Parking is free and entry into the park is also free. Check out this page to see how you can save money on multiple adventures. I have hiked all over the world. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Distance: 8.2 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 3,500 feet Elevation at Trailhead: 420 feet Highest Elevation: 3,525 feet Time: 6 to 8 hours* Difficulty: Strenuous. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Its longer than what you see posted! Who was on board: Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, and Stockton Rush, the CEO of the tour organizer, OceanGate Expeditions, died in the craft. Enjoy all the scenery, wildlife, and adventure of Northern Alaska, and book your trip today. We had clear skies when we hiked up to the Harding Icefield. Secondly, the hiking was not tiresome due to the cool weather. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. to see how you can save money on multiple adventures. It was sooo worth it! 95% of travelers recommend this experience. At the end we checked in with the ranger and were told it was a black bear that other hikers actually saw 15 minutes behind us on the trail. How much snow was there on the trail? This trip runs as soon as the snow safely melts (usually late June) to September 9th. Harding Icefield Trail Hike This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. Located near Seward, Alaska, the Harding Icefield is a popular destination for many Alaska Glacier Tours. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. Read our. charged if your order can be completed in time for your requested excursion. Come see Exit Glacier as it flows down from the Harding Icefield. Discover interesting stories, local history, and wildlife facts from your friendly guide. Duration: 8hours. BEST OF KENAI FJORDS: Top things to do include ice climbing on the Exit Glacier and cruising the Northwestern Fjord. Not a problem. Historical Tours. Great views along the way and came surprisingly close to a black bear - so be aware on the trail. An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice. Alutiiq and Denaina Natives were no doubt familiar with the ice and had accessed it, but there is no record of any attempted crossing until 1936. $195.66. Naming the Ice . A view of the Harding Icefield and the Exit Glacier from the trail. A more intimate experience with everything from glaciers, waterfalls, to wildlife. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. What do I do with my trash? Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. It turned out that the hiking experience was amazing. Liquid Adventures has blazed its own path in the kayaking industry by building our own water taxis, pioneering new trips in new locations, and re-investing heavily in our equipment and guide training. It is a place where you can witness up close how glaciers re-shape a landscape and learn how plant life reclaims the barren rocky . During the first three full years of operation, the lowest observed temperature was -21 degrees F, the highest observed temperature was 68 degrees F, and the maximum observed sustained wind gust was 117 miles per hour. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This magnificent natural formation measures more than 1,100 square miles all around and has spawned at least 40 glaciers, including the Tustumena Glacier, Exit Glacier, and McCarty Glacier. It is worrisome to see how much the Exit Glacier has retreated, which is largely believed to be a result of climate change. . Facilities are available before and after the tour. Bauhofstr. Book Hotel FairSchlafen, Minden on Tripadvisor: See traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Hotel FairSchlafen, ranked #1 of 4 B&Bs / inns in Minden and rated 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Youll find good footing and interpretive signs, explaining how the plant life returns after the ice. Icefield, ice cap, ice sheetthe terms can be confusing. Camping is not permitted in the shelter at the top of the Icefield trail it is for emergency use only. Steady uphill climb for the first 4 miles, but the views from the top are well worth it. The Harding Icefield is a large expanse of ice in the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula, which includes Kenai Fjords National Park. This hike can be done on your own, but if youd like to learn from a knowledgeable guide, let us take care of the logistics, and increase your climate change literacy + knowledge of this area, please join us! No special equipment is necessary for this trail from about June through early October, although a hiking stick and good hiking boots would provide extra support; bring extra layers, as it may be significantly colder at the icefield. My jeans was not soaked. Icefields vary in size and connect a series of glaciers. Nunatak, meaning lonely peak is the term for such mountaintops surrounded in ice. Our original plan was to finish this hike after our ice climbing excursion, but for various reasons (timing, conflicting reports about snow on the trail), we returned on a different day to do this hike. Harding Ice Field Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park) - What to Know BEFORE You Go. If you can devote a full hour for a tour, you can choose between going to the Kenai Fjords and Harding Icefieldwhere you'll see Aialik, Bear and Northwestern glaciersor taking the land-based route to Bear Glacier, Exit Glacier and over Chugach National Forest. The raining was constant during the hiking but it didnt bother at all. We recommend booking Harding Ice Field Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. View of the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield from Top of the Cliffs. This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. Raining day (if not too heavy) is the best friend for this hiking experience. 7-10 days is the most common. Experience the Backcountry of Kenai Fjords National Park, All in a Day. Duration: 8 hours . The Harding Ice Field at the end is stunning with an expansive viewing area with lots of space to find your own area to absorb the grand view and have a snack. Join a. We could have gone higher but there was snow on the trail even when we stopped. Camping is permitted along the Harding Icefield Trail corridor, but you must set up camp at least 1/8 mile from the trail on bare rock or snow. If you have to go, dig a small cat hole at least 100 feet from the trail or from any streams or water sources. The Harding Icefield is a large expanse of ice in the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula, which includes Kenai Fjords National Park. Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing. Plan to wait if there is a bear near the trail You are no longer in a hurry. Options abound too, including wheeled aircraft or floatplanes, or even helicopters, and from very short to hours-long flights. COVID-19 Safety Book With Confidence Contact Us Call Our Experts (877) 587-8479. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, which is just a 20-minute drive from the town of Seward, the Harding Icefield is an accessible glacier, and you can easily get to it by car, by driving to the Exit Glacier Area. ALASKA ITINERARY: Take the guesswork out of planning your trip to Alaska with our Alaska road trip itineraries. from . For physically fit hikers, a strenuous four-mile trail parallels the glaciers north edge on a 3,000-foot ascent to the ice field, offering spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains along the way. Ice Hiking. During the winter the road to the Exit Glacier is closed to automobiles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take in the pristine, scenic beauty of the Alaskan backcountry on this 8.2 mile hike. The Kenai Fjords National Park website lists the following shuttle service providers: We did not have cellular service in the parking lot area or along the trail, so if you are relying on a taxi or shuttle service then make sure you have a planned pickup time before you start the hike. There is only one established campsite in the park, with tent sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Alpine ecology is verydelicate and we ask you to please respect National Park Serviceland and your fellow hikers by adheringto all guidelines. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. from . Exit Glacier Shuttle (907-224-5569 or 907-224-9225), City of Seward Shuttle Service (907-224-3324), Set up camp at least 1/8 mile from the trail on bare rock or snow, Your camp must also be out of sight of the trail, You cannot camp in the emergency shelter near the top of the trail, it is for emergency use only, Odor Free Bag seal your food in an odor free bag to help avoid attracting bears, Sunglasses sun reflection off the glacier, icefield, and snow can make your sun exposure more intense, Hiking Poles if you dont normally use hiking poles then consider using them to help cross any snowy portions of the trail, Bear spray bear are often reported along this trail, Dress in layers you are likely to be warm as you ascend, but it can be colder as you approach the Harding Icefield as the glacial ice cools the surrounding air, Rain jacket be prepared in case bad weather moves in or in case its windy at the top. At the posted sign, turn right onto the Harding Icefield Trail. more Information Road to Exit Glacier open to automobiles for the summer Date Posted: 5/24/2023 Explore different ways to experience this place. Every year, it receives over 400 inches of snow. Yes, you can camp at Kenai Fjords National Park! I know the NPS sign said to plan for 4-6 hours round trip to that point but what would you estimate? View from the switchbacks on the hike up to Top of the Cliffs. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Then brush snapping and another grunt! In 2004, the NPS installed an automated weather station at 4,200 feet on a nunatak in the northeastern part of the Harding Icefield (Figure 2). The Harding Icefield is thousands of feet thick, but it does not completely bury the underlying mountains. Well maintained trail. In 1968, a mountaineering party departed Homer on horseback, traveled up Chernof Glacier on foot and skis, and completed the first ascent of Truuli Peak, the highest point on the Kenai Peninsula. We had numerous people tell us that the weather over the Exit Glacier is generally clearer than the weather over Seward. In fact, it is so popular that many shuttle and taxi services run between Seward and the icefield daily! Read all of our articles about Alaska in our Alaska Travel Guide and the United States in our USA Travel Guide. If I miss the shuttle, what will be my options other than a 5 hour walk to Seward? Please be aware that there are no bathrooms in the backcountry, and you will have to "go" outside in nature. I will be hiking Harding ice field trail in July. Tyler and I did it in 4 hours. You will want a bag that can comfortably carry your water, snacks, and personal items. You may see the cubs first, possibly up a tree, but the mother will be close by. Top is amazing though. There are no garbage cans or toilet facilities along the trail. Evidence from deep-sea cores suggests that a dozen major glaciations may have occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch. I am an experienced hiker with not much time to spend at the Exit Glacier. Beyond the Top of the Cliffs the trail still ascends but it is less strenuous. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery, your experienced and friendly guide will share stories, local history, geological features, and answer any questions you have throughout the tour. If youre interested in exploring the rugged majesty of this area, read on to learn more. The flow of ice from the edges of an icefield are called glaciers. While we do accept last-minute bookings, our tours regularly sell out. Although it is close to Seward, the lodge is nestled in the Alaskan Wilderness and is a great place for visitors to get a feel for the real Alaska during one of the many Alaska Glacier Tours offered by local tour operators or to simply enjoy the solitude of the wilderness. You won't regret it. Dates: 5/25 - 9/09. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. You'll be rewarded for your efforts along the way, with views of mountains, magnificent trees, and wildflower-filled meadows. Stay on the trail. Yes, you should bring your own snacks and sufficient water on this tour. That leaves 7 hours for the hike. There are bathrooms available before and after the tour, but this remote trail does not have any toilet facilities along the route. Be prepared for, and keep an eye out for, unpredictable changes in the weather. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace limit group size, find a camp spot that is out of sight from the trail, and avoid crushing fragile vegetation. At the Marmot Meadows sign post you may notice a trail split. All guests are required to use Leave No Trace practices when relieving themselves on the trail. Which one is right for you? Allow at least 6-8 hours for the hike. Big ship or small ship? ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Harding Icefield. Seward Dog Sledding on Glacier & Helicopter Tour. Still, the park is one of Alaskas most popular national parks and visitors flock to the area for Alaska Glacier Tours. The Harding Icefield Trail starts off as a moderate ascent through brush and trees with occasional stone steps. There will still be some easy to moderate ascents ahead of you but you will also have a few downhill stretches as well. Outstanding hike. from . How and where to find Alaskas glacierssome of the states most beautiful natural attractions. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before starting this hike, check with the park rangers at the Exit Glacier Nature Center for an update on trail conditions. Also, like others have said, we clocked the mileage and it came to 10.2. Pack it out. We hiked the Harding Icefield Trail in early July. They will lead you on a guided hike on the Lower Trail or to Harding Icefield, all while providing information about how climate change has affected the landscape, wildlife, and people of Alaska. Volunteers help restore and maintain this trail every year. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. It was declared a national park in 1980, with the sole mission of preserving the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, the Harding Icefield, the abundant wildlife found in the area, and the historical and archeological remains of the region. Our small, cozy groups give you the chance to get up close and personal with Alaskas wildlife. " Epic hike! You dont want to miss it! "Best Price Guarantee" means we offer the local wholesale rates for all of our tours because We hustled as fast as we could to get out of that forested section! more, #1 of 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. The feature extends SW from Lowell and Bear Glaciers to Chernof Glacier, in Kenai Mts., 18 mi. Our website uses cookies. Its hard icefluted and crevassedis close to a visitor center in the only portion of Kenai Fjords National Park thats accessible by road. The Harding Icefield hike is a must-do hike in Kenai Mountains. It was a beautiful landscape that we had all to ourselves to enjoy. Expect to hike a lot and get sweaty and tired! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I would say this is moderate to hard hike. Fees Alerts In Effect Park Closures Toe of Exit Glacier, Ice Fall Hazard Zone An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice. Some of these glaciers are tidewater (Aialik Glacier) or terminate in lakes (Skilak Glacier), and some end on land (Exit Glacier). We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Nothing compares to the sense of perspective and accomplishment youll feel after hiking to Mount Marathon Bowl! When is the Best Time to Hike the Harding Icefield Trail? Find it cheaper? If you're active and enjoy spending time in nature, this tour is perfect for you. This is another great turnaround point for some people as the view here is spectacular. Explore the history of how this massive frozen river shaped the landscape, We often see large fauna like bears and goats on this hike, Know yourself! per group (up to 15) Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover. 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. The views are breathtaking and continue to get even better as you get higher and higher. The Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center is located near the Seward Small Boat Harbor. If you love hiking, Harding Icefield is a must-visit place in Alaska. The Harding Icefield Trail starts near the Exit Glacier area and ascends alongside the glacier with spectacular views of its crevasses and moraines (glacial deposits). The sites are free to use on a first-come first-serve basis. Ice caps are dome-shaped and cover the terrain they rest on. more Danger It can get cold and rainy up on the field. $14.44. The Harding Icefield is one of only four remaining icefields in the United States. Studies of glacial deposits on land indicate at least four major periods of glaciation. The first known crossing of the icefield occurred in 1940 when two Alaskans, Eugene Coho Smith and Don Rising, crossed from Bear Glacier to Tustumena Lake. Walk the "Edge of the Glacier Trail" (also known as the Lower Trail) to get a good photo in front of glacier ice, it's not huge, but it looks big up close. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. The Exit Glacier is by far the most popular one with tourists and is easily accessible if you book one of the Kenai Fjords National Park Tours that are offered by local tour operators. Our family did this hike in about 6.5 hours including stopping for 45 mins at the end to take in the ice field. This becomes a good point of reference as the End of the Trail and the view across the top of the Harding Icefield are just beyond the emergency shelter. The NPS plans to repeat this study every ten years to monitor further changes. Camping is permitted along the Harding Icefield Trail under the following guidelines: There is also a 12-site campground right off of Herman Leirer Road (aka Exit Glacier Road) about half a mile before your reach the parking lot at the end of the road. All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. Over 30 glaciers of different size and type flow outward from the Harding Icefield. Explore one of North America's natural treasures Harding Icefield Expeditions Ever wondered what it's like to head out onto one of the largest Icefields in the world? I would suggest trekking poles, plenty of water and snacks. If you have any questions about how to hike the Harding Icefield Trail, or if you would like to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. There are some glaciers you can drive to, but very few that you can stroll to. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Eventually you will see an emergency shelter in the distance. The Harding Icefield Trail starts near the Exit Glacier area and ascends alongside the glacier with spectacular views of its crevasses and moraines (glacial deposits). You'll explore the dramatic coastline of Resurrection Bay as you look out for majestic bald eagles, playful harbor seals, adorable puffins and maybe even some distant whales as they breach. Notable recent explorations include a 14-hour solo crossing of the icefield from Skilak Glacier to Chernof Glacier and a kite-skiing expedition from Exit Glacier to Grewingk Glacier. . Visit our sister company, Kayak Adventures Worldwide, Click here to Learn more about hiking tours, Click here to Learn more about boat + hike combo tours, Click here to Learn more about seward packages, Click here to Learn more about seward farmers market, Click here to Learn more about courses & workshops, Click here to Learn more about all programs & events, Click here to Learn more about meet the collective, Click here to Learn more about stewardship. I am a well prepared hiker but I don't have serious gear for mountaineering. We just did this hike and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Highly recommend hiking boots and poles for this for the adult hikers. Youll reach the Harding Icefield Trail at about 0.3 miles into the hike. We pretended that our hiking shoes were skis and slid down the snow testing our balance. Check on trail conditions before starting out - the upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July and there may be avalanche danger. 8.2 miles of hiking, over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Ice Climbing on the Exit Glacier | Kenai Fjords National Park, 9 Amazing Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park. Explore the trails with Seward Wilderness Collective or Exit Glacier Guides.