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Harding Icefield Trail
A full-day hike, this out-and-back trail climbs to expansive views of the icefield.
Plan Around Harding Icefield Trail
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Harding Icefield Trail Details
The Harding Icefield Trail is a challenging but rewarding undertaking, so give yourself a full day to accomplish this out-and-back 8.2 mile roundtrip hike. Starting at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, follow the wheelchair-accessible path as far as the trail-side kiosk. The Harding Icefield Trail officially starts here, climbing through cottonwoods and alder. Just 0.8 miles after the kiosk, you'll reach a bridge, and another 0.6 miles further you'll come to Marmot Meadows. Continue through these heather-carpeted meadows to the bottom of the cliffs and start climbing, gaining elevation and passing above the tree line, finally leveling off at the Top of the Cliffs Overlook. A mile and a half spent mostly traversing the ridge will bring you to an emergency shelter and, less than a quarter of a mile further, the end of the trail. Take in the uninterrupted views of the massive icefield, speckled with nunataks - island-like granite peaks emerging from the ice. Then head back down the way you came, carefully re-tracing your steps on the way down. Bring plenty of water, food, extra layers of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking shoes. Inquire about trail conditions ahead of time. If you choose to do an overnight hike on the Harding Icefield Trail, select a campsite out of site of the trail and on a durable surface (rock or snow). Camping is prohibited within 1/8 mile of the trail.
Difficulty
High
Distance
8.2 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Harding Icefield Trail
Compare nearby parks around Harding Icefield Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Harding Icefield Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Harding Icefield Trail while the map context is still fresh.
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Edge of the Glacier Trail
This moderate trail gets you close to the blue face of Exit Glacier.
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Glacier View Trail
This one-mile loop trail offers breathtaking views of Exit Glacier.
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Outwash Plain to the Toe Trail
Although it's a short distance, the hike to the toe of Exit Glacier involves crossing the glacial outwash plain without a distinct trail.
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Exit Glacier Nature Center
The Exit Glacier Nature Center is located close to Exit Glacier and offers visitors expansive information on the park.
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Kenai Fjords National Park
Glaciers, icefields and fjords form the majestic tapestry of Kenai Fjords National Park, located on the Kenai Peninsula of southern Alaska.
