Exit Glacier Ice Hike in Seward

After pickup from your Seward hotel, head to the tour office located on the road that is the entryway to Kenai Fjords National Park's Exit Glacier. Greet your guide and get outfitted with crampons, a harness, a backpack and other gear you'll need for your glacier hike.

Your guide will discuss safety and make sure that you are prepared with adequate clothing and hiking boots for this adventure. Afterwards, load up and drive down the road to the Nature Center parking area near the Harding Ice Field trailhead.

Embark on a strenuous 1.6-mile guided hike uphill to Exit Glacier. The upper trail is sometimes called the Harding Ice Field Trail, with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead to the top! This hike will exit the upper trail and the group will then hike over to the glacier. Gear up and then access the ice. Your guide will lead you around the many glacial features and explain the various sights and sounds that occur as you hike on this mammoth piece of ice. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks are provided. After the glacier exploration, return back down the same trail. At the end of your hike, you'll be taken back to your Seward hotel.

This hike should be only attempted by hikers in good physical condition. This trip is a hike up into upper elevations and you may encounter various conditions such as wind at higher altitudes and also cooler temps as you gain elevation. Wearing a windbreaker with a hood and having light synthetic layering that can be added or removed is advisable. You are provided crampons, a harness, a helmet, trekking poles, lunch, a water bottle and snacks. Trail is subject to closure due to inclement weather or wildlife issues.