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Exit Glacier Road Seward Alaska

4.6
·491k reviews·Seward, United States

Witness the dramatic retreat of Exit Glacier, a powerful testament to climate change, with accessible trails and challenging hikes.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Exit Glacier - Image 1

Exit Glacier Road Seward Alaska

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the dramatic retreat of Exit Glacier, a powerful testament to climate change, with accessible trails and challenging hikes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The markers showing where the glacier used to be are heartbreaking but incredibly impactful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exit Glacier's Retreat Markers

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

Harding Icefield Trail

Trailhead near Exit Glacier

An challenging but rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the vast Harding Icefield.

Glacier Ice Hike Tour

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Glacier Views

Visit Exit Glacier early to avoid crowds and catch the best light. The road can close seasonally, so check conditions before you go. Many visitors note the glacier's rapid retreat, making early visits even more impactful.

Dress for Alaskan Adventure

Weather in Seward can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking shoes. Even summer days can be cool and damp, especially near the glacier. Be prepared for all conditions to fully enjoy the trails.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late August
Why
Good weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

That 2005 is where the glacier was 20 years ago. The whole path to this lookout is marked with dates on where the glacier USED to be. The glaciers are receeding faster than they rebuild in the winter months. One tour guide says it takes TWEVLE years for ice to be packed down enough for the glacier to grow. TWEVLE years of significant snow that is no longer keeping up with how much the glacier is c...
@shannon_topp
268.9K likes • 1.6M views

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Harding Icefield Trail

An 8-mile round trip with incredible glacier views. Worth the effort! TikTok

🧊 Consider an Ice Hike Tour

Get up close to the ice with a guided tour for a unique experience. Reddit

Exit Glacier. 😢 - - - #alaska #thealaskalife #alaskakife #heralaskalife #glacier #seward #visitseward #globalwarming
@ak_amy_mae
45.6K likes • 278.7K views
Sometimes, I can’t believe this gets to be our backyard 🥹 📍Baker Lake, Washington 📍Pump Station Road, Tucson, Arizona 📍Organic Mountains, New Mexico 📍Valley of the Gods, Utah 📍Exit Glacier Road, Seward, Alaska These are just a few of the hundreds of places we’ve stayed for FREE (definitely our favorite use of our U.S. tax dollars, hard at work 😉). Our favorite way to find these spots is by us...
justinandjess_
0 likes • 130K views

🐻 Bear Sightings Possible

Keep a safe distance if you encounter wildlife on the trails. TikTok

🚗 Road Access Varies

Check road status, as it can close seasonally or for maintenance. Instagram

So many magical moments this past week. Here’s a highlight reel just from one day. Woke up on Kenai, then to moose pass—>exit glacier and Seward for dinner. Around 7:30 I hit the road home. Shout out to all the people that stopped to help us take pictures .. MVPS#moosepass #exitglacier #alaska #ak #907 #hike #solowithkids
kaylaaaa.907
13 likes • 214 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Harding Icefield Trail

An 8-mile round trip with incredible glacier views. Worth the effort! TikTok

🧊 Consider an Ice Hike Tour

Get up close to the ice with a guided tour for a unique experience. Reddit

🐻 Bear Sightings Possible

Keep a safe distance if you encounter wildlife on the trails. TikTok

🚗 Road Access Varies

Check road status, as it can close seasonally or for maintenance. Instagram

💧 Pack for All Weather

Layers are key! Expect cool temps and potential rain, even in summer. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Visible glacier retreat
Accessible trails
Harding Icefield views

What People Dislike

Challenging Harding trail
Crowds in peak season

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Yes, hiking the trails to Exit Glacier and exploring the visitor center are free activities. The scenic drive itself is also a wonderful experience. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

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. TikTok+2

Yes, there is a visitor center with educational exhibits about the glacier, local wildlife, and climate change. Restrooms and picnic areas are also available. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exit Glacier is a fantastic destination for families. The paved Glacier View Trail is perfect for strollers and young children, offering easy access to stunning glacier views. The visitor center provides engaging exhibits that can educate kids about glaciers and climate change in an accessible way. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

⛰️ Adventure Seekers

For those craving an adrenaline rush, the Harding Icefield Trail is a must-do. This challenging hike offers incredible rewards with its vast glacial vistas. TikTok If you want to get truly hands-on with the ice, book a guided ice hike tour. This allows you to strap on crampons and explore the glacier's surface, a truly unforgettable experience. Reddit

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. TikTok

🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers

Exit Glacier offers a powerful lesson in environmental change. Pay close attention to the retreat markers that vividly illustrate the glacier's rapid melting. TikTok+2 Engaging with the educational exhibits at the visitor center will deepen your understanding of climate science and conservation efforts. TikTok

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. Reddit 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

Exit Glacier serves as a stark, visible reminder of the impacts of climate change. The retreat markers along the trails are powerful visual aids, showing exactly where the glacier's edge stood in years past. These markers, often placed every few decades, highlight the rapid pace at which the ice is melting. TikTok videos and social media posts frequently feature these markers, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the changing landscape. TikTokInstagram+2

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Hiking Trails for Every Level

Exit Glacier offers a range of hiking experiences, from paved, accessible paths to challenging alpine treks. The Glacier View Trail is a short, paved loop that provides excellent views of the glacier and is suitable for all mobility levels. For a slightly more involved experience, the Overlook Trail offers elevated perspectives and leads closer to the glacier's terminus. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokReddit

Unique Ways to Experience the Glacier

Beyond traditional hiking, Exit Glacier offers unique perspectives. Some visitors opt for helicopter tours that land directly on the glacier, providing an unparalleled aerial view and a chance to stand on the ancient ice. These tours, often departing from Seward, offer a thrilling and memorable experience, showcasing the immense scale of the icefield. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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