Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Harding Icefield

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,162 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    10.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Harding Icefield

    Harding Icefield Trail is one of the best hikes in Alaska without a doubt. Take this trail to visit the overlook to the father of over 30 beautiful glaciers in Kenai Mountains – Harding Icefield. The expansive view of endless ice floor above the clouds will take your breath away!

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Harding Icefield on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Harding Icefield

    The Harding Icefield hike is a must-do hike in Kenai Mountains. The amazing views require some effort – the hike is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain.

    Make sure you are dressed properly, as the weather on top is often different than in the Exit Glacier area below. Strong winds, snow and storm are not uncommon here even after the sunniest mornings! Also, resist the urge to step on the icefield or glacier as it can be extremely dangerous.

    Your adventure will begin at Exit Glacier car park. Here you will be able to visit the nature center, fill your empty bottles and even use flush toilets. You will find the Exit Glacier trailhead at the western part of the carpark, near the nature center.

    Go towards Exit Glacier for around 0.5 km until you find the Harding Icefield Trailhead on your right. You will start ascending through bushy terrain. Soon you will emerge above the treeline with the first overlook to Harding Icefield. Enjoy the view and carry on towards the glacier.

    Hike a bit further and in rocky alpine meadow you will reach another overlook – this time even closer.

    Lastly, you will traverse along the hillside and descend to get right next to the Harding Icefield itself. The endless icefield scene will take your breath away. 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.

    Return the same way you came.

    Insider Hints for Harding Icefield

    • Visit Exit Glacier overlook, which is easily accessible by the trail from the Exit Glacier carpark
    • Spend a night at Exit Glacier Campground to beat the crowds
    • Visit Exit Glacier Nature Centre to check the weather conditions before the hike.
    • Visit Alaska SeaLife Center at Seward to learn about Alaskan marine fauna

    Getting to the Harding Icefield 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.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June - October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Harding Icefield Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Harding Icefield Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter