Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield

Navigation Icons


123	Photos Map


		Last Updated: November 30, 2008
	Difficulty	Walking around the terminus (the bottom of the glacier)-easy. However, the hike up to Harding Icefield is very steep and only people who are in reasonably good shape should attempt it.
	Connects With	None
	Miles One Way	4.5 to Harding Icefield for an elevation gain of 3,000 ft.
	Miles from Anchorage	112; just north of the Seward City limits
	General Vicinity	Kenai Fjords National Park
	Season	July to September; expect snow at higher elevations as well as extremely windy and cold conditions (especially September).
	Connects With	None
	Description	*One of the best day hikes in Alaska!*
		If you are visiting the area, I would put this at the top of my list-No Kidding! This is the hike that clinched it for me to move up here. Mostly vertical, it can be a real A** whupper, but ohhhhh, the reward is sooooo worth it. The scenery is incredible as you hike up the mountain and get increasingly better views of the glacier and the Kenai Mountains. And then you get to the top where you will see the incredible Harding Icefield. Words can not describe it. You'll feel like you're on the top of the world! The chance of seeing bear, dall sheep, mountain goats, and eagles is extremely high. If you are coming up here in season and you could only do one hike, this is the one I'd pick. Trust me when I tell you that there is nothing in the lower 48 to compare to this. After the hike, head down to the terminus for up close views of the glacier. If you are not in good shape, you could spend hours down here and have a very enjoyable time. There is also a great interpretive center as well.

	Important Information	If you pace yourself and you are in reasonably good shape, you should have no physical problem hiking to the Icefield. The real challenge is mental. Because of the way the mountain slopes from the glacial grinding, it seems like you are almost there and when you get higher you see more stretch of trail that was hidden. It can be quite daunting, but keep telling yourself that the reward will be worth it. You should keep on going, even if there's snow, until you get to the Icefield (trust me-you'll know it when you get there). DON'T GIVE UP! Do Not Walk On The Glacier! Unless you're experienced in glacial hiking, you are putting your life in extreme risk. There are many deep crevasses that are covered with snow. If you fall in, it was nice knowing you. The Icefield, especially if it's windy, can be winter like, even if the temperature is warm down at the terminus. Pack a warm coat or fleece, windbreaker and hat. If traveling in September, consider gloves and a hot thermos. To avoid hypothermia, change into dryer and/or warmer clothes at the emergency hut located 1/4 mile before the edge of the Icefield. ~~You are not allowed to camp up there. This is a day hike only.~~ *** The following was emailed to me by Jon B. (who also sent a picture) Did the Harding Icefield trail yesterday based in part on the glowing review on your website. You are right -- it was amazing. Once again, your website helped me pick a great hike. I did want to correct one thing on your site about the hike though -- according to the NPS web site, camping is actually allowed at the top, provided you are on bare rock or snow and more than 1/2 mile from the trail. Boy, if the weather was good, this would be quite an overnight. The Icefield at sunrise/sunset must be incredible. I may have to try it sometime if I can psyche myself up to haul a pack up there. * * The following was submitted by Anne Kelly: This hike was definitely the highlight of my trip. It was a kind of unexpected adventure that ultimately proved to be life changing. We hiked the trail in early September and encountered no washouts, snow, or unexpected detours. The only warning I would like to give is to be aware of the rapidly diminishing daylight hours in late summer. For those that may be amateur hikers- don't underestimate this trail- bring ample snacks and water and pace your self. We were passed by a fellow that regularly runs this trail, if he ever sees this posting, we all applaud you! Keep up the good work and maybe we can race next summer! * * The following was submitted by Brian Meeker: Thanks again for the helpful information re: the Harding Ice field hike. I did it on Mon 7/14/08 with my 11 yr old son. We both enjoyed the experience immensely. I was prepared to turn back at Marmot Meadow, but we decided then to push to the top as the weather broke nicely then. FYI, I found the information and waypoints on this site very helpful: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?TripID=10249 Black bear sightings are very common there this summer. Just south of Marmot Meadow we bailed off the trail to watch "Pokey the Bear" amble by (we were on the way up, he was slowly making his way down). What a thrill! * * The following was submitted by Gonecampin: I think you did an excellent job in describing this hike.. We knew just what to expect on this one, and that actually made it easer. However, for many people it would be very difficult. I was so overdressed and even had another jacket in my backpack. The hike is so strenuous that too much clothing is not a good idea. I saw a girl start out in a tank and shorts and at the top put on long pants and a jacket. That was smart. This hike, with all the diversity it offers along the way, is like several hikes in one. As a lady we met along the way put it, "Stunning". And that was just part of the hike. *** Dogs are not allowed on the trail. They are very serious about this rule! There are designated campsites before the entrance to the glacier. Better yet is to find your spot on the many pull offs on Exit Glacier Road and camp right by the river. If you're a shutterbug, the angle of the sun coming across the Icefield can really ruin the shot. Bring filters for clearer pictures.

	Etc.	There is a $10 entrance fee to get into the park. Your Alaska State Park Pass is not valid here. If you'd like to educate yourself about glaciers and their awesome power, please visit All About Glaciers, a great introductory website.


©Alaska Hike Search -A Guide to Hiking in the Anchorage Area By Chugachman
Home Search Hikes Parks Info Education Submit Hike Contact
Warning: Traveling in Alaska's backcountry can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. This website is only intended as an aid and cannot guarantee safety. No trail guide can be completely accurate so hikers must accept and judge for themselves the dangers posed by each trip they choose to undertake. By using this site you accept the risk and sole responsibility for your safety and the safety of those you affect. I urge you use all available resources to educate yourself on the particular hikes you will be on as well as general wilderness safety and first aid.
Topo Maps created with TOPO!® ©2001