Explore Exit Glacier. The park is open year-round. Get a front row seat of retreating glaciers on this challenging 8-mile out-and-back to the Harding Icefield. We hiked to the top and hit the offshoot on the way back. We are a Seward based guiding and hiking company focused on providing affordable Alaskan Adventures on the mountains and glaciers of Alaska. Watch Queue Queue You marvel at Kachemak Bay's dramatic weather. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River. Kenai Fjords National Park: Hiking to Exit Glacier. Pack it out. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area. Follow this moderately strenuous trail to the Exit Glacier Overlook and view the glacier in its own glacially carved valley. 6 | Hike the Exit Glacier. Hotels. We had a GREAT time and it's probably one of my favourite hikes I've ever been on - a truly great time. Exit Glacier: Exit Glacier Hike - See 856 traveller reviews, 766 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. You can explore some parts of the park via airplane, hiking, or car (with Exit Glacier at the end of its only road). Discover the best day hikes in Kenai Fjords National Park! The only maintained trails in Kenai Fjords National Park are those in the Exit Glacier Area. The maps below are great if you’re hiking around the Exit Glacier (which, honestly, is probably where you’ll be going on your visit). 5. The Harding Icefield Trail. From. The elevation gain on this Alaska hike is 1500 feet and the view from the top is stunning. The views of the glacier swept, snow-capped Chugach and Kenai Mountains rising directly from the sea, and of enormous milky blue glacially fed lakes, rivers, and streams are just the ‚tip of the iceberg‘ when it comes to the highlights of the day. Make noise when you hike to avoid surprising a bear. The only area accessible by road is Exit Glacier, while the rest is viewed by boat tours. The hike to Portage Glacier is my all time favorite hike and if you have time for only one glacier view near Anchorage, this is my top recommendation. Kenai Fjords National Park was created to protect the unique landscape of the Harding Icefield: a 700 square mile reservoir of ice high in the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area.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 … Rates from $30. Hike as much or as little as you feel like because this is an out and back. Choose whether to be picked up from your hotel, or drive to a meeting location. Your KBA Guide will meet you there. A member of our team will respond within 24 hours (weekdays) and 48 hours (weekends). The trail begins as a flat easy stroll through the trees, then climbs up a slope which gives a spectacular view of the valley below and the surround mountains. Want some company? Kenai River Trail is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cooper Landing, Alaska that features a river and is rated as moderate. Exit Glacier earned its name when the first group of mountaineers to officially cross the Harding Icefield “exited” the ice at Exit Glacier. 8 mile, 3,000' out and back hike along the Exit Glacier, a glacial tongue descending from the Harding Ice Field in Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail follows the right side of the glacier to the top of the pass and the icefield. Kenai Fjords trail maps. We hiked to Exit Glacier with a group while staying in Seward. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK 99664, USA Meet us 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour in front of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. It is not too long, takes only three to four days to finish. While the majority of Kenai Fjords NP is only accessible by water, the Exit Glacier is the single exeption. Price: $179 per person. Check on trail conditions before starting out - the upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July and there may be avalanche danger. Black bears are spotted almost everyday from the Harding Icefield Trail. The ice field has created at least 38 Kenai Fjords glaciers, with Bear Glacier being the largest. The terminus of Exit Glacier can be accessed on foot and by car. Much of the action in this icy part takes place on the water, where tour boats guide visitors around the calving ice. As the only road-accessible glacier pouring forth from the icefield, Exit Glacier is a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike. This tour departs from the Seward Windsong Lodge twice daily at 8:15 AM & 12:30 PM. COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking. Image of kenai, extreme, hike - 58964513 If you are looking for a longer day hike, don't miss the 8 … Planning to Camp? Stay on the trail. Your heli glacier hiking tour starts from the magnificent Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, or the Girdwood Train Depot if coming from Anchorage by the Alaska Railroad. 2 Replies. Exit Glacier Hike. Never get between a mother bear and her cubs. Guests will unload from the kayaks and hike from Kayak cove back to the Whistle stop. Beautiful walking trails wind through the alders and rock croppings to this glistening mass of ice. With just a 10-to-15-minute drive out of Seward, you can hike right up to the Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier and experience the dense, blue ice while listening to it crackle. One of the most visited glaciers in the world, Exit Glacier earned its name from grateful backcountry travelers. Nestled into a broad mountain valley, the Knik is a 25-mile-long, 5-mile-wide layer of … If you have to “go”, dig a small cat hole at least 100 feet from the trail or from any streams or water sources. Volunteers help restore and maintain this trail every year. Harding Icefield Trail. The first tour we took was the combined canoeing/hiking trip to Pederson Glacier. 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. The memories we create for our guests aren’t typical —every experience is unique, personal and unforgettable. Exit Glacier. From the base of the Homer Spit, take this 4-mile paved trail to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Overview This two-hour guided hiking trip starts with a scenic drive 12 miles out of Seward to the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Allow at least 6-8 hours for the hike. The paddle includes outstanding views of the glacier and icebergs floating in Spencer Lake with photo and rest stops to learn about interesting local wildlife, icebergs, history and glaciology. Select Date and Travellers. Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences in iconic places including Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, Reykjavík, Las Vegas (opening in 2021) and Toronto (opening in 2022). Read more. Starting at milepost 3 on the Seward Highway, the steep trail makes it way above tree line for dramatic views of Exit Glacier and the vast Harding Icefield. Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. It is not difficult, you don´t have to be a hardcore trekker to finish it. Option to backpack and camp overnight. The trail affords several excellent views of the glacier itself. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. We spent 2-3 hrs overall and hiked down to the glacier. Exit Glacier: great hike - See 858 traveller reviews, 767 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. Enjoy a Guided Hike on an Alaska Glacier . Your KBA Guide will meet you there. You can also view some of our most popular Gear Recommendations here! By: Kenai Backcountry Adventures. 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. The primary months to visit are June, July, and August. No crampons or ice axes are needed during the summer hiking months. The Exit Glacier is one of the thirty-five glaciers that flow through the extensive Harding Ice Field and the only area of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by car. Careless hikers who cut switchbacks, along with frequent summer rains, cause tremendous erosion. During this guided glacier hiking tour from Seward, Alaska, take a scenic path to Exit Glacier which is a mixture of back-country and on-trail trekking (about 1 – 2 hours). Walking on a glacier is truly something that shouldn’t be missed when in Alaska! Excellent chance of seeing black bears. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace – limit group size, find a camp spot that is out of sight from the trail, and avoid crushing fragile vegetation. The Exit Glacier Trail ranks as one of the most popular hiking options in Kenai Fjords, in part because the Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in all of Alaska. The trail is strenuous! VISITING KENAI FJORDS GLACIER LODGE. Blue ice and large glacier crevasses are just two features of the glacier that you'll experience on this unforgettable journey! Kenai Fjords doesn’t have a lot of “maintained” hiking trails.. in fact there are only two official trails listed by the National Park Service: Exit Glacier Trail: 2.2-mile roundtrip walk from the Exit Glacier Nature Center parking lot. Just up the road from Seward Windsong Lodge is the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley; Exit Glacier. Well-maintained and suitable for summer hiking and biking, the 10-mile Devil’s... Tonsina Point Trail. Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward. Enjoy the views as you explore the ancient glacier ice. By: Kenai Backcountry Adventures. As we mentioned above, it’s also one of the most profound examples of the impacts of climate change in all of the National Park Service. Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward provided by Kenai Backcountry Adventures. We had a GREAT time and it's probably one of my favourite hikes I've ever been on - a truly great time. Even a short hike up the trail affords impressive views of the valley floor and Exit Glacier's terminus. No reservations are required. Take precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is bear country! Look for a Guide wearing a Kenai Backcountry Adventures hat. We inspire travelers and each other. Kenai Backcountry Adventures offers glacier hiking tours in Kenai Fjords National Park – Suitable for all skill levels. Kenai Fjords National Park is located in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seaward, about 130 miles south of Anchorage. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person), or bring along a filter - untreated water from streams along the trail may contain Giardia, a parasite that can cause severe abdominal distress. Last year, my wife and I did the hike at Exit Glacier (Kenai Fjords National Park) withOUT going on the glacier, just for free on the side (with views of the glacier, of course). Just up the road from Seward Windsong Lodge is the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley; Exit Glacier. The hiking trip usually spends approximately 1 to 2 hours on the ice exploring Exit Glacier. Well, it starts in the quirky town of Whitter and to get there you have to drive through N. America’s longest mountain rail tunnel. Leaving from Kenai, you’ll fly in a floatplane with your glacier guide to a remote lake adjacent to the glacier. Be sure to backfill your cat hole when you are done. Hiking to the Harding Icefield gives great views of Exit Glacier below. Driving directions:
Our cancelation policy is more flexible than ever allowing you to cancel your trip up to 3 days before it begins. Everyone has a window seat! We ended up with 10.5 miles and just under 4000’ of elevation. There are no garbage cans or toilet facilities along the trail. Maintain Trails The only maintained trails in Kenai Fjords National Park are those in the Exit Glacier Area. Exit Glacier flows down from the Harding Icefield, its toe currently reaching within a few miles of the facility. After an exhilarating hike to the glacier’s edge, you’ll put on your glacier hiking equipment; crampons, harness, and helmet. The only maintained trails are found in the Exit Glacier area and the 2 best hikes in Kenai Fjords are listed below. The primary months to visit are June, July, and August. Kenai Fjords National Park: Exit Glacier hike - See 1,687 traveler reviews, 930 candid photos, and great deals for Seward, AK, at Tripadvisor. Seward Windsong Lodge is located at mile 0.5 Exit Glacier Road, two miles north of the Seward Small Boat Harbor. Are you ready for an adventure? Read more. We pioneered glacier guiding on the Kenai Peninsula and have the most experience to safely guide our clients onto the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chugach National Forest. Kenai Backcountry Adventures: Awesome Exit Glacier Hike! The vegetation along the trail is dense and passes through thickets of salmonberries, a favorite food of black bears. Many of these challenges exist during the shoulder seasons (Oct, Nov, May, Jun) as well, when the trail will be covered in varying amounts of snow. Kenai Fjords National Park was established in December 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which also created six others of the eight National Parks in Alaska. The best time to hike to Lost Lake is mid to late summer as snow in the area can linger until July. Forest, Hiking Trail. Through this program, we will ensure that everyone feels safe at our experiences so that the power of our places can shine through. Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile. 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.Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier area as … The start of the Exit Glacier hike up to Harding Icefield. We never stop searching for the places we're passionate about, connections we value and moments that bring us joy. When planning a trip in these conditions, we recommend that visitors have mountaineering skills, equipment, and experience to travel safely in this terrain. ... Mount Kenya is not immune and of the 18 glaciers that were recorded on the mountain by early explorers in the 1890's at least 7 have disappeared completely. 29 reviews. Beautiful walking trails wind through the … This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River. The Kenai River is fabled for its turquoise hue | © Patrick Wolf … This tour will take you hiking on Exit Glacier, located within the Kenai Fjords National Park. Walking routes vary based on tour departure and may include the Overlook Loop Trail and/or the Nature Trail. The Exit Glacier Nature Center is at the very end of the Exit Glacier Road. Pack out all litter. Near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers and fjords stemming from it. Spencer Glacier. And at the wildflowers and rushing waterfalls on the Kenai Peninsula. After a safety briefing, we hot-load for a memorable scenic flight of about 10-20 minutes one way. Seward Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure **THIS TOUR IS NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2021 SEASON** Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. All photos (67) Recommended by 100% of travellers. During the winter, the Harding Icefield Trail is covered in snow and is considered a “mountaineering route.” You can expect to find steep, snow-covered slopes, difficult route-finding, and avalanche hazards. This is the only hiking area accessible by road in Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward. Share . This accessibility and the deceptive length of the trail have made this particular area popular with curious Alaskan hikers. It’s 7.3 miles to Lost Lake with endless places to camp and explore. It´s also easy to arrange, offers excellent views and passes through several traditional Svaneti villages (with guesthouses - so you don´t need a tent). Trek from Mestia to Ushguli is the most popular multi-day hike in Georgia and for a good reason. The... Devil’s Creek Trail (Devil’s Pass Trail). The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. Walks depart from the Exit Glacier Nature Center. The Harding Icefield Trail near Seward is one of Alaska’s most memorable hikes. You may see the cubs first, possibly up a tree, but the mother will be close by. Backcountry Hiking Most of the backcountry is trail-less wilderness. Just up the road from Seward Windsong Lodge is the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley; Exit Glacier. 29 reviews. View Details. Enter the following coordinates into your GPS unit: Latitude 60.154841°N and Longitude -149.437139°W. Take a day hike. NPS Photo. Located 12 miles northwest of Seward, Exit Glacier is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. We saw a much bigger glacier on our cruise next day, although we didn't get as close as in the case of Exit glacier. GPS Coordinates:
Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward provided by Kenai Backcountry Adventures. Look for a Guide wearing a Kenai Backcountry Adventures hat. I would recommend this product highly. Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mixed: Elevation: 17057 ft / 5199 m: Sign the Climber's Log! About 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, Spencer Glacier is only accessible via the … Exit Glacier Guided Walking Tour. Driving here in a car with GPS? Seward Windsong Lodge offers two daily guided tours of Exit Glacier. Official Website. Hike with a ranger. Just north of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park can be reached by car and you can explore the main attraction, the Exit Glacier. Be prepared for storms, high winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature changes. Alaska's Kenai Family Walking & Hiking Tour - Older Teens & 20s National Park Glaciers, Coastline & Wildlife It feels like the ends of the Earth... a place that few humans have seen. The park is open year-round. The 8-day traverse occurred in the spring of 1968, beginning in Homer and ending in Seward. Toilet paper should be packed out with other trash. From Anchorage, travel 126 gorgeous miles along Turnagain Arm and the scenic Seward Highway, arriving in Seward. Please respect their hard work by sticking to the trail. This short, 2-mile loop starts at the Nature Center parking area and climbs gradually to the edge of the glacier. 5 Kenai … Watch Queue Queue. This video is unavailable. This tour will take you hiking on Exit Glacier, located within the Kenai Fjords National Park. Recommended equipment includes (but is not limited to) sturdy, warm, waterproof footwear, cold weather clothing including synthetic layers and waterproofing, communication devices (no cell service), trekking poles, ice axe, snowshoes or skis, avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. Back to Day Tours. The beautiful park contains the largest ice field in the United States, Harding Icefield. Be sure to watch for wildlife along the way! However, if you're planning on seeing glaciers via a cruise or some other means then I won't recommend this. The only area accessible by road is Exit Glacier, while the rest is viewed by boat tours. Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK 99664, USA Meet us 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour in front of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Save. Guests get their first glimpse of the impressive icy … Share. Photo about Hiker in Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska. At over 1,100 square miles, the Harding Icefield is the largest such formation in the United States. Our first scheduled stop is also our first hike of the trip, the Summit Creek Trail. Rangers-led hikes along the Harding Icefield Trail often occur during the summer. For inquiries or to book by phone: 1.800.808.8068, Safety Promise Guest Information & Reservation Policy. Save. I was so happy they did that. We saw 3 black bears on the way up. Camping is not permitted in the shelter at the top of the Icefield trail – it is for emergency use only. Kenai Fjords National Park: Harding Icefield Trail. Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska (Alaska2009_4159_edited-1) United States - Glacier Bay vs. Kenai Fjords and more - I'll be be in Alaska from August 9th-25th and I had a couple of questions. Wildflowers and salmonberry in season. Knik Glacier. Near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers and fjords stemming from it. Full view. The rest are all shrinking and may still disappear within our lifetimes. Kenai Peninsula Trails Homer Spit Trail. COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking.