At the Tongue of Ice: Hiking Exit Glacier and Standing on the Harding Icefield's Edge
Stand within earshot of a living glacier — a short hike to a world-sized view of the Harding Icefield.
A wind that tastes of metal and rain greets you before the glacier comes into view. You step out of the spruce-shrouded parking area and the trail scratches open; the forest loosens and the mountain exhales. Exit Glacier is not some distant, unreachable icefall — it declines toward you like a thinking thing, creased and blue in places, groaning under its own weight. The path to the toe spends the first miles threading through alder and hemlock, a skin of forest that gives way to rock and silt left behind by a glacier doing its slow, noisy work. Here, the ice is close enough to hear: the low, intermittent cracking of settling ice, the small avalanches of snow sliding off seracs. The glacier dares you closer, and for many visitors that challenge is the trip.
Trail Wisdom
Pick the right route
Toe and overlook trails are short and family-friendly; Harding Icefield Trail is ~8.2 miles round trip with ~3,500 ft gain and requires steady fitness.
Bring traction in shoulder months
Microspikes or crampons are useful for icy patches above treeline and on the Harding approach.
Carry bear deterrents and knowledge
Bears and moose use the same valleys — carry bear spray, make noise on brushy sections, and know how to react to wildlife encounters.
Plan for changing weather
Mountain weather shifts fast — pack a waterproof shell, quick insulation, and expect cooler temps at the overlook.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The small interpretive center at the trailhead for up‑to‑date glacier history and ranger talks
- •Side trails into alder thickets where birdlife is surprisingly rich in summer
Wildlife
Dall sheep, Black bear (and occasional moose)
Conservation Note
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine plants and to reduce human-wildlife interactions; guided tours follow strict Leave No Trace practices.
Exit Glacier is an outlet of the Harding Icefield, mapped in the early 20th century; it has become an accessible site for studying glacial retreat.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quiet trails, Early snowscapes, Migratory birdwatching
Challenges: Mud and runoff, Variable trail conditions
Spring brings thawing snow and muddy approaches; the glacier is dramatic but some trails can be wet or icy — traction and waterproofs help.
summer
Best for: Full trail access, Ranger programs, Wildflowers and long daylight
Challenges: Mosquitoes in low brush, Higher visitor numbers
Summer is peak access with long days and interpretive programs; expect crowds at the toe and bring insect repellent.
fall
Best for: Clear light for photos, Fewer people, Crisp alpine air
Challenges: Early snow at elevation, Shortening daylight
Fall narrows the visitor window but rewards with sharp air and colorful tundra — be ready for early season cold.
winter
Best for: Snowmobile tours, Snowshoeing, Solitude and ice features
Challenges: Deep snow, avalanche hazard in places, Requires guided travel in backcountry
Winter is a transformed world suited to guided snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice-climbing; local outfitters provide gear and safety.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof hardshell jacketEssential
Protects against sudden rain, wind, and the alpine cold at the overlook.
Microspikes or cramponsEssential
Improves traction on icy approaches and in late-spring/early-fall conditions.
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)Essential
Keeps you warm during summit stops and windy exposures above treeline.
Daypack with 2–3 liters of waterEssential
Hydration and snacks are essential — there are no services beyond the trailhead.
Common Questions
How long is the Harding Icefield Trail and how hard is it?
The Harding Icefield Trail is about 8.2 miles round trip with roughly 3,500 ft of elevation gain; it's a sustained climb that requires good fitness and sturdy footwear.
Is there an entrance fee for Exit Glacier?
Kenai Fjords National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but parking at the trailhead may be limited during peak season and shuttle options exist from Seward.
Can I walk onto the glacier?
Walking onto the glacier is dangerous and discouraged; stick to marked trails and viewpoints; guided glacier travel with technical gear should be booked with qualified outfitters.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Pets are generally not allowed on many park trails for wildlife and safety reasons — check current park regulations before bringing a pet.
What's the best way to see Exit Glacier in winter?
Join a guided snowmobile or snowshoe tour; local outfitters provide gear, expertise, and transportation into safe winter access points.
How close is Exit Glacier to Seward and Anchorage?
Exit Glacier is just a short drive (about 10–15 minutes) from Seward and roughly 2.5–3 hours by road from Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway.
What to Pack
Waterproof shell (weatherproofing), microspikes (traction on ice), 2–3L water and snacks (no services), bear spray (wildlife safety)
Did You Know
Exit Glacier is an outflow of the Harding Icefield — one of the largest icefields in the United States — and is one of the most accessible glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Quick Travel Tips
Reserve guided winter tours in advance; arrive early in summer to secure parking; download offline maps (cell service is spotty); respect ranger closures and wildlife buffer zones.
Local Flavor
Seward’s harborfront cafés and smoked-salmon smokehouses provide a fresh, savory counterpoint to glacier air — pair a morning hike with a late lunch at a harbor-side eatery and listen for fishermen’s stories of the Kenai.
Logistics Snapshot
Trailhead: Exit Glacier Road (short drive from Seward); Parking: limited in summer; Difficulty: toe trails easy, Harding Icefield Trail strenuous; Services: interpretive center at trailhead; Guides: local outfitters offer snowmobile, snowshoe, and ice-climb programs.
Sustainability Note
Support local outfitters who follow Leave No Trace and park rules; minimize single-use plastics, stay on designated trails to protect tundra, and learn about glacial retreat from ranger programs.