiny finger of dirty blue-white ice that drops out of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. It's sobering to stand at the chasm between you and the ice while discovering how much ice has disappeared since just the 1980s. The Glacier View Loop (1-mile) is accessible in many areas. If you really want to see ice, continue on the .6-mile Glacier Overlook Trail. Otherwise, plan a longer day and explore the Harding Icefield Trail. There are 4 ranger-led walks each day (10:00a, 11:00a, 1:00p, & 2:00p) as well as educational opportunities in the Exit Glacier Nature Center (open 9:00a - 5:00p in summer; Closed weekends and shorter hours in winter). No entrance fees are charged throughout the Kenai Fjords National Park or to visit Exit Glacier. However, if you actually want to see Exit Glacier before it exits, my advice is to go soon because Exit Glacier is going, going, glacier ... read more
8 years ago
NICE & LESS CROWDED HIKE TO A GLACIER! This is a great glacier to hike to since there are. not so many people scurrying around! This is sort of an out of the way, It is really signed so you don't about not seeing big signs to follow around. Plenty of signs at the end of a paved road in the trees. You journey from the visitor center, through some nice woods, alongs and across a few streams and up the foothills of the mountain. It's only about a mile to the pass and about another mile to the glacier. Definitely a nice little area to explore, so lace up your boots and move those legs... Easy camping spots are ample through the trees along the river on the way up. Free, nice, normal camping spots! read more
5 years ago
Great little hike for the family. They kids enjoyed it. Interesting to see the years marked on the trail where the ice used to be. Amazing how fast the glacier has receded. read more
In August, I was part of a group of Adult children who lost a loved one from the result of the War, and we were led by amazing guides to hike this breath taking glacier. This was no easy hike; it was steep and continuously uphill. It was cold, but you were hot at the same time because of all the movement. But, the views were spectacular. I've never seen or been on a glacier before so experiencing that was unbelievable! I feel that this is one of those experiences that everyone should be able to have at least once in their life - just taking in all the beauty this world has! read more
This is a truly great excursion if you're planning on visiting the Kenai Peninsula in any capacity, and especially if you're spending a night in Seward. Free access, a few trails to different parts of the glacier, and about the easiest access to a glacier overland in AK. Part of the Harding Icefield, this is the northern extent of that Icefield, a remnant from the last Ice Age. There are several spots with educational plaques to learn more about how glaciers are formed. One really awesome feature to the area is that you'll spot little brown signs with numbers on them as you drive to the park; these are markers for the extent of the glaciers...they go all the way to 1815!!! It really is wonderful to be able to view, understand, and interact with this unique environment to get a sense of time and how the environment changes to climate. It's one thing to hear about how glaciers retract...it's another to physically stand on a moraine that proves the toe was here at a certain date. People of all kinds of physical abilities can access the glacier in one form or another. A large portion of the trail is paved and flat; however, rocky inclines and bridges upto the glacier viewing area isn't wheelchair accessible, but these folks can get a great view as you drive to the park. The visitor center is accessible and there are surprisingly rather clean toilets. read more
Experience of a lifetime! Even in the pouring rain. I've been dreaming about this for a long time prior to coming to Alaska! I went with Exit Glacier guides where they provide the trekking poles, camel back, water, snacks, and ice cleats. Its about 1.5 hours for the hike. I went in mid-August. We raced to the top. When we saw the glacier, the weather instantly dropped 20 degrees. I had my dry fit shirt on. I put on my North Face Fleece and then my Marmot blue rain coat. I got my fleece gloves on. Then. I put my hoodie up with my helmet over that. My feet were wet from the puddles. I was shivering in the ice cold. My hair was forming Ice crystals. My legs were trembling. My lips were dry even after placing Vaseline on them. Did I care for that I was probably going to get sick? Not one bit. I was sooooo happy. Just thinking of it makes me smile. I kept smiling during the ice trek. This was one of my favorite experiences of my life. It's definitely worth the trek! =) read more
What a wonderful hike near Seward! Easy short drive with excellent facilities and trails. The crowds were light and super friendly... Varied trails and reasonable end views. It made for a pleasant surprise to wander here and just give it a go! Super nice rangers and staff... Zero cost!!! What's there not to like? Nuttin'!!! It was great! read more
16 years ago
I hiked to the Harding Ice Field last month and the weather cooperated. There was a 90% chance of rain but we hiked with no rain and even some blue sky. The views were spectacular and the 5 hours on a stair-master was worth the views at the top. Even in mid August I was walking on some snow for the last mile. The sight from the top was out of this world. I have never seen a frozen landscape such as that. It was a sea of ice and mountains. I highly recommend anyone make this venture. It was a work out so budget some time take jackets and rain gear as the weather can turn bad quickly. About half way up there is a spectacular view that is worth the trip even if you don't make it to the top. If you are visiting Seward make the trip to Exit Glacier. read more
For those of us who are geologically inclined, this is a must see, period. It really is a must see for anyone who travels to Alaska because the glaciers are receding and they won't be here forever. In any case, as you walk up the path to the glacier, there are signs indicating where the glacier was in certain important years. It's a little disconcerting if you really think about it as you walk up the path. For me, it was a geological dream come true. I could actually see what I learned in college. Phenomenal. See the pictures I've uploaded and make sure to visit! read more
17 years ago
So incredibly beautiful! I reluctantly took this hike after a 4.5 hour kayak trip in Resurrection Bay. Thankfully my laziness was buried by Matt's desire to drag me to this wonder. We briskly took the shortest (1.5 mile) route and it was completely worth it. The glacier is huge and unlike anything you have ever seen. Not to mention the fact it was approaching 70 degrees when I went so that made it all the more better. read more
10 years ago
This was one of the best visits of my trip to Alaska. Although I only went up to the area designated "Edge of the Glacier" on the trail and didn't do the entire Harding Icefield Trail, it was still a humbling experience for a swamp-dweller like me. I was lucky enough to be traveling with family members who lived in the area, and on the 4th of July (after watching the Mount Marathon race), my cousin casually asked if I wanted to see the glacier. Sure. So we drove a bit, and there is was, looking great and cool (literally) from the highway. "Can we get closer?" I asked. Yes, there's a trail that goes right up to it. "I'm in, let's go!" I was told a mile and a quarter. I was good with that. No problem. But there's a point where the trail does something not seen by me on my many walks in New Orleans. The trail begins going uphill. Steeply. After powering through it, we arrived at glacier's edge. Fabulous. I took in the blue ice and bathed in the wind coming off the glacier. I took photo after photo, videos and Vines. It's part of Kenai National Park and free, and easy to get to, if you're in the Seward area. I'm definitely going to go for the full trail to the top next time. read more
9 years ago
This hike was wonderful!!! We saw the turnout on the way back from Seward just after it had stopped raining, so it was perfect timing-- the parking lot was pretty empty and there are ample spots for RVs in a separate section. The informative history of the Exit Glacier and its' slow retreat was complete with size and year markers along the flat trail. There are several other trails ranging from quick and easy to long and challenging to take as well. And best of all, unlike the Portage Glacier, this one is free!! read more
8 years ago
A must visit! Just go! No questions asked!!! From the main road, follow the signs here. There is a ranger station at the end if you want to chat or get a map. They also will know where wildlife has been spotted. Yes, there can be bears. There are short hikes and long hikes. So something for everyone. Short hike to a great overlook of exit glacier. Awesome!!! Worth a look! And pictures!! If you decided to keep going.... And hopefully brought snacks and water... You can make it all the way to the harding ice field. But even if you just go part way, the views are amazing. I would allot about 6 hours for the whole thing. There are usually many people on this trail so it's hard to get lost. So whether you spend a whole day here or just a few hours, its well worth it and you won't be disappointed! read more
6 years ago
The glacier is melting fast. Much smaller than when we visited 4 years ago. Go before it's gone! The trails are well maintained (can be slippery when wet). We could see several waterfalls in the mountains which was a beautiful touch to the scenery. read more
Like all the drives in Alaska, the drive to Exit Glacier is beautiful. There is a really nice little view point parking lot a few miles before the parking lot which has an excellent view of the glacier. The parking lot is large and there is a small gift shop. At the front where the gift shop is they have restrooms and a list of recent wildlife sightings. Before you start up the path there is a map showing you the different trails and the distance of each one. We chose one of the medium paths, I think it was a 3-4 mile long one. The first section of the path is paved and then it turns to dirt. There were a few inclines/hills/steps but nothing too crazy. The trail was pretty so it was a very enjoyable hike. It was interesting to see how far the glacier has receded. Keep a lookout along the path for the markers. The glacier itself isn't amazing but it was still nice to see and worth the walk up. read more
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More info about Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail
Exit Glacier Rd
Seward, AK 99664
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
