Hiking to Marmot Meadows on the Harding Icefield Trail
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, offers one of the most breathtaking hikes in the state. A key milestone along the trail is Marmot Meadows, located approximately 1.4 miles from the base trailhead. This rewarding stop provides visitors with sweeping views of the expansive valley below and the stunning Exit Glacier. Hiking to Marmot Meadows is an ideal option for those wanting a moderately challenging trek with significant scenery without committing to the full 8.2-mile round trip of the entire Harding Icefield Trail.
Adventure Guide to Hiking to Marmot Meadows
Trailhead and Accessibility
Begin your journey at the Exit Glacier parking lot, where the Harding Icefield Trail starts. The hike to Marmot Meadows takes you through dense forested areas before gradually opening into subalpine meadow landscapes. This portion of the trail is well-maintained, but expect a consistent uphill climb with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet.
What Makes Marmot Meadows Special
Marmot Meadows is a prime spot to pause and soak in the landscape. It offers jaw-dropping views of Exit Glacier, where you can observe the deep crevasses and brilliant blue ice formations. On clear days, the meadows also provide glimpses of the Harding Icefield stretching into the horizon. This location serves as an excellent resting point for hikers who may not have the time or energy to tackle the full trail.
Nature and Wildlife
This area of the trail is often frequented by wildlife, including mountain goats, marmots, and diverse bird species. During the summer months, wildflowers bloom across the slopes, adding vibrant colors to the scenery and creating excellent photo opportunities.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Hike: Late June through early September is ideal. Snow conditions can linger in early summer, so inquire at Kenai Fjords Visitor Center about trail conditions.
What to Bring: Wear sturdy boots, bring layers for fluctuating temperatures, carry water, snacks, and bear spray for safety.
Directions: From Seward, Alaska, drive 12 miles to Exit Glacier Road; follow it to the trailhead (25–30 minutes).
Marmot Meadows is a highly rewarding stop for hikers. Whether your goal is stunning views or unique wildlife encounters, this location delivers.
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.
