Trail Overview
The Exit Glacier Trail to the Harding Icefield is one of Alaska’s most spectacular and accessible hiking trails. Located in Kenai Fjords National Park, this trail offers an unforgettable journey through a lush forest, past towering glaciers, and onto the breathtaking expanse of the Harding Icefield. What makes this trail special is the unique opportunity to witness the effects of climate change firsthand, as the Exit Glacier has been rapidly retreating over the past few decades. Key highlights of the trail include stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and wildflowers, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and Dall sheep. Hikers love this trail for its challenging yet rewarding terrain, with a sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the stunning vista of the Harding Icefield.
Trail Stats at a Glance
- Distance: 8.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash
- Kid-Friendly?: Yes, but children should be well-prepared and closely supervised due to steep drop-offs and potential wildlife encounters
Getting There
To get to the Exit Glacier Trail, drive to the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center, located at 47.8833° N, 151.7333° W. From the nearest city, Seward, take the Seward Highway (AK-1) north for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto Herman Leirer Road. Follow the road for 1 mile, then turn right onto Exit Glacier Road. The parking lot is located at the end of the road, near the trailhead. Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle, and the parking lot has restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area. The trailhead facilities include a ranger station, where hikers can obtain information and register for the hike.
Detailed Trail Description
The Exit Glacier Trail begins at the parking lot and immediately enters a lush forest of spruce and hemlock trees. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with a gradual incline that takes hikers through the forest for the first 2 miles. At mile 2, the trail emerges from the forest and enters a stunning alpine meadow, filled with wildflowers such as lupine, gentian, and fireweed. The meadow offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield.
At mile 3, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that climb steeply up the side of a mountain. The switchbacks are well-graded, but the trail becomes increasingly rocky and uneven. Hikers should be careful to watch their step and use trekking poles if necessary. At mile 4, the trail reaches a stunning viewpoint, where hikers can see the Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield in all their glory.
The trail continues to climb, with several creek crossings and rocky outcroppings. At mile 5, hikers reach the edge of the Harding Icefield, where the trail becomes a series of rocky ridges and moraines. The views from the icefield are breathtaking, with the surrounding mountains and glaciers stretching out as far as the eye can see. Hikers can explore the icefield, but should be careful to stay on the trail and avoid crevasses.
The return journey is the same as the ascent, with hikers following the trail back down the mountain and through the forest. The total distance is 8.2 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Exit Glacier Trail depends on the season and the weather. In the summer months (June to August), the trail is usually snow-free and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, this is also the busiest time of year, with crowds of hikers and tourists. In the spring (May to June), the trail is still snowy, but the wildflowers are starting to bloom and the crowds are smaller. In the fall (September to October), the trail is usually clear of snow, but the days are getting shorter and the weather can be unpredictable. In the winter (November to April), the trail is closed due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to hike:
- June: Wildflowers are in bloom, but the trail may still be snowy
- July: Warmest month, with long days and wildflowers in bloom
- August: Crowds start to thin out, but the weather can be unpredictable
- September: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning fall colors
- October: Shorter days, cooler temperatures, and potential snowfall
What to Bring
When hiking the Exit Glacier Trail, it’s essential to bring the right gear and supplies. Here are the Ten Essentials, adapted for Alaska:
- Navigation: Map, compass, GPS device, and extra batteries
- Hydration: Water filter or purification tablets, and a water bottle or hydration bladder
- Shelter: Emergency shelter, such as a lightweight tent or bivy sack
- Extra Clothing: Layers, including a hat, gloves, and extra socks
- First Aid: First aid kit, with supplies for blisters, sprains, and other injuries
- Headlamp: Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries
- Food: Snacks and energy bars, as well as a lunch and dinner if planning to spend the night
- Emergency Communication: Cell phone, two-way radio, or satellite phone
- Repair Kit: Multi-tool, duct tape, and other supplies for repairing gear
- Fire Starter: Matches, lighter, or fire starter, and a small supply of tinder
In addition to the Ten Essentials, hikers should also bring bear spray, trekking poles, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
Wildlife & Safety
The Exit Glacier Trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and Dall sheep. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife. Here are some safety tips:
- Bear Encounters: Make noise while hiking, stay in groups, and carry bear spray
- Moose on Trail: Be aware of moose, especially in areas with low visibility, and give them a wide berth
- Weather Hazards: Check the weather forecast before hiking, and be prepared for changing conditions
- River Crossing Safety: Use caution when crossing creeks and rivers, and consider using a walking stick or trekking poles for stability
- Avalanche Zones: Be aware of avalanche zones, especially in the winter months, and check the avalanche forecast before hiking
Photography Tips
The Exit Glacier Trail offers some of the most stunning photography opportunities in Alaska. Here are some tips for capturing the best shots:
- Best Viewpoints: The viewpoint at mile 4, the edge of the Harding Icefield, and the glacier itself offer stunning views and photography opportunities
- Golden Hour: The golden hour, just before sunset, offers the best light for photography, with warm colors and long shadows
- What Lens to Bring: A wide-angle lens (10-22mm) is ideal for capturing the vast expanse of the glacier and surrounding mountains, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm) is better for capturing wildlife and details
- Iconic Shots: The iconic shot of the Exit Glacier, with the surrounding mountains and wildflowers, is a must-capture, as well as the stunning vista from the edge of the Harding Icefield
History & Background
The Exit Glacier Trail has a rich history, dating back to the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area. The trail was originally used by the Dena’ina Athabascan people, who would travel to the glacier to hunt and gather food. In the late 19th century, the trail was used by gold miners and prospectors, who would travel to the glacier in search of gold and other minerals.
The trail was officially established in the 1960s, as part of the Kenai Fjords National Park. The park was established to protect the stunning natural beauty of the area, including the Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield. Today, the trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Alaska, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The naming origin of the trail is attributed to the Exit Glacier, which was named by a group of explorers in the late 19th century. The glacier was named “Exit” because it was the exit point for the glacier, where it flowed into the surrounding mountains. The Harding Icefield, on the other hand, was named after President Warren G. Harding, who visited the area in the 1920s.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
The Exit Glacier Trail is just one of many hiking trails in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here are some nearby trails and campgrounds that offer multi-day adventures and alternative routes:
- Harding Icefield Trail: A more challenging trail that takes hikers to the center of the Harding Icefield
- Kenai Fjords Trail: A coastal trail that takes hikers along the shoreline of the Kenai Fjords, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
- Exit Glacier Campground: A campground located near the trailhead, with stunning views of the Exit Glacier and the surrounding mountains
- Willow Campground: A campground located near the town of Seward, with amenities such as flush toilets and potable water
- Resurrection Creek Trail: A trail that takes hikers to the Resurrection Creek, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
These trails and campgrounds offer a range of options for hikers, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, the Exit Glacier Trail is a must-hike for anyone visiting Alaska.