Steady uphill climb for the first 4 miles, but the views from the top are well worth it. Indeed, at the time, ice blanketed one third of the Earth's surface. You will hike almost a mile on the Harding Icefield Trail before you get your first break in the trees and a view looking back towards the parking lot, Exit Creek and the Outwash Plain (the proglacial creek created by the Exit Glacier). We were so happy to take this chance. be aware that we may not be able to confirm this reservation before your tour date. COVID-19 Safety Book With Confidence Contact Us Call Our Experts (877) 587-8479. Please bring a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and other small personal items you may require. The park ranger confirmed that there was snow covering parts of the trail but he said it was passable. Part of this group, including Yule Kilcher, continued across the Harding Icefield and skied down Exit Glacier. Well refund the difference! Start your adventure when you take off from the Seward Airport in the rare beauty of the Kenai Fjords National Park where you'll witness the massive Harding Icefield as well as the Aialik Glacier. My jeans was not soaked. Be prepared for storms, high winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature changes. Seward is the closest city to Kenai Fjords National Park and can serve as your base camp for the duration of your stay. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak. Wasserstraenkreuz Minden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Herman Leirer Road and a view of the Exit Glacier. This tour meets at the operator's office in Seward. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. . Enjoy all the scenery, wildlife, and adventure of Northern Alaska, and book your trip today. Evidence from deep-sea cores suggests that a dozen major glaciations may have occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch. The Exit Glacier is easily accessible because it is located at the end of Herman Leirer Road (aka Exit Glacier Road), the only road in Kenai Fjords National Park. 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 is a place where you can witness up close how glaciers re-shape a landscape and learn how plant life reclaims the barren rocky . more, #1 of 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. We took it slow and made it to the end! As we hiked this portion of the trail, we had amazing views of the Exit Glacier coming off the Harding Icefield to our left, mountains peeking out of the snow to our right, and we were crossing the snow in front us. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. This is a great turnaround point for some people, as you have been rewarded with a view of the side of the Exit Glacier as well as a view looking out at the valley below. Alpine ecology is verydelicate and we ask you to please respect National Park Serviceland and your fellow hikers by adheringto all guidelines. Tim Last updated: April 10, 2023 United States 2 Comments. I would say this is moderate to hard hike. Access to the Harding Icefield is exceptional in comparison to other large icefields. Take in the pristine, scenic beauty of the Alaskan backcountry on this 8.2 mile hike. This is, without question, one of the best hikes I have ever done. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Harding Icefield Hike - Kenai Backcountry Adventures We were worried about the hiking plan on 7/7/2022 due to the rain forecast (98-99%) the whole day. Spot wildlife along the way and see views that will take your breath away. Read all of our articles about Alaska in our Alaska Travel Guide and the United States in our USA Travel Guide. Covering 700 square miles, with a maximum depth of about 4,000 feet, the Harding Icefield is the largest icefield located entirely in the United States. This icefield trail is 8.2 miles long and gets you to a high elevation where you can enjoy the most amazing views. Therefore, we recommend planning this hike in July, August, or the first half of September. The views are breathtaking and continue to get even better as you get higher and higher. Historical Tours. 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). But dont let all this serenity fool you Want to see an amazing view or two? While we do accept last-minute bookings, our tours regularly sell out. Not a problem. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 3. Dont follow paths other people have made in the snow as you may sink into deep snow or you may crush vegetation under shallow snow. Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. Just to the left of the Exit Glacier Nature Center you will see a wide trail called the Glacier View Loop Trail. 11724 Seward Hwy, Suite A, Seward, AK 99664 Open in Google Maps, Kenai Fjords National Park Harding Icefield Trail, This tour is rated as Strenuous To get your preferred choice and to avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible. Minimum age of 10. Tour Details Price $179 per person, plus tax Duration 8 Hours Book Now Learn More From $125 Ages 9+ DRIVING IN ALASKA: The Seward Highway connects Anchorage and Seward is one of the most popular scenic drives in Alaska. . Parking is free and entry into the park is also free. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We ascend 3000ft on the trail to get to the full views of the icefield. Plan Your Vacation Right, Get Accurate Booking Availability. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier Introduction to Ice Climbing, Exit Glacier Intermediate Ice Climbing Trip, Harding Icefield Glacier Ski Plane Adventure, 2 Day Ice Climbing Adventure (Heli Option), Alaska Camping Trip In the Unlikely Glacier Valley, MOUNTAINEERING AND PRISTINE SUMMITS COURSE - 3 DAY, Save 10% on Major Marine Tours Wildlife and Glacier Cruises, Total Length: 8.2 Miles RT 3000 ft Elevation Gain. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. We had numerous people tell us that the weather over the Exit Glacier is generally clearer than the weather over Seward. Want to see what Exit Glacier looks like as it falls off the Harding Ice Fieldbut dont have the energy to hike the Exit Glacier Trail all the way up there? Your credit card will only The full cancellation policy can be found here. Harding Icefield Trekking Expedition 5 days Start and end in Seward Active Adventure Private Group Fully Guided Tour Operator: Kenai Backcountry Adventures Max group size: 10 Age range: 14 to 85 Operated in: English Tour id: 238108 Private available: Request as Private From US $2,755 Check Availability PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before starting this hike, check with the park rangers at the Exit Glacier Nature Center for an update on trail conditions. At the far end of the parking lot is the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Its longer than what you see posted! Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. per group (up to 15) Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover. This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. Alaska Guided Hiking Tours from Seward | Seward Wilderness From June through August you can catch a guided 3-mile (steep) hike to Marmot Meadows led by a ranger, departing at 9am daily. Historical Tours. You'll be rewarded for your efforts along the way, with views of mountains, magnificent trees, and wildflower-filled meadows. Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. Our ice climbing guide told us that bear will cross the Exit Glacier. When planning a trip in these conditions, we recommend that visitors have mountaineering skills, equipment, and experience to travel safely in this terrain. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. 7-10 days is the most common. 1. Winter Activities - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. When is the Best Time to Hike the Harding Icefield Trail? Your guide is there to answer questions! 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. ). Please bring snacks and a larger water bottle(can be filled at our facility). This portion of the hike is relatively flat so you dont have to worry about additional elevation gain. The Exit Glacier gets its name from a 1968 expedition that crossed the Harding Icefield. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. 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! Tour Options Ice Climbing. If you hike at a pace of 2 miles per hour, it will take 3 hours. Well maintained trail. May, June, October, and November are considered shoulder season. Sorry, there was a problem adding the selected quantity requested, please try again. Options abound too, including wheeled aircraft or floatplanes, or even helicopters, and from very short to hours-long flights. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. | COPYRIGHT | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours in advance, World-Class 8-hour wilderness hiking tour on the Harding Icefield Trail, Discover interesting stories, local history, and wildlife facts from your friendly guide, Spot wildlife along the way and see views that will take your breath away, Stunning glacier and icefield views, towering snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air, Deli-style lunch turkey wrap, granola bar, and piece of fruit (dietary options available), Interpretive guided hiking on this small group tour, Courtesy round-trip ground transportation from Seward to Kenai Fjords NP, Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in and get set up, There are no bathrooms in the backcountry, though facilities are available before and after your tour, You must have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to walk on uneven terrain, Under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult, Bring snacks, and a water bottle (water can be filled at our office/vehicle), Waterproof rain jacket rain pants highly recommended, Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal items, Cash or Venmo for guide gratuities (recommended), SEWARD TO SKILAK LAKE BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE, WILDERNESS HIKING IN KENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Ready to Plan Your Alaska Adventure? This Center has interactive exhibits, maps, and books for tourists, as well as rangers who are happy to discuss the best ways to explore the park. Mobile ticket Offered in: English Overview Make the most of your time in Seward by hiking into the Kenai Fjords National Park during this full-day excursion. Once you get above the tree line the views are absolutely stunning. Facilities are available before and after the tour. Children that are highly active or involved in rigorous activities may book this tour. Located near Seward, Alaska, the Harding Icefield is a popular destination for many Alaska Glacier Tours. Every year, it receives over 400 inches of snow. But hiking to the end of the trail will allow you to look out across the Harding Icefield. Address. In addition, enough people had hiked across the snow to create a trough that we could follow. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In a half a mile you will reach the switchbacks. Youll also gain a sense of accomplishment reaching the end of the trail; but even if you dont go all the way, this high alpine trek will take you through wildflower-strewn meadows, offer the chance to spot mountain wildlife (like marmots, goats, and black bears), and grant you a new perspective on the shifting natural world. We recommend booking Harding Ice Field Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 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. 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. Harding Icefield Trail - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Highly recommend this hike! Learn about this unique and perpetually changing glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park on this easy hike. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. more Danger Seward Dog Sledding on Glacier & Helicopter Tour. How and where to find Alaskas glacierssome of the states most beautiful natural attractions. I think that is a realistic estimate if you are in good shape and have experience hiking. Icefields also exert their own influence on local and global climate, changing pressure systems and wind directions, serving to keep adjacent land and water cold. We used them for our ice climbing excursion and we used their sister company (Liquid Adventures) for our Aialik Glacier kayaking excursion. from . Experience the Backcountry of Kenai Fjords National Park, All in a Day. 10Adventures Tours. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. We took plenty of breaks on the way up and were much faster coming back down after a long break at the top! This is a double, triple, awesome unique hike. Let's Visit The Harding Icefield! For avid backpackers, the general area along the Exit Glacier Road has many places to explore and camp. From the loop, the Glacier Overlook Trail extends another .6 mile and climbs part way up the exposed rock to an overlook of the glacier itself. Also be bear aware! Was amazing! $53.16. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Never get between a mother bear and her cubs. Ice Climbing on the Exit Glacier | Kenai Fjords National Park, 9 Amazing Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Located near Seward, Alaska, the Harding Icefield is a popular destination for many Alaska Glacier Tours. W of Seward, Chugach Mts. The Harding Icefield connects 40 glaciers together, the most accessible of which is the Exit Glacier. Any and all trash must be kept on your person and brought out of the park with you; no garbage cans are available. Harding Icefield Trail Hike This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. The Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska is one hike that should be on everyone's bucket list. 212 Admiral Way Ste. 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. Schachtschleuse Minden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Seward Glacier Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions Beyond the Top of the Cliffs the trail still ascends but it is less strenuous. Mega Bounce Minden (Germany): Hours, Address - Tripadvisor Its hard icefluted and crevassedis close to a visitor center in the only portion of Kenai Fjords National Park thats accessible by road. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is a challenging, rewarding, and unique experience all rolled into one. If so, how far could you get along the trail without mountaineering equipment? No tricks, no gimmicks, no hidden fees. Toilet paper should be packed out with other trash. We could have gone higher but there was snow on the trail even when we stopped. from . Whether youre here for the first time, hosting visitors, or looking for a family-friendly adventure, our Alaska Glacier Tours are fun, exhilarating, and offer unforgettable experiences of our beautiful backyard. What do I do with my trash? Harding Icefield Hike | Exit Glacier Guides Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. Professional guides. | Minimum age 15 | Moderately Difficult Lost Lake . Tours operate from all of the major towns in the vicinity including Seward, Homer and Soldotna. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska: The Complete Hiking Guide Bauhofstr. This is a tough hike. In order to reach the Harding Icefield, you will gain over 3,000 feet of elevation in just 4 miles. Our total hike from parking lot to the edge of the ice field and back was 11.5 miles. Valleys, carved by glaciers, litter the coastline of the Kenai Fjord. Book directly on KenaiBackcountryAdventures.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Created more than 23,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch, the Harding Icefield was a small piece of the vast ice sheet that covered much of Southcentral Alaska (Figure 1). There are also local tour companies that offer ice hiking and ice climbing experiences on the Exit Glacier. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. It will be slower going up to the Cliffs of course and then a lot faster on the second half of the hike. Three Amazing Alaskan Vacations To Choose From! We were there in early July and there was snow covering portions of the trail beyond the Top of the Cliffs. If I miss the shuttle, what will be my options other than a 5 hour walk to Seward? 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. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. What hotels are near Harding Ice Field Trail? Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway about 120 miles to the outskirts of Seward. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. from . 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Every bead of sweat lost is worth it for the breathtaking sweeping views over a corner of the mammoth Harding Icefield, 700 square miles in its entirety. More than 190 species of both migratory and resident birds have been found in the area, including puffins, cormorants, common murres, pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes, and eagles. Studies of glacial deposits on land indicate at least four major periods of glaciation. Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Would love to go back to reach the top. Ascending 1,000 feet over 4 miles is strenuous, tough and at times requires a herculean effort. Harding Icefield Expeditions | Exit Glacier Guides The trip took eight days. The Harding Icefield Trail passes through alder and cottonwood forests to an elevation of more than 4000 feet. The views are phenomenal. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Allow at least 6-8 hours for the hike. Raining day (if not too heavy) is the best friend for this hiking experience. You will notice that the vegetation is now only ankle height with some scattered brush so you have good visibility for the rest of the hike.