Exit Glacier

Name: Exit Glacier
Rating: 9.9

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The Exit Glacier Hike is a beautiful trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. This trail is easy, mostly paved and very popular, and once you reach an amazing viewpoint overlooking the Exit Glacier, you will understand why. This place is truly magical and the massive glacier, that is pouring from Harding Icefield, looks magnificent.

Route Description for Exit Glacier

The Exit Glacier hike, being one of the easiest accessible glaciers around Anchorage, attract lots of tourists, so the main thing you need to be aware of is crowds.

Arriving at the car park either very early or later in the day improves your chances of finding a parking space, so plan to arrive early or around dinner time. Even better, spend the night in the Exit Glacier campground which is nearby so you can get an early or late start.

Leave all your worries behind, as there are lots of facilities near the trailhead: starting with flush toilets, ranger station, even fresh water to fill your empty bottles. Make your way towards the glacier on a paved wide trail.

After around 0.5 km the paved path will end near the shelter with interpretive displays about glaciers and local wildlife. There are three loops to explore, but if you only want to see the glacier, without wandering take the path straight and follow the signage. It’s hard to get lost as you will see the glacier quite soon.

The glacier itself is huge. Sadly, it’s been retreating rapidly because of global warming, so don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

Take the same route back to return to the trailhead.

Find other amazing hikes around Anchorage:

Insider Hints for Exit Glacier

If you are up for adventure, you can hike to Harding Icefield. This hike is truly epic and starts at the same car park!
Spend a night at Exit Glacier Campground to beat the crowds
Visit Alaska SeaLife Center at Seward to learn about Alaskan marine fauna

Getting to the Exit Glacier Trailhead

Reach Seward Village by heading south on AK-1, then State Highway 9. Take a turn on your right to Herman Leirer Rd. and drive 11.4 km until you reach a big Exit Glacier car park.