This 8.2 mile round trip hike is strenuous, but the breathtaking view of the icefield, is well worth the effort. Eventually, you come to the end of the maintained trail. There are unlimited ways of why hiking here is worth your time, but here are our 5 favorite reasons to hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. Exit Glacier from just outside the park. Hike to the massive Harding Icefield along one of Alaska’s most spectacular trails. As in all National Parks, and as we should everywhere, follow Leave No Trace principles. In fact, I’ve hiked all over the world and this hike still belongs in my top 5 with best hikes on the planet. Expect a vast, glittering snowfield, and an epic view of the mountains and glaciers that surround the Harding Icefield. We saw a Grizzly down by the glacier – thankfully well out of range of the trail and several other creatures over the course of the day. If you’re still not convinced, try this on for size: I’m talking about massive glacier views (you’ll be right up near Exit Glacier and see plenty of others in the distance as well), rolling green hills covered in mist, imposing rock cliffs, an endless icefield, and a remote wilderness shelter all thrown together in just a single day trek. The best map of the trail route that I’ve seen can be found @ NPMaps.com. Looking back, you can see the enormous glacial outflow plain where this past piedmont glacier once sprawled across 200 years ago. Description. Harding Icefield Hike: One of the best challenging hikes in Anchorage, and indeed, the whole of Alaska, the Harding Icefield trail takes you up past Exit Glacier to the permanent snowfield. Even if you do not hike the entire length of the trail, simply experiencing part of it allows for stunning views of the valley and Midway through the journey, transition from vast ocean coastline to otherworldly alpine scenery in Denali National Park. Hiking and travel guide to Alaska. It looks so gentle and lightly sloping with a few granite outcrops poking above the surface. After leaving the Harding Icefield, we continued south on smaller glaciers. Round-Trip: 8 miles. From cottonwood forests on the lower trail, the trek takes you through some rocky terrain, to green alpine meadows overlooking the blue, crevassed Exit Glacier, past mountain cascades up to a vista of the endless sea of ice that is the Harding Icefield. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel customized for comfort, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and take in a bounty of … Be sure you know what you are doing if venturing out on steep snow! Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s … Skirting the Harding Ice Field from the highway junction to Homer - July 2004. Harding Icefield Trail . This is one of the most stunning sections of trail I’ve ever seen. Harding Icefield Trail is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. Best Hikes in the Parks: Trail Maps. The trail gains about 1000' of elevation, so it is not a hard hike. How to Hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Harding Icefield Trail Hike. It is also partially located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Long before I reached the last marker post, the Harding Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier had earned a place as one of my top 5-day hikes ever. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. The terrain remained interesting throughout the route. Hike the 7.4 mile Harding Icefield Trail, up along side Exit Glacier to the place that glaciers are born in 700 square mile of ice called Harding Ice Field. It is named for United States President Warren G. Harding. I spend quite a bit of time hiking in the backcountry of Alaska to find gorgeous sights that few people ever see. Feel free to edit / quote / embed with credit and for editorial or commercial use, contact me. The forest slowly opens up as the trail steepens and you start some long switchbacks. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Skiing down the Grewingk was Sarah’s favorite part of the trip. Kenai Fjords lodging map. Be prepared and know your skill level, the glacier is heavily crevassed and dangerous! National Geographic Trails Illustrated - Kenai Fjords National Park Trail Map Maps & GPS; Download GPS Track; Description. The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. Trails for all walkers and hikers. Throughout the entire hike you have splendid views of Exit Glacier to your left. Go to the end. The vista is difficult to soak in. It may not be the easiest way to get up close views of Exit Glacier, but the 4.1 mile uphill route reveals stunning new sights of the glacier at every turn. This 8.2 mile round trip hike is strenuous, but the breathtaking view of the icefield, is well worth the effort. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. If you are coming up here in season and you could only do one hike, this is the one I'd pick. The rest of us can only begin to appreciate the magnitude of this immense geographic feature by air. The expanse of ice and snow seems endless. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. You'll gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours for this trip. Eielson Alpine Trail – Denali National Park Hiking. Hike the ‘Edge of the Glacier Trail’ or continue on longer to the ‘Harding Icefield Trail.’ No matter what you choose, you’ll be rewarded with delicious eye-candy for the entirety. Alpine flora takes a very long time to grow, so please stick to the trails. The Harding Icefield Trailhead is located on the right about 1/3 of mile along the Exit Glacier Paved Path. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. The 8.2-mile roundtrip hike to the Harding Icefield overlook is strenuous—you’ll gain about 1,000 feet of elevation with each of the four miles to the top. The Twin Bears Trail is a relatively easy day hike at mile 29.5 Chena Hot Springs Road. The icefield is a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered half of Alaska. Be sure to include the dates of your hike! Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. Keystone Canyon is a gorgeous 3-mile long canyon with enormous waterfalls and cliffsides near Valdez, Alaska. In any event, reaching the trailhead is simple enough not exactly in the middle of town. Soon you step out of the alder, willow, and cottonwood and find yourself surrounded by flowers and other tall plants. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. This hike left me amazed and full of gratitude. Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). 4. This strenuous trail leaves from the same trailhead as the Exit Glacier Trail. If you are particularly adventurous (and well-experienced), you can access the icefield from here. Make sure to keep an eye on the time! Throughout the entire hike you have splendid views of … The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. The Harding Icefield has been melting since the Wisconsin Ice Age, known locally as the Naptowne Glaciation. It’s an intense and strenuous trip but those who have enough stamina and don’t mind being sweaty for a while, will really enjoy this a lot. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area.Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. National Geographic Trails Illustrated - Kenai Fjords National Park Trail Map Maps & GPS; Download GPS Track; Description. Make sure you are dressed properly, as the weather on top is often different than in the Exit Glacier area below. Featured Holiday Options View All Options . Harding Icefield Trail. Continuing from the lower cliffs, it’s easy to understand why many stop their day here as you look on ahead at the switchbacks that lead up the cliffs above. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Often these crevasses are snowcovered, so there’s no indication of what you are walking over. Click the image to view a full size JPG (580 kb) or download the PDF (550 kb). If you’re visiting Kenai Fjords National park, you get to hang out in the great port town of Seward. There’s a reason there is a glacier here so be sure to come prepared! The Harding Icefield hike in Alaska easily makes our top 3 list of most memorable and wow-factor hikes. If you’re worried about taking this hike on yourself, there are guided treks available for a rather reasonable price from several local operators just outside the park. It may not be a technical climb (in summer season that is) but getting to the ice field is a serious undertaking just the same and the almost 4,000’ effective climb is rated as strenuous. As you make your way there, you won’t need to look at your map or anything else to know that you have arrived at the end of the line as you find yourself staring out at a landscape of ice. Trail length: From 1 – 4.2 miles round trip, out and back. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area. Harding Ice Field Trail: Harding Icefield Hike - See 190 traveler reviews, 281 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. For additional trail information including safety, maps and open seasons, learn more HERE. If you’re visiting Kenai Fjords National park, you get to hang out in the great port town of Seward. Read More. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. That will give you enough time to hike to the end of the trail and back, plus have time for photos and an hour to have lunch and enjoy the view at the top. And then you get to the top where you will see the incredible Harding Icefield. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Today the 700 square feet of ice and snow is dotted with glacial islands of exposed parts of mountains known as “nunataks”. When you’re in glacial country, nothing is ever simple and the park service suggests 6-8 hours for this adventure though you can go a shorter way up the trail for a killer view of Exit Glacier too! Late July, I had to cross some snowfields, but the path was obvious and flagged with orange markers through the snow. Your American dream starts here. It was worth a pause to get out of the rain. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s edge, and mountains fill the frame in every direction. You may also find yourself crossing snow & ice for much of the upper trail so be sure to check with the rangers about the need for microspikes and / or crampons before heading out! Words cannot describe it. Description for a few backcountry hikes possible near the Worthington Glacier starting at 2-miles and up. I may earn commissions if you shop through the affiliate links on this page. It looks so gentle and lightly sloping with a … This is a Harding Icefield Trail map, showing the route up to the Harding Icefield from the Exit Glacier area and visitor center. The trail affords several excellent views of the glacier itself. However, the walk down to get a closer look at the ice is worth it. We planned to exit on the Grewingk Glacier, which would provide an easy summer trail to access Kachemak Bay and a boat ride to Homer. The trail begins as a flat easy stroll through the trees, then climbs up a slope which gives a spectacular view of the valley below and the surround mountains. Get yourself in shape before going so you can make it if that's what it takes. These guides will remain free for reading. Going the distance to the end of the established trail is incredible but really there are a thousand views along the way to take in. Description: This map shows Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. For my hike, which started out on a nice day with just light rain, that meant snow by the top as you can see in the photos! The Harding Icefield Trail is easily one of the most stunning and photogenic hikes I’ve ever done. One of the most popular glaciers in Alaska, Mendenhall sits just 12 miles outside of Juneau.The West Glacier Trail, a roughly four-mile jaunt, is the easiest way to get there. Here you’ll find a ranger station with updated trail and area conditions, restrooms, potable water, and a few basic supplies in the bookstore. The hike starts from the foot of Exit Glacier just outside Seward and takes you to the top of the enormous Harding Icefield. My income comes partly from affiliate links on these pages and from photographic print sales. Hiking to the Exit Glacier View at the Bottom of the Cliffs. The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a few small cascades. Even though the stats of the trail are not impressive, the scenery cannnot be beat, don't miss this one, but like all places in Alaska this is bear country. Kenai Fjords lodging map. Be sure to check other restrictions with the National Park Service before your trip! By Robert Earle Howells. I highly recommend this trail for anyone that is suitably fit and has some experience hiking and navigating. The hike starts from the foot of Exit Glacier just outside Seward and takes you to the top of the enormous Harding Icefield. The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. (If you’re looking for something a little tamer, these are some great walks and may only take a few hours to explore). Green meadows give way to rocky alpine terrain. 1 Minute Read. At 1.4 miles, the trail really begins to break free of the treeline and opens up into a stunning meadow area with rolling hills ahead and towering cliffs further above. The hike was certainly a challenge, but I'm glad a stuck with it and did the whole trail. Yet the trail is very well-traveled and flagged. From cottonwood forests on the lower trail, the trek takes you through some rocky terrain, to green alpine meadows overlooking the blue, crevassed Exit Glacier, past mountain cascades up to a vista of the endless sea of ice that is the Harding Icefield. Mostly vertical, it can be a real A** whupper, but ohhhhh, the reward is sooooo worth it. This is remote terrain with regular wildlife encounters (bears most certainly included) across a steep trail possibly with ice, snow, or water crossings. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. When to Go: July to September. Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Depending on the time of year, you may be crossing some snowfields. Alaska wildflower guide with many photos and galleries of photos with identifying information, nomenclature and taxonomy, uses, and links to more references. How to shoot the northern lights, how to edit photos in post-processing with a focus on FOSS software programs. I do not recommend it as one of your first hikes without someone experienced. You'll feel like you're on the top of the world! The Kenai Peninsula tends to be wet, so definitely be prepared to deal with rain (or snow). Harding Icefield Trail is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. You can check out my other photos and galleries here! You’ll cross muddy fields, traverse some narrow and exposed hillsides, and near the end pass over a few washed out points. The glacier ends in a narrow ravine, and melting water from the glacier forms a beautiful braided river that flows from the ravine across the valley floor. The Harding Icefield is an expansive icefield located in the Kenai Mountains of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. There is a short interpretive talk at 12pm and ranger-led walks daily at 10am, 2pm and 4pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day on the Lower Trail, as well as a longer guided hike to the Harding Icefield (gaining 3,500 ft in 4.1 miles) takes place at 9am on Saturdays in July and August. This is the log of a ten day trip down the Kenai Peninsula. However, it’s not the best maintained trail, so going with a guide could save you from getting lost (bonus: they’ll have all the tools you’ll need to hike safely on the glacier and know where the best ice caves are). The Harding Icefield, pictured Saturday, July 2, 2016, spans 700 square miles and feeds over 30 glaciers, including Exit Glacier, according to the National Park Service. Parking is limited so consider carpooling in and be sure to stock up on snacks and hiking essentials before you head to the park (likely in Anchorage.). These links help support this website and keeps the content free. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/harding-ice-field-trail People do hike up to the icefield, and a few adventures ones even continue across. Check out the Resurrection River Trail at Mile 7 of Exit Glacier Road. The overall profile is around 1,000′ / mile over rough terrain including plenty of large and often slick rocks. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. Twin Bears Trails . The hike begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. National Park Service Ranger-led walks are available as well as a guiding service through Exit Glacier Guides. Harding Icefield lies near the top of this shot! The flora shrinks the higher you climb until there’s nothing but alpine meadows, towering mountains, waterfalls, and a behemoth of a blue and white glacier below you. Copyright 2020 Traveler Ted. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. It became a national park in 1980 to preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife and historical and archeological remains, and to provide visitor access. Hike to hidden backcountry lakes and high ridgelines where, on clear days, Denali can be seen in all its majestic grandeur. The Harding Icefield hike in Alaska easily makes our top 3 list of most memorable and wow-factor hikes. Above the Harding Icefield. Beyond the incredible glacier views, the hills you will be hiking are rather amazing to look at too and on a clear day, you’ll also be able to see plenty of other glaciers on neighboring mountains. In late July, I’ve had to cross about a half-mile in snowfields. The Harding Icefield hike is a must-do hike in Kenai Mountains. The trail starts at the boardwalk at the rear of the Nature Center--turn to the left and you can view the glacier up close and personal on the Edge of the Glacier trail. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. This edition of Iconic Hikes features one of the only maintained trails within Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield Trail. Ascending the rocky (or snowy) slopes, the trail is mostly defined but does occasionally split as the ever-changing terrain has forced people to forge new routes around eroding surfaces You’re not likely to get lost on a clear day but paying attention to the terrain ahead will help you avoid sketchier sections and minimize impact by sticking to the developed paths (always stay off vegetation and avoid short-cutting switchbacks which damages the trail and environment.). Tempting as it is, I strongly suggest staying off the ice unless you are experienced in (and ready for) glacial travel – and again, respect the fragile environment you are in! The 7.4-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Numerous long and spectacular glaciers descend from the crests of those mountains. All Rights Reserved - Copyright Lee Petersen 2020, Intro To Darktable 1 – My Lightable Workflow, Arctic sweet coltsfoot – Petasites frigidus, Review: Gregory Alpinisto Pack (35 and 50). All-Day Hike: The Harding Icefield Trail is strenuous! Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. There are plenty of paths around to different viewpoints in the rocky hills above the Harding Icefield as well as a few trails down to its edge. The best map of the trail route that I’ve seen can be found @ NPMaps.com. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Click on the picture for a map of our route. Alaska Guided Walking Holiday . The 8.2 mile out-and-back route carries visitors through the upper alpine areas of the park to viewpoints of the vast Harding Icefield. There is a trail shelter high up for emergency use only. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, you need not hike all the way to the top to experience the wonders of this trail. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. You can’t camp there. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. Expect to cross over plenty of water along the last mile of the trail as you get closer to the melting snowpack above (waterproof boots or shoes are a serious help on this trail.). The rest of us can only begin to appreciate the magnitude of this immense geographic feature by air. You'll gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours for this trip. My foot punched through into water a few times. Full FTC Disclosure. Map and descriptions for numerous trails near the entrance and Visitor Center to Denali National Park. By this point, you may be in an entirely different climate than the trailhead now almost a mile below. And then you get to the top where you will see the incredible Harding Icefield… Read More. Starting on the valley floor, the trail meanders through alder … We hiked this trail around the end of July in 2020 and here is a guide of what you need to know before diving into this epic adventure. Thank you for your support! Back to Alaska Guide Alaska Guide – Hiking, If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi. Map to travel and hiking locations around Alaska. Thankfully, the views continue all around you so it’s easy to find a consistent excuse to take breathers as you pause to snap photos of it all. There are numerous hiking trails in the area. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. As you climb the hill to reach it, your feet will be happy to know that the best icefield views are just a few minutes above. Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. The National Park Service’s Official Trail Page, Facilities: Restrooms, water, ranger station at the TH, Cost: $20 to enter the park or an NPS annual pass. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Lucky you! For physically fit hikers, a strenuous four-mile trail parallels the glacier’s north edge on a 3,000-foot ascent to the ice field, offering spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains along the way. Tempting as it is to stop here, it’s well worth moving on just a little further (though also all up hill) to the start of the cliff switchbacks and an incredible view down on Exit Glacier just below you. Geography. Get directions, reviews and information for Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail Map PDF Access to the Harding Icefield is exceptional in comparison to other large icefields. Overview. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, you need not hike all the way to the top to experience the wonders of this trail. Above the Harding Icefield. The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. Early in the season, there may be avalanche risk. Though the elevation profile is not always even, each of these sections is right around 2 miles so it breaks the day up nicely for objectives. Look back in time, when viewing the expanse of the Harding Icefield. NPS Photo / F. North. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Snow persists into mid-summer at the higher elevations. The scenery is incredible as you hike up the mountain and get increasingly better views of the glacier and the Kenai Mountains. Looking out into Harding Icefield (9571134014).jpg 4,000 × 3,000; 2.44 MB Northwestern Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park.jpg 3,456 × 2,304; 7.35 MB NPS kenai-fjords-harding-icefield-trail-map.pdf 1,275 × … For those up for the challenge, the reward is well worth it. Starting on the Glacier Overlook Trail. Near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers and fjords stemming from it. Hiking beyond the shelter, the trail (if it’s not all snow) splits in a variety of paths though most lead up to the hill ahead. Well, the former base, the glacier has been progressively receding and first few minutes of walking will take you past a number of markers pointing out where the glacier use to reach not so long ago. Maps, photos, and information. By this point, you’ll have a continuous view of the glacier from just about any high point and it’s fascinating to look out as the ice transforms from well crevassed towards the more stable field above. I usually don’t love out-and-back hikes, but I can say I looked forward to the return trip, not just because it was downhill. Other articles where Harding Icefield is discussed: Alaskan mountains: Physiography of the southern ranges: …resulting in the Sargent and Harding ice fields in the Kenai Mountains (on the Kenai Peninsula) and the Bagley Ice Field in the eastern Chugach Mountains. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. This 8.2 mile round trip hike takes you through alder forests, fields of fireweed, and alpine terrain, finishing at the top of the Harding Icefield; the second largest icefield in North America, where it's all blue ice as far as the eye can see. Answer 1 of 12: Would anyone know if the rangers will be doing a guided hike up the Harding Icefield on Saturday, September 1? Click the image to view a full size JPG (580 kb) or download the PDF (550 kb). Because of the heavy traffic in this area, walking or camping on vegetation is devastating. The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. That may not mean much if this is your first time visiting my blog but after climbing glacier filled slopes on Mount Rainier, exploring the floor of the Grand Canyon, and ascending the cables to the top of Yosemite’s Half Dome, I may not have been everywhere, but I’ve seen enough to know an amazing hike when I’m on one. There are no trash receptacles or outhouses along the trail, so be prepared to pack everything out or dig a cat hole at least 100 feet from the trail or water source for human waste. My focus in photography is mainly landscape and wildlife. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. A trail shelter sits atop an outcropping. In the far north, the wilds of Alaska are home to black bears, moose and caribou while the Harding Icefield Trail delivers spectacular views of an enormous glacier. While doing the entire hike of 8.2-miles up to the icefield is sure to be unforgettable, even a shorter hike affords amazing views of the valley below and Exit Glacier’s terminus. The best map of the trail route that I’ve seen can be found @ NPMaps.com. Hiking to the Exit Glacier View at the Bottom of the Cliffs. Tutorials on general and auorora photography. Harding Icefield Trail Hike. Each location has a link to a guide on that spot with more detail and things to do or see. Watch the Alaskan wilderness awaken on this 6-hour morning cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Mostly in the Fairbanks and interior region of Alaska, but always expanding to new areas! While there is plenty more to see going on ahead, this is not a trail where you must top out to get a view. Adding the Harding Icefield Trail. Lucky you! We started at the highway junction where the highway to Seward branches off from the one to Homer. Push yourself to do it. Looking towards the Harding Icefield from the Exit Glacier Harding Icefield hiking trail. Map of Harding Icefield Trail (red) and Exit Glacier trails (blue) – map disclaimer and information. The views are pleasant up to the second lookout point, where you start to get a better view of Exit Glacier, but it's at the end of the trail, where you can see the endless expanse of the Harding Ice Field, and it … Though the trail is mostly dirt, rock, or potentially snow, you’ll start out on the paved Exit Glacier path just beyond the Nature Center. It’s seriously Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones fantasy level stuff and if that’s not enough still, just check out the photos below. While it’s not a large structure, it does offer an interesting perspective in the otherwise in-human environment around. The 7.4-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Fireweed and lupins blooming along the trail. At its peak, some 23,000 years ago, it completely covered the Kenai Peninsula except for a few big nunataks, the Caribou Hills, a small patch on the Tustumena benchlands, and the area around Big Indian Creek in the northwestern Kenai Mountains. While it helps to be in shape and have strong legs and endurance, I rate the trail moderate in difficulty because it’s only 3.7 miles (6 km) of climbing and is very well maintained. All-Day Run: The Harding Icefield Trail is strenuous! With such incredible views, the trail can get moderately busy and as I took my break / photo stop along the cliffs, I ran into several groups who had decided to make that point their stopping spot. The chance of seeing bear, dall sheep, mountain goats, and eagles is extremely high. Early in the season, about half of the trail is covered in snow, but hikers with … Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail you’ll be transported to another time. The Harding Icefield Trail starts at the base of Exit Glacier. People do hike up to the icefield, and a few adventures ones even continue across. This is the turn-around. If you have recently hiked the Harding Icefield Trail, please feel free to leave info about the conditions in the comments below. The trail itself is only 3.8 miles out, but you'll need to access it via the Exit Glacier Paved Path, which adds to the overall distance.Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier area as … As you top out from the cliff overlook (another main great break point if you want to push a little further), the trail cuts further into the hill and away from the glacier. The Harding Icefield is over 700 square miles (1813 km 2) in its entirety (although, if one were to count its glaciers which descend from the icefield in all directions, the icefield measures in at over 1,100 square miles (2,849 km 2) The icefield spawns up to 40 glaciers of all types. But, since it had been raining all day, I was already soaked. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. Even though I would allow for an entire day for the Harding Icefield Trail, it wasn’t difficult to add the Glacier Overlook Trail, which only added a mile out-and-back. Explore the most popular trails in Kenai Fjords National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. OVERVIEW: The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile, 5-hour hike round trip with a 3,150-foot elevation gain.Hiking conditions are best from June to September. If you have time after returning, it’s well worth the quick jaunt out to see the terminus up close. Popular Charitable Galleries Abstract Landscapes Wildlife Glaciers Aurora Forest Water, All material Copyright Lee Petersen 2010-2020 For usage please contact me at lee@lwpetersen.com 603-748-1057, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. A steep, four-mile trail leads from the ranger station at Exit Glacier up to the edge of the icefield, affording visitors with a spectacular view and skilled mountaineers with ready access to the ice. Camping is permitted along the trail only 1/8 mile from the trail on bare ground, not on vegetation! Necessary warning: While Exit Glacier & the Harding Icefield Trail may just be a “day hike,” it’s nothing to take lightly. It can snow any time of the year, and the local climate is typically very wet. As an avid hiker, I can truly recommend the hike up to Harding Icefield.