harding icefield trailhead

I had to look for a while until I finally find it. 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. Oftentimes the marmots see you before you see them and youll know they spotted you when you hear their loud, cute shrieks. Starting on the valley floor, the trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest as well as heather-filled meadows. This hike is 100% in my top 3! Looked like maybe one person had snowshoed further. Epic hike and the view from the ice field overlook was incredible. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There are restrooms available by the parking lot and Nature Center. Here you will be able to visit the nature center, fill your empty bottles and even use flush toilets. Some sightings of a black bear sow and two cubs :). There are plenty of great accommodation options here for every taste and budget, and here are my top recommendations: This B&B is one of the best situated and most scenic in Seward. 3/4 of glacier was opened. The Harding Icefield Trail is located in Kenai Fjords National Park and starts behind the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, the only place you can drive to in the park. Trail. After leaving the parking lot in the Exit Glacier area of the park, youll follow the Glacier View Loop trail and Glacier Overlook trail for about 0.4 miles before turning right onto the actual Harding Icefield trail. If there is snow, there will be some orange flags in the ground guiding you through these areas. Well worth the snow trek. Either way. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. From this point the scenery really starts to change. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { What to See. All Rights Reserved. Raining and foggy the day I hiked. Turn right/north. Rangers are on hand if you need advice re trail elevation gain. From here, youll get another stunning view of Exit Glacier and the valley below which makes it the perfect rest stop. Fairytale views with a rainbow. Guided ice hiking trip into Exit Glacier with Mia from Exit Glacier Guides. For more information, please see, Mount Marathon via Skyline and Mount Marathon Loop. Note: No overnight camping allowed. 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. The s hiny blue glaciers and the breathtaking sights are . Driving . Your view will be blocked by the trees and you have to hike for nearly a mile before a clearing provides your first view. At the Harding Icefield, we had a lot of wind, mist, and some fog, which meant that our views of the icefield werent as clear as we had hoped, but we could still see quite a bit. Have you visited Alaska before? 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! Its important to check the parks website or contact rangers for up-to-date information before planning a hike. Bit muddy, relatively easy to do all the way until Top of the Cliffs. 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. Avalanche hazards can exist in late spring and early summer as well. Hiking to point one was marked pretty well and doable with crampons. We hiked the trail on the 29th June and while we enjoyed blue cloudless skies, the high temperatures made the climb hard going. We're visiting our fin, read our guide with all of the best things to do, The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Alaskas Kenai Fjords National Park, Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Things to know before visiting the Harding Icefield Trail, What to Bring with you to the Harding Icefield Trail, What to expect on the Harding Icefield Trail, ULTIMATE guide to visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. The amazing views require some effort the hike is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain. This portion of the hike is relatively flat so you don't have to worry about additional elevation gain. However, after youve got past this part youll be greeted with your first view of the Exit Glacier. If youre driving your own car then youll park in the parking lot in front of the Nature Center. The mountain peaks protruding from the surface of the icefield are called nunataks. I urge you to use all available resources to educate yourself on Please respect their hard work by sticking to the trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and free. However, if youve got it in you then I definitely recommend continuing to the end of the trail! A little muddy, crampons were nice for snow as you're coming down. 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. By using this site you accept the risk and sole responsibility for your safety From the very beginning you start climbing and basically dont stop as you gain 3,000 feet elevation over 4 miles. At some points of your hike, you may lose track of your trail especially if you are hiking on snow terrain in order to not get lost (like I did a few times) make sure you follow the orange flags to ensure that you stay on the designated trail. You can see how far you have already climbed from the car park, and dont have far to go. The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. But for this specific area, we have a few items we really want to stress bringing with you. Top Tip: Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid not being able to park. Poles are helpful. Even in late July, we encountered a couple small patches of snow along the trail, but it wasnt hard to cross. Create Recommended Route or Great conditions to Marmot meadows and overlook of the glacier. It can be quite daunting, but keep telling yourself that the reward will be worth it. Warning: Traveling in Alaska's backcountry can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury June 24, 2023 lots of snow still at the top. July to September; expect snow at higher elevations as well as extremely windy and cold conditions (especially in September). Top portion of trail to cliffs is all snow. To reach the Exit Glacier Area from Seward youll see a clear sign indicating the turnoff from Seward Highway AK-9, which is located at around mile 3. I imagine the views being amazing, if there was better weather. We made it to the viewpoint before Harding Icefield shelter (there was avalanche risk up above there. Great views! We always carry our Garmin inReach Mini when we hike or backpack and it has come in handy several times on our adventures, mostly to text family (not for SOS reasons thankfully)! However, we found the official end of the trail to be a little confusing. Some sightings of a black bear sow and two cubs :). This hike to overlooks of the icefield is one of the big goal hikes in Southcentral Alaska, and such a worthy goal that . Bring waterproof hiking boots, and if youre not too sure footed, poles will be helpful for the way down with the snowy slush. In this guide were sharing everything you need to know and what to expect on this bucket list hike!Kenai Fjords National Park was hands down our favorite national park out of the three we visited in Alaska and a big reason why was the Harding Icefield. Some animals might even cross the road right in front of you so just be cautious. Heading out the door? Another hiker saw an avalanche and was a bit shaken when we met her on her descent. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Although we didnt have an issue with mosquitos during our visit, in order to not have a miserable time swatting mosquitoes all day make sure to bring bug spray with DEET! Just take your time and enjoy the epic scenery. At the trail start, there is a trail map, a place to sign in and boot cleaner. It can be sunny and pleasant at the bottom of the trail and a complete whiteout at the top. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. To see everything we take hiking, check out our hiking gear as well as our guide about how to make a 10 essentials kit. Hiked up in a steady light rain, so the trail was pretty wet. The Best First Backpacking Trips in the US, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Tricorner Loop, America's Best National Park Backcountry Campsites. Lastly, you will traverse along the hillside and descend to get right next to the Harding Icefield itself. The view is amazing ofc!! living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices. If youre planning to visit and hike the Harding Icefield Trail then the best place to stay is in Seward! forms: { This post covers everything you need to know before tackling the Harding Icefield hike, including trail conditions and different viewpoints along the route. You may want to make use of the restrooms, located to the side of the building, before starting this day hike. TRAILS June 18, 2022 By Lisa Maloney. 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. Incredibly well maintained trails with friendly rangers. Snow can remain on parts of this trail into the summer months and there can be the potential for an avalanche. https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. 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. Plenty of nourishing food & snacks & an odor-free zipped bag to contain your rubbish. Slippery snow by afternoon at the bottom of the cliffs up to the top of the cliffs and slightly beyond. Incredible!! 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. Went as far as Top Of the Cliffs overlook. What a reward though! Black bears are spotted almost everyday from the trail. on: function(evt, cb) { If you dont have the energy to keep going, this is a great place to have a quick snack and turn around. Sunscreen and a hat will be very helpful! Pack your rain jacket! If youre visiting Alaska then I strongly recommend that you add the Harding Icefield Trail to your itinerary! Amazing, amazing view. We have the Black Diamond Equipment Distance Z poles and highly recommend them! Small NPS emergency shelter cabin. Keep your eyes open! Theres also the Alaska Geographic bookstore that you can check out! Careless hikers who cut switchbacks, along with frequent summer rains, cause tremendous erosion. The trail will eventually start to flatten out a bit, which was a nice break from the climbing, and after a little under 1.5 miles from Top of the Cliffs, youll encounter an emergency shelter. If you're visiting Exit Glacier, take the trail to the top and enjoy this beautiful hike! When is the best time to hike the Harding Icefield Trail? } Info Alerts 6 Maps Calendar Fees Alerts In Effect Park Closures Toe of Exit Glacier, Ice Fall Hazard Zone An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice. Small dirt ridge offers route to ascend around corner, Possible campsite (out of sight from trail) for two tents on flat gravel platforms; good views too. A little slush towards the top- but great! However, if youd prefer to take your time and camp then you absolutely can! The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Since this hike gains quite a bit of elevation, the temperature gets a lot cooler as you hike up, so youll want to pack layers and a rain jacket! Every bead of sweat lost is worth it for the breathtaking sweeping views over a corner of the mammoth Harding Icefield, 700 square miles in its entirety. I don't think anyone has made it to the shelter this year yet. Wed recommend watching this video that explains how to use bear spray, if you arent familiar. Early on it is wet and muddy. MI 0.23. Activity Front-Country Hiking Pets Allowed No Activity Fee No Location Exit Glacier Area Reservations No Season Summer, Fall Some muddy spots, but easily passable. On arrival, pop into the nature center to check up to date trail conditions. The other option is to take a taxi. This area is much more open, with gorgeous views of the Exit Glacier, as well as the valley and other mountains behind you. Dont need data. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 51 min to complete. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Trail opens to views of Harding Icefield, a near-blinding spread of bowl-shaped glacial cirques covering half the park . At mile 3.9 you reach an emergency shelter which can be used in case of inclement weather and is not for overnight use. The Exit Glacier Nature Center has parking for both cars and RVs, although we wouldnt suggest bringing a Class A RV to this parking lot. There was still snow on some of the top sections and we made it to the cliffs, even though we didnt have microspikes or crampons. If you're a shutterbug, the angle of the sun coming across the Icefield can really ruin the shot. When you get there you have an amazing view of the glacier. 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. Went as far as Top of Cliffs. This is just a one room wood cabin that can shield people from the elements if it gets nasty out. As we stood there admiring what we could see, we felt like a tiny speck in the universe. Saw some marmots! This trail will take you down to the Exit Glacier and is primarily used by tour operators for ice hiking excursions. Trail is not visible beyond Marmot Meadow. We turned around shortly before Top of Cliffs due to conditions- it was passible, but difficult and risky. Your email address will not be published. Common sightings include marmots, mountain goats and black bears. On the way back though, it was mega foggy and also rainy, so we really lucked out by starting when we did! Foggy with rain at times but ice field is stunning. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure. DON'T GIVE UP! If you decide to spend some time here, you might even notice the very slow movement of ice, slowly approaching the edges of the icefield and pouring from one of over 30 glaciers. If you plan to visit the Harding Icefield Trail, it is recommended to do so during the summer months when the trail is open and accessible by car. The reason is because of the quick altitude gaining of approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. The Harding Icefield is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Alaska and is a must for any bucket list! . Download the app. Harding Icefield feeds nearly 40 glaciers, including Exit Glacier. June 24, 2023 lots of snow still at the top. Trail is not visible beyond Marmot Meadow. 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. Made it to the Top of the Cliffs where we saw bear with two cubs. After the hike, head down to the terminus for up close views of the glacier. Harding Icefield Trail Hike This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. The Harding Icefield Trail can be done as a full-day hike and many people choose to complete it this way. For more information, please see, Mount Marathon via Skyline and Mount Marathon Loop. The upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July and there may be avalanche danger. Watch for wildlife throughout your hike, as bears, mountain goats, hoary marmots, and others, have all been seen from the trail. Went as far as Top Of the Cliffs overlook. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears. This is the most comprehensive guide you will find on the internet about how to visit and hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Fabulous trail and amazing time on the ice!!! This challenging day hike rewards you with an overlook of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, the source of 38 named glaciers, including Exit and the tidewater glaciers on the Kenai Fjords outer coast. As you continue along the main trail youll see an unmarked trail that heads to the left of the signpost. Where else can you stand and look at ice that spans 700 miles and goes 4,000 feet deep? The Icefield, especially if it's windy, can be winter like, even if the temperature is warm down at the terminus. HGL007. Many people choose to head back once theyve reached the Top of the Cliffs viewpoint as youll naturally be feeling pretty tired by this point. I consider this trail is one of the hardest hikes in the world. Few snow sections doable in boots w/o spikes. Views of Exit Glacier and the ice field (at the top) are breathtaking. After roughly 0.5 mile you will reach the Bottom of the Cliffs and the start of the switchbacks up the cliffs. The last 1/4 past Top is closed, but folks went :) The trail starts to become rockier and steep, narrowing between boulders. With the gloomy weather, rugged rocks, and endless view of ice, it felt like we were on another planet! Go towards Exit Glacier for around 0.5 km until you find the Harding Icefield Trailhead on your right. There are many deep crevasses that are covered with snow. Beautiful! . If you fall in, it was nice knowing you. 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 views improve further as you progress. The trail is busy enough so theres no worry about encountering a bear. Unlike the Exit Glacier Hike, this trail isnt suitable for everyone as its incredibly strenuous. If you continue to the trail end, you are still climbing but not as steeply. . If you pace yourself and you are in reasonably good shape, you should have no physical problem hiking to the Icefield. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Your adventure will begin at Exit Glacier car park. From the parking lot to the start of the trail is 0.3 miles, along a flat and easy paved path. The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. Few snow sections doable in boots w/o spikes. I made it to the top of the cliffs (point 1 on map), and the rock formations (point 2) and a little beyond. They are very serious about this rule! We got misted on and rained on during this hike, so make sure to bring a rain jacket! Early on it is wet and muddy. 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. Trail description: The Harding Icefield, a massive sea of ice stretching to the horizon, is the destination of this amazingly diverse trail. Summer months provide long daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 51 min to complete. Epic hike and the view from the ice field overlook was incredible. Junction with Harding Icefield Trail. Do you feel ready to explore Harding Icefield? Wet, muddy and snow in some parts-worth it! While the Harding Icefield was challenging, it is unlike any trail we have ever hiked and was one of our most memorable experiences in Alaska, which says a lot, because our time in the state was filled with many amazing moments! 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 trail follows Exit Glacier to the south while it makes it's way up . Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Great views! each other! As you continue hiking along the Harding Icefield Trail youll still be ascending but the trail isnt as steep after the Top of the Cliffs viewpoint. ! I came here at the end of September, and the Nature Center was already closed for the season so I couldnt go in. Required fields are marked *. When you get there you have an amazing view of the glacier. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile. The scenery is incredible as you hike up the mountain and get increasingly better views of the glacier and the Kenai Mountains. 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. Trail Details: Trail surface: paved concrete, gravel, a natural surface (dirt, rocks); Average trail width: 3 feet; Estimated average grade category: mostly gentle (5% or less) with steeper sections at about 0.6-1.3 miles when going counterclockwise. If you are visiting the area, I would put this at the top of my list - no kidding! You will now get your first view of Exit Glacier as the trees thin. Beautiful sunny morning. Many people choose to pop in here first to learn about the icefield and glaciers, and to get a grasp of the areas history. On our hike back the weather had turned on us and it was really windy and rainy, so we had our lunch in the shelter with a few others. Forming a 3,000 feet natural ramp for mountaineers exiting the immense Harding Glacier, the hard crevassed and fluted Exit Glacier ice, can be seen on theGlacier Overlook Trail. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Make sure to carry bear spray while in the park! Just before the sign for Harding Icefield, the trail becomes the Glacier Overlook Trail. This makes the total roundtrip distance of the hike 8.8 miles. Snow can often still be found on the trail until late-June to early-July. Incredibly well maintained trails with friendly rangers. Absolutely gorgeous and well worth it, even with all the fog! 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. Mostly vertical, it can be a real A** whupper, but ohhhhh, the reward is sooooo worth it. If you get in an emergency youll need a satellite communicator. PRO-TIP: The weather is very unpredictable and can change quickly so make sure you wear plenty of layers and pack warm clothes! The Harding Icefield Trailhead is located on the right about 1/3 of mile along the Exit Glacier Paved Path. The bonus however of this strenuous climb is stunning views. Where Can I Check Harding Icefield Trail Weather Conditions? The landscape is barren and seems otherworldly and at times it kind of looked like we were at a volcano with lava rock. The alpine vegetation is very fragile. We made it to the viewpoint before Harding Icefield shelter (there was avalanche risk up above there. Located in Seward, Alaska, this trail takes you parallel to the stunning ice field, while showcasing beautiful views of the area around you. As of mid-June trail was still covered in snow above the meadows. Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. From the trailhead sign, youll hike through bush and trees for around a mile before the area starts to open up. During this time, the area is inaccessible by car and the trail is covered with snow and ice, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to hike. Poles are helpful. We feel like we can run on the ice without slipping! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This hike is 100% in my top 3! ), Watched a rockslide right above the cliffs. Quite slippery in some spots near the top of the cliffs, but manageable without anything extra. We were able to hike a bit through the snow past the end of the trail to get a better view. Top portion of trail to cliffs is all snow. Read More: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary, Read More: 30 Amazing Things to do in Seward, Alaska.

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