chachaSH/Tripadvisor The trailhead is located near the nature center. That means there’s something for everyone, especially the Exit Glacier trail, which is also handicap accessible! Your email address will not be published. It’s seriously Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones fantasy level stuff and if that’s not enough still, just check out the photos below. However, the challenging, strenuous climb makes the hike seem longer. Here are a few: Now that we’ve covered all of that, let’s talk about the national park that houses the Harding Icefield! This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of … It’s not uncommon to spot black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, moose, marmots, birds, or anything else along the way. Camping on vegetation is destructive which can be pretty devastating. The best map of the trail route that I’ve seen can be found @ NPMaps.com. Ascending the rocky (or snowy) slopes, the trail is mostly defined but does occasionally split as the ever-changing terrain has forced people to forge new routes around eroding surfaces You’re not likely to get lost on a clear day but paying attention to the terrain ahead will help you avoid sketchier sections and minimize impact by sticking to the developed paths (always stay off vegetation and avoid short-cutting switchbacks which damages the trail and environment.). 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. FYI, most product links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission from advertising or affiliate programs. The overall profile is around 1,000′ / mile over rough terrain including plenty of large and often slick rocks. COPYRIGHT © 2020 | PRIVACY POLICY | Website designed by Alley Digital | Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, the Harding Icefield is 700 square miles of ice! 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. This doesn’t raise prices- it sometimes may actually lower them! Location: 60.181816, -149.656311. Sewardresidents generally ignored the huge icefield west of town before 1922. Click on the picture for a map of our route. You’ll cross muddy fields, traverse some narrow and exposed hillsides, and near the end pass over a few washed out points. This is the log of a ten day trip down the Kenai Peninsula. There is a free ‘tent only’ campground close to the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Skirting the Harding Ice Field from the highway junction to Homer - July 2004. Proceed for another 8.4 miles and the road will lead you straight to the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. It may not be a technical climb (in summer season that is) but getting to the ice field is a serious undertaking just the same and the almost 4,000’ effective climb is rated as strenuous. ), What to Wear in Alaska: An All-Season Packing Guide. That may not mean much if this is your first time visiting my blog but after climbing glacier filled slopes on Mount Rainier, exploring the floor of the Grand Canyon, and ascending the cables to the top of Yosemite’s Half Dome, I may not have been everywhere, but I’ve seen enough to know an amazing hike when I’m on one. Ho, Here’s a postcard from Oahu for anyone who needs, Turns out Dallas is pretty in the fall too! Answer 1 of 11: Hi all, I'll be in Seward at the end of June, and I'm interested in hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. Most parts of Kenai Fjords National Park can only be accessed by water. The Harding Icefield trailhead is approximately a 20-minute drive (about 3.7 miles) north of Seward in Kenai Fjords National Park. Unfortunately you’ll also have to hike on the road to the trail head, which is closed to traffic in the winter. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for all of my travel updates and blogging/influencer tips! And make sure the hole is at least 100 feet from any water sources or streams. Once you’re in the parking lot your hiking adventure will begin right by the Exit Glacier Nature Center. And trust me, your legs will feel it (unless you’re some sort of Olympic athlete, which I most definitely am not!). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The views along this stretch of the hike are way better since trees are no longer in your way. There are plenty of paths around to different viewpoints in the rocky hills above the Harding Icefield as well as a few trails down to its edge. For physically fit hikers, a strenuous four-mile trail parallels the glacier’s north edge on a 3,000-foot ascent to the ice field, offering spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains along the way. We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. chachaSH/Tripadvisor The trailhead is located near the nature center. Required fields are marked *. The eight mile (round-trip) trail begins by following Exit Glacier, but then climbs steeply and eventually ends overlooking the massive Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within the US, which feeds Exit Glacier and about 40 other glaciers. We actually didn’t get to go all the way to the icefield due to a storm that rolled in. This is a very different photo than what I usually, Moana vibes What’s your favorite Disney mov, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! If you’re interested in a longer day hike to add to the Exit Glacier Trail, consider the Harding Icefield Trail. 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. Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier … Also it was my first time seeing a bear in the wild!). The network of both walking and hiking trails leads to different viewpoints of Exit Glacier. IF YOU GO Length: 1.4 miles to Marmot Meadows, another 2.7 miles to the Harding Icefield; 8.2 miles total round trip And if you love your full time job, stick around for travel tips and inspiration! Thankfully, the views continue all around you so it’s easy to find a consistent excuse to take breathers as you pause to snap photos of it all. With such incredible views, the trail can get moderately busy and as I took my break / photo stop along the cliffs, I ran into several groups who had decided to make that point their stopping spot. Yup, it’s literally a field of ice, hence the name. What you see in the photo is Exit Glacier as it stretches down from the Harding Icefield. The 8.2 mile out-and-back route carries visitors through the upper alpine areas of the park to viewpoints of the vast Harding Icefield. Just as the view changes, so does the trail, moving from lush hills into a rockier terrain. Bear Glacier is a popular glacier to fly by in Kenai Fjords National Park since it’s the largest glacier off of the Harding Icefield! There is a trail shelter at the top, but it’s used for emergencies only. A shorter hike up the trail commands impressive panoramas of the valley floor, Exit Glacier, and the Harding Icefield. United States - Hike to Harding Icefield - My husband and I are travelling to Alaska during the last 2 weeks of July. For my hike, which started out on a nice day with just light rain, that meant snow by the top as you can see in the photos! Le sentier offre plusieurs activités et sa meilleure utilisation est de mai à octobre. With the shuttle, you’ll have to be careful not to miss the return time, and there is barely any cell service around the Exit Glacier area. The shuttle drops you at the parking lot then picks you up later in the afternoon. Well, the former base, the glacier has been progressively receding and first few minutes of walking will take you past a number of markers pointing out where the glacier use to reach not so long ago. I have spent some wonderful nights on the edge of Harding Icefield with my tent watching some beautiful sunsets and sunrises. While it’s not a large structure, it does offer an interesting perspective in the otherwise in-human environment around. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield Trail is 8.8 miles long and is quite strenuous, with an elevation gain of 3,953 feet. 9) The Harding Icefield Trail Is A More Strenuous Hike Nine miles round trip from the Exit Glacier Nature Center, this strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. This trail is free to access from the Exit Glacier Nature Center, and certainly some of the best things in … It was a warm, sunny July day when my wife and I hiked the Harding Icefield trail. Though the trail is mostly dirt, rock, or potentially snow, you’ll start out on the paved Exit Glacier path just beyond the Nature Center. Today wa, Tis the season for love and giving! Skiing down the Grewingk was Sarah’s favorite part of the trip. While the trail is well maintained with plenty of switchbacks along the path to limit the steep segments, you need to be reasonably fit to make it up to the top. (More on that later.). Check out this post on 33 crucial things to know before visiting Alaska for some more useful information! Hiking beyond the shelter, the trail (if it’s not all snow) splits in a variety of paths though most lead up to the hill ahead. We arrived at the Harding Icefield Trail just north of Seward, Alaska mid-morning on the 4th of July. Harding Icefield lies near the top of this shot! Harding Ice Field Trail: Tickets & Tours ... visitor center short hike global warming easy access viewing area ranger station the past years longer hike walk up national park harding ice field markers showing moderate hike marked trail viewing point seward highway parking lot harding icefield … As you top out from the cliff overlook (another main great break point if you want to push a little further), the trail cuts further into the hill and away from the glacier. This 8.2-mile roundtrip hike is sure to not disappoint if you are ready mentally and physically. To completely enjoy the hike and give enough time to take in the views at the top of the trail get an early start. The National Park Service’s Official Trail Page, Facilities: Restrooms, water, ranger station at the TH, Cost: $20 to enter the park or an NPS annual pass. The alpine flora can take a while to grow, especially because this trail is highly trafficked. Covering approximately 700 square miles, and at a maximum depth of roughly 4000ft, the Harding Icefield is the largest ice field entirely within the United States. Be sure to dress in layers so that it’s easy to remove or add clothes as the temperature changes. Hi, I’m Jasmine! The Harding Icefield Trail should definitely be on your Alaska Itinerary! The still air was heavy with moisture as I hiked up the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside Seward, Alaska. Endless ice stretched to the horizon in front of us, vast and wonderful: 700 square miles of blue white punctuated with lonely rock peaks. The terrain remained interesting throughout the route. My legs already felt like jelly by the time I got to the Top of the Cliff viewpoint! The icefield looks like it goes as far as the eye can see (it’s over 700 square miles), and is almost like looking at the horizon over the ocean. The Harding Icefield is one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world, and the largest entirely within US borders. (Check out this post on the 36 best things to do on the Kenai Peninsula!). After a few hundred more vertical feet, you’ll finally spot the Emergency Shelter standing out on a hillside above. Up to this point, however, people had walked only on the icefiel… Overview. Exit glacier is one of the most visited places in Kenai Fjords National Park thanks to its accessibility. Trail Guide: Hiking to Alaska’s Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield (8.2 miles / 3500′ / 6+ hours) Trail Guides October 19, 2017 Long before I reached the last marker post, the Harding Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier had earned a place as one of my top 5-day hikes ever. You might come across humpback whales, Steller sea lions, puffins, harbor seals, and different species of seabirds. Even without socks, the hike up the Harding Icefield Trail is incredible. You’ll see a path split off from the main path on your left. 3. If you choose to explore on foot, there are a few different trails with different levels of difficulty. HGL008 33 Crucial Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska, Guide to Seward: The 18 Best Things to Do in Seward, 12 Things Alaska is Famous For (Don’t Miss These on Your Alaska Trip! The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a few small cascades. View over Harding Icefield from end of trail. But this may not be the best option if you want to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. Reaching it takes time, sore legs, and patience, but the view of the icefield is incredibly rewarding! What is the best hike in alaska. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. The strenuous 4-mile Harding Icefield Trail has stunning views of Exit Glacier and the mile Harding Icefield. What's yo, Weekend vibes ✌️ Anyone else wish they were in. 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 … Check out this post on 33 crucial things to know before visiting Alaska for some more useful information!). And a couple of hikers told us they saw a moose and its calf cross the trail right in front of them! If you don’t have a car, you can take advantage of the shuttle services that depart from Seward. Yes please! Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll want to Head to the Exit Glacier Nature Center 20-30 minutes outside of Seward and 2.5 hours from Anchorage. You get to see the glaciers and the snow-capped peaks from a birds-eye view with no obstructions! No wonder boat tours are a common way to explore the Park- especially with visitors who are eager to come up close with glaciers. Here you’ll find a ranger station with updated trail and area conditions, restrooms, potable water, and a few basic supplies in the bookstore. We really want to hike to the top of the Harding Icefield. Covering approximately 700 square miles, and at a maximum depth of roughly 4000ft, the Harding Icefield is the largest ice field entirely within the United States. Review trail conditions and the weather before starting your hike. If you want to stay here overnight camping is allowed as long as you set up camp at least 1/8 mile from the trail on bare rock or snow. , What’s one thing you’re grateful for? The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. Very excited! To squeeze the most out of the Harding Icefield you can enjoy the hike by the day then camp overnight. Hiking from Marmot Meadows to Top of the Cliff is a lot more fun, to me at least. We were excited about what our day would bring. There’s a reason why it’s considered the best hike in the Kenai Peninsula! Do I need those hiking pants to keep the bottom part of pants from getting wet? Just a few hours away from Anchorage on one of the most scenic drives in Alaska, it deserves your visit! Do you have any questions about this hike? You’ll also find several RV parks and campgrounds in Seward. This enormous wall of ice descends the mountain from the Harding Icefield and goes down all the way to Resurrection River. However, the best time to hike the Harding Icefield Trail is during the summer months, primarily between June and October. (You can see the view from the main area of the lodge in the photo above.). You’ll get to see Bear Glacier and so much more! The temperatures are mostly in the 70s during the daytime and 40s at night. The roads leading to the trail can be impassable by car, so they’re closed once heavy snows come in. Seward residents generally ignored the huge icefield west of town before 1922. Another benefit of visiting in summer is the mild, temperate weather. However, the challenging, strenuous climb makes the hike seem longer. There are no toilets on the trail. By this point, you’ll have a continuous view of the glacier from just about any high point and it’s fascinating to look out as the ice transforms from well crevassed towards the more stable field above. But honestly, I don’t think I would’ve had the strength to go all the way to the top! The park is at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula and it’s home to the Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier, and a ton of glaciers that can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. Le sentier longe une cascade et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile. Sometimes, even in early July, the areas close to the top of the trail are snow-capped. There are three main ways to experience the Kenai Fjords National Park: by foot, boat, or a helicopter ride. When you’ve had your fill of photos (and lunch), head back down the way you came and enjoy a couple more hours of amazing views as you do so! We saw a Grizzly down by the glacier – thankfully well out of range of the trail and several other creatures over the course of the day. The picnic area is also a great resting place after a long day on the trails. As you make your way there, you won’t need to look at your map or anything else to know that you have arrived at the end of the line as you find yourself staring out at a landscape of ice. (On a larger scale, it lies in the Kenai Peninsula about 125 miles south of Anchorage. I'm in moderately good shape so I think I should be able to handle the hike. You’ll find intertwined trails which means you can do multiple routes without starting over. Well, it’s a ginormous stretch of land atop the mountains in Kenai Fjords National Park that is covered in… you guessed it… ice! As you climb the switchbacks, you’ll be just a short ways from the lower portion of Exit Glacier and a few partial clearings provide great encouragement to endure the constant uphill push along this section – rest assured that those views will only get better too! The hole should also be 100 feet from the trail. Dense clouds hung low and fingers of fog crept up the valleys. I’m a nature-obsessed, beauty-finding, Jesus-loving dreamer with a serious case of wanderlust. The trail is about 8 miles round trip – that isn’t too bad, but like most trails in the Seward area, you do a lot of climbing – it has a 3,000 vertical foot rise in total. Harding Icefield Trail – The Arrival. The Harding Icefield is the main reason Kenai Fjords National Park exists. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield Trail is 8.8 miles long and is quite strenuous, with an elevation gain of 3,953 feet. The trail extends upward through different ecosystems. So here’s everything you need to know before embarking on the Harding Icefield Hike. 4. You will begin the hike to Harding Icefield in the Exit Glacier area. In fact, it’s the only land entrance into Kenai Fjords National Park. There is plenty of wildlife to be found around the Harding Icefield! The town is right outside the park, so it’s a short drive away. The forest slowly opens up as the trail steepens and you start some long switchbacks. If you’re looking for more weekend getaways from Anchorage, check out this post!). 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. About 3.9 miles in, we could finally see what looked like the end of the planet, and in some ways it was. When we went, a storm was rolling in, which meant we had to keep an eye out for impending rain and pack plenty of waterproof gear. Also, remember to bring a bag to pack your trash into because the trail doesn’t have any trash cans. The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. There is no parking fee and camping is also free. This strenuous trail leaves from the same trailhead as the Exit Glacier Trail. Location: 60.181412, -149.663361. Harding Ice Field Trail est un sentier allez-retour de 8.2 miles très fréquenté situé près de Seward, Alaska. Check out the best things to do in Seward here! On the water, you can see the glaciers calving (when chunks of ice break off), which is a crazy expereince! The information tells you this is out and back for 8.2 miles. How to hike harding icefield exit glacier trail. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area. There’s a reason there is a glacier here so be sure to come prepared! I’d do one day for the Harding Icefield hike, and one day for a boat tour and to explore Seward a bit. Harding Icefield Trail For physically fit hikers, a strenuous four-mile trail parallels the glacier’s north edge on a 3,000-foot ascent to the ice field, offering spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains along the way. The day we started there were bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to buy bear spray ahead of time. Where is the trail head for harding icefield exit glacier hiking trail in alaska. Where is the trail head for harding icefield exit glacier hiking trail in alaska. Come prepared to hike the Harding Icefield Trail with layers, water, and trekking poles. You can also charter a boat and take in the views at a leisurely pace. The forest slowly opens up as the trail steepens and you start some long switchbacks. Copyright 2020 Traveler Ted. Continuing from the lower cliffs, it’s easy to understand why many stop their day here as you look on ahead at the switchbacks that lead up the cliffs above. It is considered a challenging day hike and mainly suitable for the physically well-prepared. Dense clouds hung low, and fingers of fog crept up the valleys. Kenai Fjords National Park is technically open throughout the year. Helicopter rides, on the other hand, offer a unique vantage point and are an awesome choice if you have limited time. If time is a factor, set aside at least two days to explore the massive Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay (pictured above), and Seward. These conditions can make hiking impossible (and in the worst case scenario can even trigger avalanches!). Although the distance from the parking lot to the top of the trail is roughly 10 miles round trip, the trail itself is 8.2 miles round trip. Located atop Exit Glacier where it stretches for 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is worth the climb. For this reason, it’s best to treat the hike as a full-day excursion and set out in the early morning! Bring lots of snacks such as energy bars, or a picnic if you’re going all the way to the top. First, you’ll wind through the forest, then, through a beautiful tundra meadow, and lastly, rocky terrain. Turn L onto side trail for Exit Glacier overlook . Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). Thanks for following along on my adventures! It has all of the logistics on how exactly to create your own website! After leaving the Harding Icefield, we continued south on smaller glaciers. We could have stayed much longer admiring the icefield, but the day was getting towards the end of the day and we had to start on the return. The construction of the Spruce Creek trail that year, however, made it possible to view the upper portions of the icecap, and President Harding's promise to visit the territory was sufficient to bestow his name on the feature. Does the "upper trail" offer view nearly as good as the Harding Icefield Trail? From here, you’ll follow the Exit Glacier Paved Path for roughly 0.3 miles. You may also find yourself crossing snow & ice for much of the upper trail so be sure to check with the rangers about the need for microspikes and / or crampons before heading out! It’s one of about 40 glaciers that descend out of the massive Harding Icefield. Beyond the incredible glacier views, the hills you will be hiking are rather amazing to look at too and on a clear day, you’ll also be able to see plenty of other glaciers on neighboring mountains. The first you’ll reach is Marmot Meadows. Holgate Glacier and Aialik Glacier are the most popular ones to see by boat. And if you’re heading to Alaska, here are a few posts you might find helpful: Your email address will not be published. This includes packing all litter! When driving, you’ll see a clear sign signaling the turnoff point from the Seward Highway: mile 3 to Exit Glacier Road. If you’re worried about taking this hike on yourself, there are guided treks available for a rather reasonable price from several local operators just outside the park. Necessary warning: While Exit Glacier & the Harding Icefield Trail may just be a “day hike,” it’s nothing to take lightly. The tent should either be on the snow or bare ground (to preserve the area’s fragile vegetation). Comment below! Expect to cross over plenty of water along the last mile of the trail as you get closer to the melting snowpack above (waterproof boots or shoes are a serious help on this trail.). A marmot made its way across a hill near us (it was my first time seeing a marmot!). When you’re in glacial country, nothing is ever simple and the park service suggests 6-8 hours for this adventure though you can go a shorter way up the trail for a killer view of Exit Glacier too! The nearby town of Seward averages 72 inches of rain per year. It’s also the perfect place to pull out that sandwich that you’ve been thinking about the entire hike You could, if you like “posting” which is hiking in extremely deep snow. An icefield is actually a large area of interconnected glaciers. Follow trail along Exit Glacier ridge; best photos in summer twilight . If you’re looking for more weekend getaways from Anchorage, check out this post! Thanks for supporting my blog by purchasing through these links! The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a few small cascades. There are a few trails that lead from the parking lot to various parts of the lower section of Exit Glacier. How to hike harding icefield exit glacier trail. Let’s get into everything you’ll need to know before setting out on the Harding Icefield Hike. If you’re still not convinced, try this on for size: I’m talking about massive glacier views (you’ll be right up near Exit Glacier and see plenty of others in the distance as well), rolling green hills covered in mist, imposing rock cliffs, an endless icefield, and a remote wilderness shelter all thrown together in just a single day trek. My recommendation: opt to push through to the Top of the Cliff (2.4 miles). The weather can be unpredictable and the winds traveling down the mountain can be pretty chilly. Harding Icefield Trail. This is remote terrain with regular wildlife encounters (bears most certainly included) across a steep trail possibly with ice, snow, or water crossings. The Harding Icefield trailhead is on the right side of the path. The Trail. That way, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the views along the path at a leisurely pace and make it back down just before dusk. Otherwise, four days would be perfect. There are picnic tables right next to the parking lot where you can stop for a snack before hiking. Tempting as it is to stop here, it’s well worth moving on just a little further (though also all up hill) to the start of the cliff switchbacks and an incredible view down on Exit Glacier just below you. Ideally, start before 10am. These mild temperatures are perfect for hiking. Your days will be packed to the brim with mesmerizing mountain views, incredible glaciers, varied trails, and lots of wildlife. You also get a glimpse of the Icefield along with the majestic mountains surrounding the area. In any event, reaching the trailhead is simple enough not exactly in the middle of town. Long before I reached the last marker post, the Harding Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier had earned a place as one of my top 5-day hikes ever. Length 8.2 mi Elevation gain 3,812 ft Route type Out & Back The Harding Icefield Trail starts at the base of Exit Glacier. 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