By More Than Just Parks

5 Must-Know Harding Icefield Trail Facts

5 Must-Know Harding Icefield Trail Facts

KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK

you aren't hiking the icefield

you aren't hiking the icefield

1

The Harding Icefield Trail takes you to the viewpoint of the Harding Icefield above Exit Glacier, not over the icefield, which is 700 square miles.  The Harding Icefield Trail parallels Exit Glacier during the 8.2-mile roundtrip hike.

...but you also aren't on the exit glacier trail

2

The Glacier Trail Loop takes you to the Exit Glacier Overlook, one of the best wide views.  The Glacier Trail loops around to the start of the Harding Icefield Trail.

The haRDING ICEFIELD trail is a calf burner

3

For every mile of hiking, you'll gain (or lose) 1,000 feet of elevation. Altitude sickness isn't the problem - the summit is just 3,500 feet up there. The thing is -  you're walking that entire 3,500 feet and then carefully navigating back down.

AIM FOR TOP OF CLIFFS

4

Many are surprised by how brutal this trail can be, so if you need to turn around, try to make it to the Top of Cliffs. (If you're attempting this in winter, this is where you should get out your mountaineering tools and avalanche probe.) Orange flags marks the trial when snow is present.

two rules of exit glacier

5

The first rule is "Don't touch Exit Glacier."  The second rule of Exit Glacier is "DO NOT TOUCH EXIT GLACIER." As the glacier melts it becomes more unstable. Park rangers can tell you the latest danger zone and closure areas.

did we mention the bears?

The Harding Icefield Trail takes you through a berry field, where bears love to snack, and mountain goats wander about while marmots whistle.