harding icefield trailhead

Although we didnt see any bears in the park with our own eyes, as we were finishing this trail, the group right in front of us saw one and together we all had to make noise as we finished the hike.If youre unfamiliar with bears and what to do if you encounter them, we encourage you to read the National Park website to get a better understanding. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. Trail opens to views of Harding Icefield, a near-blinding spread of bowl-shaped glacial cirques covering half the park . Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Trust me when I tell you that there is nothing in the lower 48 to compare to this. All-over gorgeous hike, tons of incline and nice views with shifting fog and clouds. This part of the trail is a lot more open and the switchbacks dont last for very long! A small thin trail leads from here to the side of Exit glacier and is the path used by those on an Ice Trek Tour. It is also important to note that the area is not maintained during winter months and there are no services or facilities available to visitors. Impassable beyond top of cliffs. Soon you will emerge above the treeline with the first overlook to Harding Icefield. Rangers are on hand if you need advice re trail elevation gain. When you get there you have an amazing view of the glacier. If you are wondering how to hike the Harding Icefield trail in Alaska, then you have come to the right place. Bit muddy, relatively easy to do all the way until Top of the Cliffs. The end of the trail is in sight! Harding Icefield is the source of 38 named glaciers, including Exit Glacier, the most accessible of the them, reached via a spur road off theSeward Highway. With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. No surprise Harding is a popular dayhike. Trail description: The Harding Icefield, a massive sea of ice stretching to the horizon, is the destination of this amazingly diverse trail. This hike is steep and trekking poles may be helpful, especially for the hike down. and the safety of those you affect. To avoid hypothermia, change into dryer and/or warmer clothes at the emergency hut located 1/4 mile before the edge of the Icefield. It can be sunny and pleasant at the bottom of the trail and a complete whiteout at the top. Hike was great otherwise, yes there is deep snow but was fine to walk on/fall in, SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Exit Glacier Road closes to automobile traffic in the winter. If you'd like to educate yourself about glaciers and their awesome power, please visit All About Glaciers, a great introductory website. Went up to marmot meadows. Great conditions to Marmot meadows and overlook of the glacier. Views of Exit Glacier and the ice field (at the top) are breathtaking. Check ontrail conditionsbefore starting out - the upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July, and there may be avalanche danger. Slippery snow by afternoon at the bottom of the cliffs up to the top of the cliffs and slightly beyond. With a fantastic breakfast available, and a terrace to relax after a full day of activity such as fishing, hiking, and canoeing. Your email address will not be published. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field's edge, and mountains fill the frame in every direction. Make sure to start early enough to have plenty of time to complete it before dark (and beat the crowds)!While the major highlight of the Harding Icefield trail is seeing the icefield at the end, the entire hike is incredible, with varying scenery the entire way. Snow can often still be found on the trail until late-June to early-July. Trail closed above the Cliffs for avalanche danger. Epic hike and the view from the ice field overlook was incredible. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. You can see the Harding Icefield on the popular Harding Icefield Trail which departs from the Exit Glacier Visitor Center in Seward, Alaska. Harding Icefield Trail Hard 4.9 (2389) Kenai Fjords National Park Photos (2,424) Directions Print/PDF map Length 13.8 kmElevation gain 975 mRoute type Out & Back Experience this 13.8-km out-and-back trail near Seward, Alaska. Heading out the door? Follow the road for 8.4 miles to a large free parking area for the nature center. Depending on when you hike the Harding Icefield Trail there may be snow or ice on the trail and this is where microspikes will be very helpful. Dont be lulled into a false sense of security walking the 0.3 miles from the center to the start of the trail. A 12-site tentcampgroundis located about 0.25 of a mile before the nature center. It can be quite daunting, but keep telling yourself that the reward will be worth it. Poles and traxx were helpful about the 1.5 mm. The Harding Icefield Trailhead is located on the right about 1/3 of mile along the Exit Glacier Paved Path. We turned around shortly before Top of Cliffs due to conditions- it was passible, but difficult and risky. But very few visitors continue past the first major overlooks. Spots of soft snow up to cliffs. They are very serious about this rule! NPS website did not include that area in their post so be aware. Not only will you get incredible views of the Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier, but youve also got a chance of spotting wildlife along the way. Read More: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary, Read More: 30 Amazing Things to do in Seward, Alaska. Bring waterproof hiking boots, and if youre not too sure footed, poles will be helpful for the way down with the snowy slush. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Some animals might even cross the road right in front of you so just be cautious. After spending some time at Marmot Meadows and having a rest, youll continue along the Harding Icefield Trail. This road is also known as Herman Leirer Road and its the only road in Kenai Fjords National Park. After my Road Trip to Alaska exploring the best things to do, I am here to share all my best insider tips to help you plan an epic trip of your own! Seeing the icefield and mountains with the naked eye is fantastic on its own, but youll be able to see even more epic views (and maybe even some wildlife!) There are separate spots for RVs, but if it is busy, cars do double up in the spaces. Well worth the snow trek. Although the hikes in Denali National Park often steal the limelight, this area is home to some fantastic trails. Harding Icefield Trail Hiking Tour From: $179 per person Book Now Free Cancellation up to 48 hours in advance Trusted Brand with 5-star reviews Lowest Price Guarantee PLEASE NOTE: This tour regularly sells out We highly recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out! Starting on the valley floor, the trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest as well as heather-filled meadows. The trail is an uphill climb from the get go and this first part is the least exciting, as youll just be going through the forest. Fairytale views with a rainbow. When we reached Top of the Cliffs Overlook, a sign advised of an avalanche further up the trail with only those with avalanche experience advised to continue. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions. Guided ice hiking trip into Exit Glacier with Mia from Exit Glacier Guides. Even a short hike is rewarded with stunning views. Begin steep switchbacks through cliff bands, Small stream crosses trail; good water source. I don't think anyone has made it to the shelter this year yet. The one thing youll want to consider is the time of year you plan to do this hike. We had heard that typically the parks weather is slightly better than Sewards and we thankfully lucked out with a cloudy hike on the way to the icefield, allowing us to still see the majority of the views. Ascending 1,000 feet over 4 miles is strenuous, tough and at times requires a herculean effort. Harding Icefield Trail: 2402 Reviews, Map - Alaska | AllTrails This makes the total roundtrip distance of the hike 8.8 miles. Poles are helpful. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. The real challenge is mental. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. However, after youve got past this part youll be greeted with your first view of the Exit Glacier. Be careful out there. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the top I literally lost my breath, just like only a few times in my life, by just trying to take the views from being on top of a giant ice field! Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure. Although youll miss the final view, the view is still epic and its an accomplishment to get here! Sit and take in the stunning views across Exit Glacier. If youre visiting Alaska then I strongly recommend that you add the Harding Icefield Trail to your itinerary! Though pets are prohibited on this trail, service animals are able to accompany visitors. It is very important to check the trail conditions before starting this hike. The Harding Icefield is an expansive icefield located in the Kenai Mountains of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. Its important to note that weather conditions in Alaska can change rapidly, and hikers should always be prepared for unexpected changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. The trail rises through the forest and ultimately ends up well above tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of . Harding Icefield: One of the big goal hikes in Southcentral Alaska Specifically, both black bears and grizzly bears, with grizzlies being the more aggressive of the two.Not only is it important to have bear spray on you, but you need to have it readily available and know how to use it. You'll feel like you're on the top of the world! with binoculars. For more information, please see, Mount Marathon via Skyline and Mount Marathon Loop. And to get there, youll first need to get to the charming seaside town of Seward, Alaska. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Raining and foggy the day I hiked. You'll still get incredible views on a challenging trail. PRO-TIP: The weather is very unpredictable and can change quickly so make sure you wear plenty of layers and pack warm clothes! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. View on Map Coordinates Latitude: 60.026441 Longitude: -149.990845. The road leading to the Exit Glacier area, where the trailhead for Harding Icefield is located, is closed to vehicles from mid-October to mid-April due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. After about 0.5 mile the trail turns a corner and even though theres no formal marker, it is obvious you have reached Top of the Cliffs. Do your best to stay on the established trail to minimize your impact. After all your exertion, make sure you take some time at the top to simply relax and admire the spectacular landscapes right in front of you. Harding Icefield Hike | Seward Wilderness Collective Foggy with rain at times but ice field is stunning. Watch for wildlife throughout your hike, as bears, mountain goats, hoary marmots, and others, have all been seen from the trail. Details Duration 6-8 Hours As an out and back trail, hike as far as you would like. Junction with Harding Icefield Trail. Youll turn west onto Herman Leirer Road, which will eventually turn into Exit Glacier Road and youll dead end at the national park.You can also take the Exit Glacier Shuttle from Seward to the Nature Center which costs $20 per person and leaves every hour. Just before the sign for Harding Icefield, the trail becomes the Glacier Overlook Trail. If you follow the packed snow path at the top of the cliffs, which is not actually on the trail and distanced from the mountainside, the avalanche risk seems negligible. The Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska is one hike that should be on everyone's bucket list. We made it to Marmot and turned around after enjoying the scenery. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person). Went as far as Top Of the Cliffs overlook. Trail closed above the Cliffs for avalanche danger. MI 0.23. Once youve made it past this section youll come to the viewpoint which is 100% worth the exertion. Bit muddy, relatively easy to do all the way until Top of the Cliffs. In fact, it actually flattens out for a while which will be a welcome relief trust me! Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, which is just a 20-minute drive from the town of Seward, the Harding Icefield is an accessible glacier, and you can easily get to it by car, by driving to the Exit Glacier Area. Make sure to fill this out! This is the hike that clinched it for me to move up here. The vegetation along this trail is very thick in some spots, including thickets of salmonberries, which is one of the bears favorite snacks. I made it to the top of the cliffs (point 1 on map), and the rock formations (point 2) and a little beyond. This makes it a great place to catch your breath and have a snack! Before embarking on your adventure, please review theLeave No Trace principlesto ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in! For more information, please see, Mount Marathon via Skyline and Mount Marathon Loop. After all, youre over halfway to the end by this point (not including the return journey of course). Set up camp along the Harding Icefield Trail corridor. Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. During our visit, some cars were parked along the sides of the parking lot and road, but we were able to get an RV spot for our van. Unless you're experienced in glacial hiking, you are putting your life in extreme risk. To see everything we take hiking, check out our hiking gear as well as our guide about how to make a 10 essentials kit. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I came here at the end of September, and the Nature Center was already closed for the season so I couldnt go in. Strenuous going straight up snowpack instead of invisible trail switchbacks. The Harding Icefield Trailhead is situated in the Exit Glacier Area which is just a 20-minute drive from Seward. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. It boasts spectacular views of the lake. Youll often be hiking in exposed areas, and even on cloudy days youll want to have sun protection. Sunscreen and a hat will be very helpful! Harding Icefield feeds nearly 40 glaciers, including Exit Glacier. If youre planning to visit from Anchorage then youll need to set off early as its a 2.5-hour journey, and youll be covering a distance of around 130 miles (209 km). However, if youve got it in you then I definitely recommend continuing to the end of the trail! So to enjoy the view in solitudeand make this trip an unforgettable overnightjust continue west 1.3 miles, across the obvious dark moraines, to more secluded viewpoints and choice tent sites, which offer seclusion, equally good views of the icefield, and reasonable access to water running over the nearby ice. Once leaving Marmot Meadows, youre out of the taller brush and will have views for the rest of the hikescore! Amazing, amazing view. If you are looking for a great place to stay that fits your budget, you will love this lodge. The trail rises through the forest and ultimately ends up well above tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of the icefield. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, Make noise as you walk to avoid surprising a bear especially one with cubs, Dont hike alone, hike with someone else or in a group, Never get between a mother bear and her cubs, Give a bear plenty of room and slowly back away. ); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This is an essential piece of gear for this adventure because you wont have much or any cell service. Avalanche warnings, I did see an avalanche. Location: 60.181412, -149.663361. Create Recommended Route or If you love hiking, Harding Icefield is a must-visit place in Alaska. Pin this how to hike the Harding Icefield Trail guide to help plan your trip! If you dont want to hike on your own and would prefer a guide, you have a few options: If you are planning to camp at Exit Glacier you have two choices: RV and tent camping is also available in Seward along the Resurrection Bay waterfront. Where else can you stand and look at ice that spans 700 miles and goes 4,000 feet deep? If you follow the packed snow path at the top of the cliffs, which is not actually on the trail and distanced from the mountainside, the avalanche risk seems negligible. Read all our articles about this region in our Southcentral Alaska Guide. If you have any further questions, leave a comment below! No trail guide can be Impassable beyond top of cliffs. In parts you may need to traverse across patches of snow. This is just a one room wood cabin that can shield people from the elements if it gets nasty out. This shelter is located near the end of the Harding Icefield Trail and just beyond that, youll come to your reward Breathtaking views of the Harding Icefield! Guided ice hiking trip into Exit Glacier with Mia from Exit Glacier Guides. The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. Fabulous trail and amazing time on the ice!!! Required fields are marked *. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears. It costs around $200 per person, takes an average of 8 hours, and includes professional guides and all the gear that youll need for the hike. Hiked up in a steady light rain, so the trail was pretty wet. Saw a goat, black bear and tons of marmots. Pack a warm coat or fleece, windbreaker and hat. Driving . Check. You will find the Exit Glacier trailhead at the western part of the carpark, near the nature center. Looking for more things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park? Marmot Meadows makes a great rest stop or a place to turn around. each other! And the trail is covered in snow, especially during colder months, and it is considered a mountaineering route. I consider this trail is one of the hardest hikes in the world. Adam wears the ALTRA Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe, which is a trail running shoe, so they are less bulky than boots, but still great for the trail. To experience this behemoth for yourself, you can hike the Harding Icefield trail, which was not only one of our favorite hikes we did in Alaska, but ever! Theres no sign for it but youll be treated to breathtaking views of the Harding Icefield and the Exit Glacier so its impossible to miss. Went as far as Top Of the Cliffs overlook. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. Crampons needed to get to past the meadows and hike to point one and beyond. Summer months provide long daylight hours and warmer temperatures. The trail ascends steeply over the 4.1 miles, gaining around 3500' of elevation. This website is only intended as an aid and cannot guarantee safety. Volunteers help restore and maintain this trail every year. BEST COASTAL STAY: Resurrection Lodge on the Bay. EXIT GLACIER AND HARDING ICEFIELD TRAIL - 285 Photos & 73 Reviews - Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, Alaska - Hiking - Yelp Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail 4.8 (73 reviews) Unclaimed Hiking, Lakes Open Open 24 hours See hours See all 289 photos Write a review Add photo Review Highlights At the trail start, there is a trail map, a place to sign in and boot cleaner. If you dont have the energy to keep going, this is a great place to have a quick snack and turn around. Check out our video from Kenai Fjords National Park including hiking the Harding Icefield Trail, seeing Exit Glacier, and going on a 7.5 hour boat ride. If you pace yourself and you are in reasonably good shape, you should have no physical problem hiking to the Icefield. We hiked to the cliffs, and it was magical! You are left with a sense of feeling slightly humbled by the sheer magnitude of ice in front of you and a sense of awe that stays with you on your trip down. Careless hikers who cut switchbacks, along with frequent summer rains, cause tremendous erosion. On Harding Icefield Trail In Alaska You'll Hike Next To An Immense Icefield The first section of the Harding Icefield Trail will take you up to Marmot Meadows. There will be a couple of more ascents in front of you but these are all relatively moderate, and youll even be treated to some downhill stretches too. Im Paula, a fitness athlete, and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! LENGTH: 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the trailhead it will be further from the parking lot ELEVATION GAIN: 3,200 ft ACCESSIBILITY: The Harding Icefield is very strenuous and steep in parts with uneven terrain. Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield Kenai Fjords National Park Description One of the best day hikes in Alaska! Discover this 13.8-km out-and-back trail near Seward, Alaska. W, Did you know that Alabama is home to over 4,200 ca. We like to carry our 3L Camelbak bladders while on any hike, which makes it easy to store a lot of water and drink while on the go. You may want to make use of the restrooms, located to the side of the building, before starting this day hike. We always recommend wearing hiking shoes when hitting the trail, as they have better grip for the terrain. DON'T GIVE UP! A little slush towards the top- but great! Saw some marmots! The view of the glacier is incredible and we even saw a mama bear with her 2 cubs. Even if it is raining, drive up to the nature center and check weather conditions at the trail. Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska: The Complete Hiking Guide Along the trail the vegetation is dense and passes dense pockets of salmonberries which is a favourite food for black bears. Youll start in the forest, then go through Marmot Meadows, reach the Top of the Cliffs Overlook (a good turnaround if you cant make it further), go through rugged, rocky terrain, and pass a shelter, before finally making it to the end. In addition to this, the stats are as follows: Read More: HOW TO HIKE EXIT GLACIER IN ALASKA. Amazing, amazing view. At about Mile 3 turn right onto Herman Leirer Road, also called Exit Glacier Road. Be sure to pull into the layby en route, for your first incredible roadside view of Exit Glacier. Quiet, but right in town close to attractions and restaurants. Stay on the trail. Rain gear including a jacket as weather is unpredictable. Crampons needed to get to past the meadows and hike to point one and beyond. Snow can remain on parts of this trail into the summer months and there can be the potential for an avalanche. But the views along the way of Exit Glaciers rolling crevasses will keep your spirits up. Poles are helpful. Harding Ice Field Trail 5 198 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park Hiking Trails Visit website Write a review What people are saying By Michelle " Views worth every step of the hike " Jul 2022 At the very top of the hike, there's an emergency shelter where you can sit and snack and take in the scenery, look a. Depending how far you follow the trail, you can walk to the end of the trail and back in 4-6, although the official estimate is 6-8 hours.

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