Exit Glacier Road Seward Alaska
Witness the dramatic retreat of Exit Glacier, a powerful testament to climate change, with accessible trails and challenging hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Exit Glacier Road Seward Alaska
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the dramatic retreat of Exit Glacier, a powerful testament to climate change, with accessible trails and challenging hikes.
"The markers showing where the glacier used to be are heartbreaking but incredibly impactful."
🚶♀️ Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
An 8-mile round trip with incredible glacier views. Worth the effort!
🧊 Consider an Ice Hike Tour
Get up close to the ice with a guided tour for a unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exit Glacier's Retreat Markers
Trail leading to the glacier
Witness the dramatic evidence of climate change with markers showing the glacier's past positions.
Harding Icefield Trail
Trailhead near Exit Glacier
An challenging but rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the vast Harding Icefield.
Glacier Ice Hike Tour
Guided tours depart from the visitor center
Get up close and personal with the ice on a guided hike directly on Exit Glacier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Glacier Views
Dress for Alaskan Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
An 8-mile round trip with incredible glacier views. Worth the effort!
🧊 Consider an Ice Hike Tour
Get up close to the ice with a guided tour for a unique experience.
🐻 Bear Sightings Possible
Keep a safe distance if you encounter wildlife on the trails.
🚗 Road Access Varies
Check road status, as it can close seasonally or for maintenance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
An 8-mile round trip with incredible glacier views. Worth the effort!
🧊 Consider an Ice Hike Tour
Get up close to the ice with a guided tour for a unique experience.
🐻 Bear Sightings Possible
Keep a safe distance if you encounter wildlife on the trails.
🚗 Road Access Varies
Check road status, as it can close seasonally or for maintenance.
💧 Pack for All Weather
Layers are key! Expect cool temps and potential rain, even in summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awed by the accessibility and visual impact of Exit Glacier, particularly the stark evidence of its retreat. While the Harding Icefield Trail is praised for its stunning views, its difficulty is noted. Many appreciate the educational aspects and the opportunity for close-up glacier experiences.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Exit Glacier Road is located just outside of Seward, Alaska. It's a scenic drive that takes about 15-20 minutes from the town center. Many visitors drive their own vehicles, but ride-sharing or taxis are also options. Some even bike the road if it's not fully open to vehicles.
Public transportation directly to Exit Glacier is limited. While Seward has local transport options, most visitors opt to drive or join organized tours that include transportation.
The road to Exit Glacier is typically closed to vehicles during the winter months due to snow and ice. Access may be limited to snowmobiles or cross-country skiing.
Exit Glacier is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Anchorage, Alaska. The drive itself is very scenic, especially along the Seward Highway.
Yes, there are parking lots available at the Exit Glacier Visitor Center and trailheads. Parking can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exit Glacier is part of Kenai Fjords National Park, which generally does not have an entrance fee for the road accessible areas like Exit Glacier. However, fees may apply for specific tours or activities within the park.
The road to Exit Glacier is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through early fall. The visitor center hours vary, so it's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current information.
It is highly recommended to book guided tours, especially ice hike tours, in advance, particularly during the busy summer months. This ensures availability and secures your spot.
Absolutely! Exit Glacier is a perfect destination for a day trip from Seward or even Anchorage. You can enjoy short hikes and the visitor center within a few hours.
Yes, hiking the trails to Exit Glacier and exploring the visitor center are free activities. The scenic drive itself is also a wonderful experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous 8-mile round trip offering spectacular views. For a shorter, more accessible option, the Glacier View Trail (paved) and the Overlook Trail provide excellent glacier perspectives.
You can get quite close to the glacier's toe on designated trails. For an even closer experience, guided ice hike tours allow you to walk on the glacier itself.
The markers along the trails indicate where the glacier's edge was at different points in history, vividly illustrating its rapid retreat due to climate change.
Yes, there is a visitor center with educational exhibits about the glacier, local wildlife, and climate change. Restrooms and picnic areas are also available.
You might spot wildlife such as black bears, mountain goats, marmots, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The Harding Icefield Trail offers breathtaking panoramic shots. The Overlook Trail provides excellent close-ups of the glacier, and the retreat markers create compelling storytelling photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific regulations for Kenai Fjords National Park before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly dramatic.
Yes, most guided ice hike tours allow you to take photos. Your guide can also help you find the best angles and ensure your safety while you capture the moment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For slightly older children, the Overlook Trail offers a bit more adventure without being too strenuous. Keep an eye out for wildlife like marmots and birds, which can be exciting for kids to spot. Remember to pack snacks and plenty of water, and always supervise children closely, especially near the glacier.
⛰️ Adventure Seekers
Consider a helicopter tour with a glacier landing for the ultimate adventure. This provides a bird's-eye view of the immense icefield and a unique opportunity to stand on the glacier itself.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Choosing a guided ice hike tour can also be an eco-conscious choice, as these tours are led by knowledgeable guides who emphasize responsible glacier exploration and education. Consider how your visit can inspire action and awareness about protecting these natural wonders for future generations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Glacier Retreat
This phenomenon is not just a local issue but a global concern. The ice that forms glaciers takes many years to accumulate and compact. A tour guide mentioned it takes twelve years of significant snow for ice to be packed down enough for the glacier to grow, a process that is now being outpaced by melting. This makes early visits to Exit Glacier particularly poignant, offering a chance to witness a natural wonder that is visibly diminishing.
Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their impact and to learn more about conservation efforts. The National Park Service provides educational materials at the visitor center, explaining the science behind glacier formation and retreat. Understanding this context enhances the visitor experience, transforming a scenic hike into an educational journey about our planet's health.
Hiking Trails for Every Level
The crown jewel for many hikers is the Harding Icefield Trail. This strenuous 8-mile round trip hike ascends steeply, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. It's a significant undertaking, often taking 6-8 hours to complete, and requires good physical condition.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, guided ice hike tours are available. These tours allow you to safely walk on the glacier itself, equipped with crampons and guided by experienced professionals. This is a popular option for getting up close to the ice and learning about its formation and movement.
Unique Ways to Experience the Glacier
For the adventurous, biking to Exit Glacier can be a fantastic option, especially if the road isn't fully open to vehicles. This allows for a more intimate connection with the landscape and the freedom to stop and explore at your own pace.
Guided ice hike tours are a standout activity, offering a chance to don crampons and explore the glacier's surface. These tours are highly recommended for those who want to truly experience the glacier up close, learn about its geology, and capture incredible photos.
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