Harding Icefield Trail
The Harding Icefield Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Kenai Fjords National Park. Starting from the Exit Glacier Area, this 8.2-mile (13.8 km) round-trip trail is considered challenging and typically takes 6-8 hours to complete.
Trail Overview
This spectacular trail begins at the valley floor, winding through cottonwood and alder forests, passing through heather-filled meadows, and ultimately climbing above the treeline. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet per mile, the trail leads to a breathtaking view of the Harding Icefield - the largest icefield entirely contained within the United States. At the summit, you'll witness a horizon of ice and snow stretching as far as the eye can see, occasionally broken by nunataks (lonely peaks).
Even if you don't plan to complete the entire trail, the views along the way are rewarding. A short hike up offers impressive views of the valley floor and Exit Glacier's terminus.
Best Time to Visit
- Recommended season: May through October
- Upper portions of the trail are often snow-covered until early July
Important Information
- Preparation
- Check weather and trail conditions at the visitor center before departing
- Bring warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots
- Pack sunglasses and sunscreen
- Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, or bring a water filter (stream water may contain Giardia)
- Safety Tips
- Be prepared for storms, high winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature changes
- During winter (November-May) and shoulder seasons, this route becomes a technical mountaineering route
- Winter hiking requires technical mountaineering equipment and experience, including backcountry navigation, winter route finding, self-arrest training, and avalanche safety training
- Environmental Protection
- Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile
- Stay strictly on the trail
- Avoid shortcuts and protect vegetation
- Respect the work of trail maintenance volunteers
- Additional Information
- This is a popular hiking trail; expect to encounter other visitors
- Dogs are not permitted on the trail
Exit Glacier View and Overlook Loop
The Exit Glacier View and Overlook Loop offers one of the most accessible and rewarding hiking experiences in Kenai Fjords National Park. This family-friendly trail system provides up-close views of Exit Glacier and showcases the dramatic effects of glacial retreat on the landscape.
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) total loop
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Average time: 1-1.5 hours
- Elevation gain: Minimal, with some gentle grades
The trail system consists of two interconnected paths:
- Glacier View Loop Trail
- Length: 1 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features:
- Wheelchair-accessible paved path
- Scenic views through cottonwood forest
- Excellent photo opportunities of Exit Glacier
- Interpretive signs explaining glacial history
- Glacier Overlook Trail
- Length: 0.6 miles (one-way extension)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features:
- Closer views of the glacier
- Opportunity to see glacial moraines
- Interpretive displays about glacier movement
Hiking Experience
The trail begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, leading through a lush cottonwood forest that tells the story of glacial retreat through successive plant communities. As you hike, you'll encounter various viewpoints offering increasingly dramatic perspectives of Exit Glacier and its surrounding valley.
Trail Highlights:
- Multiple photo opportunities of Exit Glacier
- Educational panels about glacier formation and retreat
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Views of the Harding Icefield in the distance
Best Time to Hike
- Peak Season: May through October
- Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon (fewer crowds)
- Winter Access: Available but limited to winter recreation activities
- Photography: Morning light best for glacier photos
Trail Tips
- Hiking Essentials:
- Comfortable walking shoes (trail runners or hiking boots)
- Camera
- Water bottle (filling station available at nature center)
- Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
- Visitor Information:
- Start at the Exit Glacier Nature Center
- Join ranger-led walks when available (summer)
- Check current trail conditions at the nature center
- Allow extra time for interpretive stops
- Access and Parking:
- Located 8.4 miles from Seward Highway
- Arrive early (before 10:30 AM) or late (after 3:30 PM) to avoid peak crowds
- Shuttle services available from Seward
Trail Regulations
- Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation
- No dogs allowed on trails
- Pack out all trash
- Keep safe distance from wildlife
- No drones allowed
Access Information
Directions:
- Turn onto Herman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) at mile 3 of the Seward Highway (AK-9)
- Drive 8.4 miles to the nature center parking lot
- GPS Coordinates: 60.1782633, -149.6494389
Parking Advisory:
- Limited parking available, especially between 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Consider carpooling, bicycling, or using shuttle/taxi services
- One designated van-accessible parking space available
Facilities
Exit Glacier Nature Center:
- Educational exhibits about the glacier area
- Alaska Geographic bookstore
- Daily ranger-led programs (summer)
- Restrooms (flush toilets Memorial Day - Labor Day; pit toilets other times)
- Potable water (summer only)
- Picnic tables and bear-proof waste bins
- 12-site tent-only campground (1/4 mile before the nature center)
Best Time to Visit
- Open year-round
- Peak season: May through October
- Winter access (late October to mid-May):
- Road closed to vehicles due to snow
- Open for winter recreation (snowmobiles, dogsleds, skiing, snowshoeing, fat bikes)
- Check conditions during off-season visits
Important Information
- Dogs and bicycles allowed only on the access road and parking lot, not on trails
- Trail surface includes paved concrete, gravel, and natural surfaces
- Trail width typically 3+ feet
- Shuttle services available between Seward and Exit Glacier area
- Winter shuttle service available during snow season