The Exit Glacier Trails network in Kenai Fjords National Park, located near Seward in south-central Alaska, offers one of the only road-accessible glacier experiences in the park. The trailhead is reached by driving 8.5 miles north of downtown Seward on Exit Glacier Road, which branches off the Seward Highway; parking at the visitor center is free. No entrance fee is charged for Exit Glacier, though Kenai Fjords boat tours carry separate costs.
Two distinct trail experiences are available. The outer loop system covers roughly 2 miles (3.2 km) of mostly flat boardwalk-and-gravel paths that wind through forest and outwash plain to the glacier's edge and along the exposed moraine. Interpretive markers throughout the loop track the glacier's historical terminus, with dated posts showing the ice recession since the mid-1800s. These trails are suitable for most families and can be completed in 1-2 hours.
The Harding Icefield Trail is a demanding 8.2-mile (13.2 km) one-way route that gains 3,800 feet (1,158 m) from the valley floor to the edge of the Harding Icefield — one of the largest icefields in the United States, covering more than 700 square miles and feeding over 40 glaciers. The trail begins in spruce forest, rises through avalanche chutes and alpine meadows, and emerges on open snowfields that frequently remain in place through late July. Upper views over the icefield are extraordinary; on clear days, the vast white expanse extends in every direction. The full round trip of approximately 16 miles should be treated as a strenuous full-day effort requiring an early start.
The upper Harding Icefield section carries serious weather risk — fog and rain arrive with little warning, and visibility can drop to near zero. Microspikes or crampons are strongly advisable before late July. Water is available from small streams in the forest section; carry at least 2 liters from the trailhead. No huts or emergency shelters exist on the upper trail.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Seward (Kenai Fjords NP)
- Best season
- May-September for outer loop; July-August for Harding Icefield
What to bring
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Rain jacket
- Trekking poles
- Crampons/microspikes for Harding Icefield
- Bear spray
Location
Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK 99664
60.1867, -149.6273 View on map
Highlights
- Walking to the calving face of Exit Glacier on marked boardwalk paths within Kenai Fjords National Park
- Historical terminus markers along the outer loop tracing more than 150 years of measurable glacial retreat
- Summit-level views over the Harding Icefield, one of North America's largest continuous expanses of ice
- Dramatic ecological transition from spruce forest to open snowfield within a single steep ascent on the icefield trail
- Free road access to a national park glacier — rare among the remote Kenai Fjords experiences
Tips for visiting
- Start the Harding Icefield Trail by 7 a.m. to return before afternoon weather deteriorates and to secure parking at the visitor center
- Carry microspikes or crampons even in midsummer — the upper snowfields can be icy well into July
- The outer loop is accessible and well-signed; the Harding Icefield Trail requires navigation skills above treeline where the route is unmarked on snow
- Check the Kenai Fjords National Park website for current bear activity and any trail closures before departure
- Pack rain gear regardless of morning skies — Seward receives over 60 inches of annual precipitation and weather shifts rapidly
When to visit
The outer loop is best visited from late May through September, when the visitor center is open and the glacier face is active. The Harding Icefield Trail is most rewarding in late July to mid-August, when snow cover is minimal and the icefield views are unobstructed.
Accessibility
The Exit Glacier visitor center is fully accessible, with paved parking, accessible restrooms, and ranger programs. A paved accessible path leads approximately 0.5 miles from the visitor center to a glacier viewing area, making this the only fully accessible section. The outer loop trails have some gravel and uneven surfaces that challenge wheelchair users; the Harding Icefield Trail is not accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to hike at Exit Glacier?
There is no entrance fee for Exit Glacier or its hiking trails. Parking at the Exit Glacier visitor center is free. A $5 interagency fee applies only if using the campground.
Can the Harding Icefield Trail be done as a day hike?
Yes, but it is a demanding 16-mile round trip with 3,800 feet of elevation gain. An early start of 6-7 a.m. is essential. Most hikers plan 6-8 hours of moving time plus breaks and should have strong fitness and appropriate footwear.
When is the Harding Icefield Trail snow-free?
The upper trail typically retains snow through late July; a fully snow-free route is rarely achieved before August. Microspikes are recommended through mid-July and remain useful into August for icy patches.
Are there bears in the area?
Black bears and brown bears are present throughout Kenai Fjords National Park, including the Exit Glacier trail corridor. Bear spray is strongly recommended and should be carried accessible, not inside a pack.
Can children do the Exit Glacier trails?
The outer loop boardwalk is suitable for children of most ages. The Harding Icefield Trail is not suitable for young children due to its length, elevation gain, exposure, and snow travel requirements.