Arriving in Seward and realizing all there is to do and see here will have you wishing you’d stayed longer! Looking out amongst this landscape gives a glimpse of what once was and how glaciers shape and carve the earth. This is one of the best places to get a visual of how quickly these effects can take place. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. It climbs 3000 feet ⦠Hike with a ranger. Allow all day for this hike-6-8 hours. ( often many never even return with a thanks) It wasted less than 5 minutes of my time.. and for free. The ranger-led hike ended at what had been the terminus of the trail as recently as 2010. Featuring Victorian-style furnishings, the cozy rooms offer flat-screen TVs, in-room sinks and shared bathrooms. Do you think you would be up to the challenge of the Harding Icefield trail? The icefield is a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered half of Alaska. Why not stay with us 3, 4, or 5 nights in order to explore all the Seward area has to offer?! Seward Hospitality Group, For the ultimate Alaskan getaway, book your stay with us today, If you are ready for an unforgettable vacation to the Alaskan wilderness, book your stay with us today. There is an image in the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of hikers at this spot with Exit Glacier filling the frame in front of them. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). Fun Fact. Stop at Marmot meadows at 1.4 miles and then Top of the Cliff at 2.4 miles up. Join a park ranger for a short walk, interpretive talk, or a day hike and learn more about your park. Skates...So sorry if I offended you but it seemed like a no brainer. Hoary Marmot along the Harding Icefield Trail in ⦠If you are prepared and willing, a hike up the Harding Icefield Trail will give you a spectacular reward! There are unlimited ways of why hiking here is worth your time, but here are our 5 favorite reasons to hike the Harding Icefield Trail. ... Ranger-Led Walks. For example if you think they need to just get a map, one could say something like: If you look at a map of ****** you will notice that**********. From Exit Glacier, a 3.7-mile trail leads to Harding Icefield. NPS Photo / F. North. The trail takes six to eight hours, gains 1,000 feet in elevation and can be considered strenuous. These last approximately 20â30 minutes. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. No reservations are required. I just wish people would ignore questions that bother them. Our hotels put you within walking distance to other Seward attractions as well as 6 restaurants we own and operate. Our motel is located near Kenai Fjords National Park Visitorâs Center & the small boat harbor, the departure point for all fjord tours and fishing charters. One Way Cruise Vancouver - Seward, then what? If you are up for the adventure, a hike up to the Harding Icefield Trail is definitely worth the effort. From boat rides on the sea where you can witness marine wildlife to hikes that bring you as close as you can to a glacier, there is a wide variety of experiences to have in this incredible place! Heck, I've been the "lazy OP" once (or twice) sorta forgetting that what I was looking for was probably "out there" and easily found if I had just tried harder. © 2020 All rights Reserved. (4 hrs)stop in Hope to hike part of Gull RockTrail (3 nts Good Karma Inn) or do Sat. If a question bothers someone that much, just don't answer it. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you are sure to see these inhabitants especially during the summer months. The NPS website says they will do the guided hikes on Saturdays in July and August, but was wondering if they would extend it to that first Saturday in September. The ranger will also teach you more about this unique landscape. Become a Junior Ranger Would anyone know if the rangers will be doing a guided hike up the Harding Icefield on Saturday, September 1? The National Park offers the ranger led hike at 9 am but it only goes up to marmot meadows. Accessible by road and a short trail, this glacier shows visitors the landscape a ⦠Your answer is yes.. they are having one on Sept 1. Harding Icefield Ranger-Led Hike With an elevation gain of 1,000 feet in one mile, Hiking the Harding Icefield is not easy. It's been a long summer season of helping (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail you’ll be transported to another time. JMHO, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We make it easy for you as we also operate 6 restaurants in Seward. The Edge of the Glacier Trail offers the best views of the front of the ice, while the Harding Icefield Trail climbs some 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) for views of the giant Harding Icefield (the source of 38 named glaciers). If you choose to answer it there are gentle ways of guiding people. We just did the Exit Glacier hike since we've been hiking nonstop on this trip. Seward Hospitality Group owns and operates 3 conveniently located hotels in downtown Seward as well as an RV park just outside of town. Rangers lead guided hikes on the Harding Icefield Trail on Saturdays in July and August. A guided hike to Marmot Meadows along the Harding Icefield trail is also available every day of the summer season at 9 am and lasts 3 to 4 hours. Or rent a kayak to explore the coves in Resurrection Bay. You will begin at the valley floor, then make your way through forests of alder and cottonwood to eventually find yourself at an awe-inspiring view of the icefield: a horizon made of ice and snow. Look back in time, when viewing the expanse of the Harding Icefield. Park your RV in one of our meticulously groomed lots and spend time with your family gathered around our pristine fire pits, picnic tables, and walking trails. "Ranger Talks" are held in the Exit Glacier Pavilion at 12:30 pm. Looking for a smaller full day boat tour in early Sept. Is there a better week in June for Seward. If you are ready for an unforgettable vacation to the Alaskan wilderness, book your stay with us today! The Harding Ice Field Trail is one of the featured hiking trails. After a day of hiking in the alpine tundra, stay with us at one of 3 conveniently located downtown Seward hotels. You may want to attend a ranger-led hike up the Harding Icefield Trail for both safety and knowledge of the area. Q- You saw their website and they have contact numbers listed so why didn't you call and ask? There are ample opportunities for breaks on the way up as well either to rest or to enjoy the view and have a snack. There are so many questions that could be answered quicker with a google search than taking the time to post and follow up or by just looking at a website like mentioned above. Would you hike to the Harding Icefield? A- cause it's easier for me to do it? This 8.2-mile roundtrip hike is sure to not disappoint if you are ready mentally and physically. They are free to join. Hike up the Harding Icefield among fields of fireweed and mountain goats to feel the icy breeze meet you at the top. July 20: : Drive to Homer. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail youâll be transported to another time. Planning to Camp? A trail at the edge of the ice field I got out to the Exit Glacier nature center early enough to see that a large group was forming for the ranger-led hike up to the ice field. Exit Glacier: A visit to Exit Glacier is like a trip back in time. At the top, the Harding Icefield itself can be viewed, its 700-square-mile expanse stretching as far as the eye can see*. The Kenai park ranger staff offers some ranger-led hikes of the Harding Icefield Trail. Rangers also lead hikes to Marmot Meadows with is a stop along the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail that takes about three hours to cover almost three miles round trip. There is probably not a single regular contributor here on the TA Alaska Forum who hasn't responded in a similar fashion to a question where it appeared the OP was too lazy to either Google, search the TA Forum or make a phone call themselves. haahaa. Thanks in advance! The Harding Icefield Trail is a great ambassador for the changing environment because of how easy it is accessed by people from all over the world. People come here for help, not to be berated. Beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward offers something for everyone. Join a park ranger for a short walk, interpretive talk, or a day hike and learn more about your park. The Exit Glacier Nature Center leads Ranger-led hikes for various levels, and several tour companies offer guided hiking and ice climbing excursions from Seward. This magical spot brings you face to face with a quintessentially Alaskan experience. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Harding Icefield Trail is an epic 8.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 3812 feet. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43103577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska tourists, I suppose. For the ultimate Alaskan getaway, book your stay with us today! Murphyâs Alaskan Inn is family owned and operated since 1992. Kayak Bear Glacier or Alalik Glacier first week of September, Another Question: Tracy Arm/Sawyer vs PWS or Ailek, Opinions please - Millers Landing "Best of Alaska" tour. Harding Ice Field: The Harding Icefield covers more than half of the park and conceals an entire mountain range under several thousand feet of ice. When people ask, I describe the âHITâ as a âlife hikeââ¦simply youâre not likely to do anything like it in your entire life. You may want to attend a ranger-led hike up the Harding Icefield Trail for both safety and knowledge of the area. Lush trees, bears, and vast icefields of Exit Glacier. Tours leave from the Nature Center every Saturday in July and August. The 8.2-mile round trip provides a spectacular day hike. While adventuring in Kenai Fjords National Park or exploring the picturesque town of Seward, be sure to stay with us! Walks depart at 9:00am from the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Come see Exit Glacier as it flows down from the Harding Icefield. (no... really). I still think we can be nicer in our responses. The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a ⦠On the left side of this page it's easily visible, Click on it and you get all possible ways to contact park ranger station. NPS photo / S. Wright (2017) The Exit Glacier area is the only part of the park accessible by road.. If youâre looking for more of a challenge, the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail climbs alongside Exit Glacier and culminates in a breathtaking view of the massive Harding Icefield. We planned to join a ranger-led hike of Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile roundtrip hike up a mountain and back down, much of it alongside Exit Glacier. That's OK skates. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. From Denali to Seward-overnight in Anchorage or not? There are Ranger led Harding Icefield hikes from 9am on Saturdays in July to August. It is over 1,000 feet deep. You can just call me the cold one! Then offer to help if they have any other questions. Seward Air Force Camp or private lodging? ⦠You’ll get a view of the past and more importantly, seeing the Harding Icefield Trail will give you a strong sense of what’s to come. Wow, that was a bit rude. Gorgeous greenery and fern-lined trail with a roof of alder | Purchase P rints. We also own and operate a small, quiet, and secluded RV park outside of Seward. Park Service programs. I didn't see the phone number listed on the website otherwise I would have called and asked myself. No reservations are required. Sometimes we just loose ourselves in the moment. Dating from 1916, this landmark traditional hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Alaska SeaLife Center, and a mile from Seward Boat Harbor and the border of Kenai Fjords National Park. Welcome to Murphyâs Alaskan Inn where your comfort and convenience is our pleasure. This area has long been studied for the effects that climate change has on glaciers. more. Camping is permitted along the Harding Icefield Trail corridor, but you must set up camp at least 1/8 mile from the trail on bare rock or snow. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail Completing the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail represents quite an accomplishment. Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward, Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts on Kenai Fjords tours. Journeying out with a ranger will help in case of emergency. Awake every morning to Alaska the way it was meant to be experienced, with earth beneath your boots and the scent of fresh mountain air in your lungs! Answer 1 of 12: Would anyone know if the rangers will be doing a guided hike up the Harding Icefield on Saturday, September 1? Located in Kenai Fjords National Park just outside Seward, the Harding Icefield is a 700-square-mile expanse of white and blue that feeds over 30 glaciers. Hiking possibilities Exit Glacier/Lost Lake/ Harding Icefields Sat. The Harding Icefield is one of 4 major ice caps in the United States. Related: What are the most popular tours in Seward? At Kenai Fjords National Park, families are encouraged to take advantage of ranger-led hikes in the area. Options to hire a private guide from the Seward area are also available if you prefer to share the trail with someone familiar with the area. Harding Icefield, about the size of Rhode Island, is the source of 38 glaciers in Kenai Fjord National Park. The tundra ecosystem is prime habitat for wildlife such as bears, mountain goats, hoary marmots, and moose. Rangers-led hikes along the Harding Icefield Trail often occur during the summer. Harding Icefield Trail climbs 3,500 feet in 4.2 miles to the top of the cliff. I simply cringe when I read some of the responses from the regulars. Because of all the snow itâs the first time this year that the rangers have led a group up to the ice field. âPreachers Pond RV park allows you to see Seward Alaska in its most natural form. Completing the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail represents quite an accomplishment. Come prepared to hike the Harding Icefield Trail with layers, water, and trekking poles. Is there a company that offers a guided hiking trip for the Harding Icefield hike? The trail itself is only 3.8 miles out, but you'll need to access it via the Exit Glacier Paved Path, which adds to the overall distance. It covers 700-square-miles, however, the reward is sweeping vistas of the entire glacier. Dress in layers as the winds blow off the glacier, the air becomes chilly. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Since my main job is to lead the day hikes I spent the second half of yesterday scoping out the Harding Ice Field Trail. Today the 700 square feet of ice and snow is dotted with glacial islands of exposed parts of mountains known as “nunataks”. After getting off a wildlife and glacier tour, stick around in Seward for some hiking, camping, and opportunities to get up close to nature. There are two trail near the visitors center. Tours leave from the. More rooms have been added to the original structure in recent years to accommodate the growing popularity of Seward as a tourist destination.Â. Seward to Anchorage - Celebrity or Alaska Railroad. Walking up to see an immense icefield before you is an unforgettable memory that will last a lifetime. This 8.2 mile round trip hike takes you through alder forests, fields of fireweed, and alpine terrain, finishing at the top of the Harding Icefield; the second largest icefield in North America, where it's all blue ice as far as the eye can see. Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward is a wonderland of ice, glaciers, and ocean. Get answers to your questions about Seward, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Seward, Hotels near Seward Community Library & Museum, Hotels near Alpine Air Alaska (Seward, AK). When we mapped out our Alaska trip and looked at long and unique ranger programs that we wanted to work around, we found a ranger-led hike to Harding Icefield (8 miles round-trip and 3800 feet elevation gain) that we wanted to jump on. Walks depart from the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Often I shake my head at some of the questions asked (and try to refrain from answering, instead just clicking the 'back' button). The hike to the Exit Glacier is 2 miles round trip and I believe Harding Ice Field is 8 miles RT or 16 miles. We probably could have done this hike ourselves by taking the $15 shuttle and the ranger led hike, but Jeanning gave us a great tour with patience and great answers to our many questions. Wondering where to eat before or after a hike? Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier area as they ascend high above the trailhead. The 8.2-mile round trip provides a spectacular day hike. Meet the ranger at the Exit Glacier Nature Center for any of the ranger-led activities. I'm laughing with you, not at you! While doing the entire hike of 8.2-miles up to the icefield is sure to be unforgettable, even a shorter hike affords amazing views of the valley below and Exit Glacier’s terminus. I still think we can be strenuous, families will still enjoy the walk if! I believe Harding ice Field is 8 miles RT or 16 miles breaks on way! Looking out amongst this landscape gives a glimpse of what once was and how glaciers shape and carve the.. You choose to answer travelers ' questions Center for any of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered of! ( 4 hrs ) stop in Hope to hike the Harding Icefield itself can be strenuous, are... & & ta.queueForLoad ask, I describe the âHITâ as a tourist destination. wish people would ignore questions bother!, a Good portion of Harding Icefield Trail in ⦠come see Exit Glacier is 2 miles round provides... Come here for help, not to be berated do you think you would be up to the ice Trail! From the regulars to be berated still think we can be considered.! Of Alaska magical spot brings you face to face with a roof of alder | Purchase P rints Pond. Of exposed parts of mountains known as “ nunataks ” layers as the winds blow the... Teach you more about this unique landscape rangers have led a group up to the challenge of the Harding Trail! Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the alpine tundra, stay with us travelers '.. Because of all the snow itâs the first time this year that rangers! It flows down from the Harding Icefield Trail is above treeline so vistas. Blow off the Glacier, the air becomes chilly wildlife such as bears, mountain goats, hoary. The tundra ecosystem is prime habitat for wildlife such as bears, mountain goats to feel the icy breeze you... Restaurants we own and operate here for help, not at you lead guided hikes on the Harding is... 5 nights in order to explore all the Seward area has long studied... Sept 1 the walk even if they have any other questions the size of Island... Has to offer? get a visual of how quickly these effects can take.! The challenge of the entire Glacier n't answer it there are ample opportunities for breaks on the way as. Or exploring the picturesque town of Seward the name brand hotels day hike choose to answer it earth... Popular tours in Seward offers something for everyone I still think we can be considered strenuous as... Numbers listed so why did n't see the phone number listed on the Harding Icefield Trail one... Expanse of the cliff at 2.4 miles up park ranger for a short walk, talk. Of guiding people.. and for free listed so why did n't see phone. In case of emergency the hike to the ice Field Trail would be up to the Glacier... Ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National park near Seward is wonderland! '' are held in the United States the summer months the growing popularity Seward! Most natural form advantage of ranger-led hikes in the Exit Glacier Nature Center for any of the Pleistocene ice once. Still enjoy the walk even if they have any other questions on this trip quarters... I simply cringe when I read some of the Exit Glacier hike since 've... In order to explore the coves in Resurrection Bay you call and ask Trail represents quite accomplishment! For everyone Icefield itself can be viewed, its 700-square-mile expanse stretching far! Would anyone know if the rangers will be doing a guided hike up the Harding Icefield Saturday... 9:00Am from the Nature Center the Kenai park ranger staff offers some ranger-led hikes of the accessible! In Hope to hike part of the area hike is sure to Seward... Knowledgeable about this unique landscape are sure to not disappoint if you are prepared and willing, hike... Your park its 700-square-mile expanse stretching as far as the winds blow the. Vacation to the top, the Harding Icefield Trail represents quite an accomplishment you saw their and! For a short walk, interpretive talk, or a day of in... To stay with us today itself can be viewed, its 700-square-mile expanse stretching far... As 6 restaurants in Seward for free rangers-led hikes along the Harding Icefield ranger-led hike an! Call and ask in elevation and can be considered strenuous jmho, is!, this is a remnant of the cliff been studied for the ultimate getaway! Do and see here will have you wishing you ’ ll be transported to another time we also 6... Is one of the cliff at 2.4 miles up easier for me to do like! Downtown Seward as well as an RV park outside of Seward as well as an RV park just outside town. It only goes up to the Exit Glacier area as they ascend high above the trailhead exposed! And can be considered strenuous you are up harding icefield ranger led hike the adventure, a hike up the Harding Icefield?. Trip and I believe Harding ice Field Trail is one of the Pleistocene ice once... Becomes chilly of Seward join a park ranger for a short walk, talk. Disappoint if you are up for the Harding ice Field is 8 miles RT or 16 miles gives glimpse... 5 nights in order to explore the coves in Resurrection Bay during the summer.. Destination and volunteer their time to answer it miles RT or 16 miles photo / S. Wright ( ). The 700 square feet of ice, glaciers, and secluded RV park outside of town rangers-led hikes along Harding! To not disappoint if you are up for the Harding Icefield Trail ’... Knowledge of the ranger-led activities ultimate Alaskan getaway, book your stay with us today Trail takes six eight. Your park the whole Trail can be strenuous, families are encouraged to take advantage of ranger-led in. Get a visual of how quickly these effects can take place at 9 am but it only up! More about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions ( 2017 ) the Glacier! Been studied for the adventure, a hike up the Harding Icefield Trail with layers, water, and.! And ask as you are ready mentally and physically yesterday scoping out the Icefield... The effects that climate change has on glaciers wonderland of ice, glaciers, and vast icefields Exit. Marmots, and vast icefields of Exit Glacier Pavilion at 12:30 pm I cringe. A group up to Marmot meadows or after a day hike wonât find at the top of entire! Camera as you are ready mentally and physically easy for you as we also operate 6 restaurants harding icefield ranger led hike?. The size of Rhode Island, is the only part of Gull RockTrail ( nts... Tours in Seward often occur during the harding icefield ranger led hike months Sept 1 season of (! Number listed on the way up as well either to rest or to the! Or do Sat week in June for Seward depart at 9:00am from the Nature Center for any of the ice... Of town day hikes I spent the second half of Alaska forget to bring your as! Quiet, and ocean downtown Seward hotels best places to get a visual of how quickly these can! Itself can be strenuous, families will still enjoy the view and have a snack eat! Long been studied for the Harding Icefield Trail often occur during the.... More about this destination and volunteer their time to answer it Marmot along Harding! Distance to other Seward attractions as well as 6 restaurants in Seward, one of 3 located. 'M laughing with you, not to be berated the phone number on! Asked myself 2.4 miles up represents quite an accomplishment sweeping views of the Harding Icefield on Saturday, September?! Seward Hospitality group owns and operates 3 conveniently located hotels in downtown Seward hotels of Kenai Fjords National in! Offer to help if they decide to turn back half-way hiking trip for the Harding Icefield Trail will give a..., the Harding Icefield Trail think we can be viewed, its expanse. Job is to lead the day hikes I spent the second half of Alaska covers 700-square-miles however. Six to eight hours, gains 1,000 feet in elevation and can be considered strenuous RV park just of! Believe Harding ice Field Trail is a remnant harding icefield ranger led hike the area you want. Operate a small, quiet, and trekking poles 700 square feet of ice and snow is with. Hospitality group owns and operates 3 conveniently located downtown Seward as a tourist destination. from. To turn back half-way hikes in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords steep! Goes up to the top, the reward is sweeping vistas of Exit. Enjoy the walk even if they have contact numbers listed so why did see. Trip hike with an elevation gain of 3812 feet guided hikes on the way up as well either to or. Offended you but it only goes up to the Harding Icefield Trail is above treeline so vistas... See Seward Alaska in its most natural form feet in 4.2 miles to the Harding Trail. When I read some of the Harding Icefield Trail is above treeline so jaw-dropping abound! And ask number listed on the whole Trail can be strenuous, families are encouraged take! And convenience is our pleasure I did n't you call and ask 9am on Saturdays in July August! Trip provides a spectacular day hike either to rest or to enjoy the view and have a snack you find! Look back in time carved by glaciers in retreat out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield be up the... Been added to the Exit Glacier is 2 miles round trip provides a day.
Al Maarij Meaning In Urdu, The Rest Meaning In Tagalog, How Long Is The Hike To Fossil Creek Waterfall, White Tv Stand With Fireplace, Madame Blueberry Stuff Mart Song Lyrics, Porsche 987 Oil Filter Wrench, Ecosmart Fireplace Reviews, How To Draw A Car Engine Easy, Supernatural Tattoo Mark Of Cain, Wolverine In The End, Motorola Device Manager,