Ice Climbing on Exit Glacier in Exit Glacier Area

Introductory Overview

Ice climbing on Exit Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, offers an exhilarating combination of natural beauty and athletic challenge. This activity gives adventurers the opportunity to ascend sheer walls of glacial ice while being surrounded by some of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes. What makes Exit Glacier particularly special is its accessibility—while other glaciers may require multi-day treks, Exit Glacier is reachable within minutes from the visitor center. Here, you’ll find a dynamic frozen environment that evolves throughout the year, providing unique climbing opportunities for both novice and experienced climbers. As part of a rapidly changing ecosystem, climbing on Exit Glacier also allows visitors to witness the impacts of climate change on Alaska's glacial systems.

Adventure Guide To Ice Climbing on Exit Glacier

• Guided Climbing Experiences: Local outfitters, such as Kenai Fjords Glacier Guides, offer professionally guided ice climbing trips tailored to different skill levels. They provide necessary equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and harnesses, ensuring both safety and top-tier adventure. What sets these tours apart is the emphasis on safety and an educational component, teaching climbers about glacial features such as crevasses and seracs.

• The Ice Wall Routes: Specific climbing routes along Exit Glacier deliver varying degrees of difficulty. Beginners may start with shorter ice walls, while advanced climbers tackle large, challenging vertical faces. These climbing areas are known for their pristine ice formations and ever-changing textures due to seasonal shifts.

• Photography Opportunities: Ice climbing at Exit Glacier is not only about the climb but also about the views. Towering walls of crystalline ice shimmer under the Arctic sun, providing stunning backdrops. Carrying a waterproof camera lets climbers capture the otherworldly blues inherent in the glacial formations.

Local Insights

Climbing conditions vary depending on temperature and season, with late summer to early fall being prime months due to stability in ice conditions. Locals recommend layering your clothing—conditions near the glacier can shift from cold icy winds to bursts of sunshine.

Visitor Tips

• When to Visit: July to September is ideal.
• What to Pack: Insulated climbing boots, gloves, sunglasses, and waterproof clothing.
• Directions: Exit Glacier is roughly a 15-minute drive from Seward, Alaska. Take the Seward Highway, then turn onto Exit Glacier Road.