Harding Icefield Trail (Exit Glacier)
On July 20th, our family embarked on one of our most memorable hikes yet: Harding Icefield Trail near Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska. We lucked out with free parking just steps away from our accommodation, making this challenging trek super accessible. Let me tell you—if you’re on the fence about adding this to your Alaska itinerary, do it. The sheer beauty you’ll witness is well worth the effort!
Trail Name: Harding Icefield Trail
Distance: 15.6 km (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 1,162 meters
Location: Seward, Alaska (Exit Glacier)
What Makes the Harding Icefield Trail So Special?
We knew we’d be tackling this 16 km hike with over 1 km of elevation gain, but the promise of jaw-dropping glacier views had us lacing up our boots without hesitation. With long-sleeve shirts (a must for those pesky mosquitoes) and sandwiches stuffed in our daypacks, we were ready for whatever nature had in store.
Highlights of the Harding Icefield Trail
1. Dress Smart
We opted for lightweight, long-sleeve tops that offered sun protection and kept the bugs at bay.
2. Gear Up for Snow
We did encounter some snowy patches, but we managed without crampons. However, if you’re not comfortable on icy sections, consider bringing a pair.
3. Pace Yourself
It’s a consistent climb. We took it easy, snapping photos whenever we needed to catch our breath (which was often!).
Reaching the summit felt like stepping into another world: a massive expanse of ice stretching as far as the eye can see. We paused for about half an hour, savoring the view—and our homemade sandwiches. Trust me, lunch tastes next-level when surrounded by that kind of glacial scenery!
Bears Joined Us
On our way back down, we had a heart-stopping moment: a mother bear and her two cubs suddenly appeared on the trail. Kevin, our son, leading the way, calmly signaled us to slow down and back off. Mama bear was in no rush to leave, so we waited until a few more hikers appeared. Eventually, the bears moved along, and our family continued—adrenaline pumping. Word has it that the cubs were still hanging out in the trees 20 minutes later!
Want to Tackle the Harding Icefield Trail? Here’s the Scoop
All told, we spent about 5.5 hours on this hike, including snack breaks, photo ops, and that unexpected wildlife detour. If you’re aiming to tackle the Harding Icefield Trail:
- Start Early: Cooler temps and fewer crowds are your friends.
- Bring Bug Spray: Alaskan mosquitoes don’t mess around.
- Pack a Camera: You’ll want evidence of those stunning vistas (and maybe any bear sightings!).
To celebrate our accomplishment, we treated ourselves to a scrumptious meal at Chinook’s Seafood Restaurant in Seward. Fresh fish tastes even better when you’ve just spent the day immersed in the wild beauty of Alaska.
Is Hiking Harding Icefield Trail Worth It?
In a heartbeat, yes! The Harding Icefield Trail isn’t just a hike – it’s your front-row ticket to experiencing Alaska’s raw, untamed beauty. Pack your sense of adventure, keep those eyes peeled for wildlife, and get ready for a day you’ll be bragging about for years to come!
