Seward, Alaska
Harding Icefield Trail
Climb beside Exit Glacier to a 700-square-mile sea of ice.
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Length
- 8.2 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 3,500 ft
- Duration
- 6–8
- Best Season
- Late Jun–Sep
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Glacier overlook, Bear country
About the trail
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park climbs from cottonwood forest, through heather meadows, to a barren overlook of one of the largest icefields in North America. The Harding Icefield feeds 38 glaciers and covers 700 square miles. Marmots and black bears are common; carry bear spray and make noise.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 60.1880, -149.6330Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Drive 8.4 miles up the Exit Glacier Road from Seward.
- Park at the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
- Follow signs for the Harding Icefield Trail.
- Climb steadily through forest, then meadows, then rock.
- Reach the icefield overlook at 4.1 miles.
Parking
Exit Glacier Nature Center. Free.
Tips from the trail
- Bear spray is mandatory — rentals available in Seward.
- Snowfields linger across the trail into late July; bring microspikes.
- The emergency shelter near the top is for emergencies only.