Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Exit Glacier Area
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Exit Glacier Area
Introductory Overview
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in the Exit Glacier Area is a must-do experience for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. This 8.2-mile round-trip trail ascends approximately 3,500 feet, offering hikers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. It grants unparalleled views of one of the largest icefields in the United States, stretching over 700 square miles. The route transitions from dense alder and cottonwood forests to open alpine meadows and ultimately culminates at breathtaking vistas of the Harding Icefield, where thousands of years of glacial ice meet the horizon. This trail offers visitors an intimate encounter with one of Alaska's natural wonders and incredible insight into how glacial landscapes shape the region.
Adventure Guide to Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail
- Trailhead and Route Features
- The trail begins near the parking lot at Exit Glacier, only a short drive from Seward. Key waypoints include Marmot Meadows with expansive views of Exit Glacier and the Top of the Cliffs, a resting spot approximately three miles in. Beyond this, the trail continues with steeper grades toward the icefield overlook. Keep an eye out for interpretive signs along the trail that explain the area's geological and ecological significance.
- Wildlife Highlights
- The trail is a fantastic area to observe local wildlife, including mountain goats, black bears, and marmots. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for wildlife spotting. The meadows along the trail are also home to vibrant wildflowers during the summer season.
- The Icefield Viewpoint
- The trail’s highlight is the observation point overlooking the Harding Icefield. Here, vast expanses of glacial ice stretch as far as the eye can see. The experience is humbling, showcasing the immense scale of this natural landmark.
Local Insights
The Harding Icefield dates back nearly 23,000 years and serves as the origin point for over 40 glaciers, including Exit Glacier itself. It also provides insights into how rising temperatures affect glacial retreat, visible from year-to-year hikes.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late June through August for optimal trail conditions and wildflowers.
- Must-Bring Items: Sturdy hiking boots, layers for unpredictable weather, water, and trekking poles. Bear spray is highly recommended.
- Getting There: From Seward, drive 12 miles along Seward Highway and Exit Glacier Road to the parking lot (about 20 minutes).
Adventure Map
Reviews
Daniel Duran7 months ago
I had a great experience going up the Harding Icefield Trail as the views from above are spectacular! It starts out easy but it quickly inclines as it can get really rocky along the way! The hike up can be treacherous so definitely expect to hike on snow as you get higher on the trail! I do recommend boots at least and some trekking poles! It’s definitely the best views once you get above!
Cʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛɪɴᴇ Aᴍʏ6 months ago
The trail is divided into 3 sections including marmot meadow (~1.4 mile), top of the cliffs (~2 mile), and end of trail (~3.5 mile).
Total 6-8 hrs round trip and we took 8.5 hrs. We hiked in a relatively slow pace and rested enough. Took some pictures and had snacks.
End of the trail is definitely the strenuous part because of the snow and weather. Sometimes there’s fog and you can barely see anything so have to watch out every steps.
If you don’t have enough time or energy, I would say top of the cliffs is good enough because you can view the exit glacier which is also astonishing and scenery. Harding Icefield is absolutely spectacular because that is not like any other glaciers. Totally speechless and worth the hike. Just be prepared and adjust yourself accordingly during the hike! I would say this hike is the best highlight of my trip to Alaska✨
Nina men4 months ago
A truly amazing hiking trail. It has 3 sections. We’ve hiked to the top, end of the trail. About 8.5 miles round trip. It is not that hard. But it does has lots of stairs, and it was very slippery, no restroom on the way except at the visitor center. Be cautious this park has some bears, we saw 2 bears far away, and also many big marmots on the way, we’ve been to about 20 US’s national parks, this one probably my fav and the most beautiful national park among them. Especially after rainy the sun came out, it became like in a fairy tale, picturesque like a painting.
Allen Lin4 months ago
First, you should really do entire trail, go to the end of the trail it’s really worth it. The first hike marmot hills or whatever is ok, top of the cliff is good but it’s even better and a different view at the end of the trail. The hike is long but not actually super difficult just really long like climbing a ton of stairs. I have video of the hike at many points along the trail if you want to see whether or not it’s difficult for you, but I didn’t think it was too bad.
Max Maier5 months ago
The higher you hike the better the views get it’s a solid hike up! The last mile kind of flattens out but it’s a good climb up the whole way. Definitely recommend taking plenty of water and food as this trail can drain your energy.
