Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Hiking to Exit Glacier: Alaska’s Accessible Ice Giant

Hiking to Exit Glacier: Alaska’s Accessible Ice Giant was originally published in 2026

Tucked just outside of Seward, Exit Glacier is where Alaska’s wild glacial past slams into the present—and where you can walk right up and touch it.

Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in all of Alaska, and it’s the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park you can reach by car.

Whether you’re just after an easy hike with views or you’re ready to grind your way up to the Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier delivers a punch of Alaska’s icy drama without the need for a floatplane or backcountry skills.

This guide breaks down how to get to Exit Glacier from Anchorage and Seward, what trails you can hike, where to stay nearby, and how to make the most of this corner of the Kenai Peninsula.

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Why you Should Visit Exit Glacier

Let’s start with the name. Exit Glacier got its name because it was the exit point for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968. But long before climbers came, the area was used by the Indigenous Sugpiaq people for subsistence and seasonal hunting.

Today, Exit Glacier is a striking marker of climate change. You’ll pass signs on the trail showing where the glacier once stood in decades past, steadily retreating further back into the valley. That visible change makes it one of the most tangible places in Alaska to see our warming planet in action.

When to Visit Exit Glacier

Best Season: Late May to early September. Late June to early August is peak season, but also the busiest. If you want solitude and fewer bugs, September is a hidden gem, especially with fall colors lighting up the valley.
Road Access: The Exit Glacier Road is not maintained in winter, so the area is only accessible by snowmobile, dog sled, on skis, or on foot once the snow hits.

Exit Glacier Visitor Tips

Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Harding Ice Field

No entry fee! Unlike many national parks, visiting Exit Glacier is completely free.
Free ranger-guided hikes daily in summer. Check in at the Nature Center for times.
Watch out for wildlife. Bears, marmots, ptarmigans, and the occasional mountain goat if you head high.
Bring your own water. There’s no potable water at the trailhead, just pit toilets.
Do not veer off trail. This is glacial moraine; fragile, shifting, and deceptively delicate.

Where to Stay Near Exit Glacier

In Seward (Best Base Camp)

Most visitors stay in Seward, which has a range of options from budget hostels to waterfront lodges.

Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village – Clean, located a little over a mile outside of downtown Seward, with budget-friendly dorm beds.
Harbor 360 Hotel – Located right on the water in the small boat harbor
Exit Glacier Lodge – Closest accommodation to the glacier (5 miles away), rustic with modern comforts

Camping Near Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier Campground – Free, walk-in sites only (first come, first served), no reservations. There are 12 tent sites with fire rings and pit toilets. Located right near the Exit Glacier Nature Center, and a short walk to the trailheads.
Seward KOA – Perfect for vanlifers and RVs. Has all the amenities, plus showers, Wi-Fi, and laundry.

How to Get to Exit Glacier

From Anchorage to Exit Glacier

Distance: 130 miles from Anchorage to the Exit Glacier Trailhead Parking Lot.
Drive time: About 2.5 hours.
Route: Take the Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage. It’s easily one of Alaska’s most scenic drives, winding along Turnagain Arm with mountain and inlet views for days. Turn onto Herman Leirer Road, not too far before reaching Seward, and follow it to the parking lot.

From Seward to Exit Glacier

Distance: 20 miles from Seward to the Exit Glacier Trailhead Parking Lot.
Drive time: About 20 minutes.
Route: Head north from Seward. Turn onto Herman Leirer Road, not too far before reaching Seward, and follow it to the parking lot.

If you’re staying in Seward and don’t have a car:

Taxi or shuttle: You can take the Exit Glacier Shuttle or a local taxi. In summer, shuttles run several times daily from downtown Seward and major accommodations.
Bike rental: Feeling bold? You can rent bikes in town and pedal the 13 miles one way. Fair warning, there are hills, bears, and bugs.

Exit Glacier Hikes

Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or a whole day, there’s a trail for you here. All trails start at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, which has info, restrooms, and maps.

Glacier View Loop (Easy)

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Time: ~30 minutes
This is your quick and easy glacier fix. It’s mostly paved and wheelchair accessible, with viewing areas along the way. Great for families or anyone just wanting a photo op with minimal effort.

Edge of the Glacier Trail (Moderate)

Distance: 1.5–2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: ~250 feet
Time: ~1 hour
This is the one most people come for, as you’ll get up close (as close as the rangers allow) to the face of Exit Glacier. You’ll hike through the forest and out into the rocky glacial moraine, with incredible views of ice, meltwater, and those famous retreat markers.

Harding Icefield Trail (Difficult)

Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: ~3,500 feet
Time: 6–8 hours
This is a thigh-burner and a jaw-dropper. Starting at the same trailhead, this route climbs steeply through forest, alpine meadows, and finally to the edge of the Harding Icefield, a 700-square-mile ice sheet stretching to the horizon. It’s like standing on another planet.

Pro tip: Bring layers. Weather changes fast, and even in July, you might run into snow above the tree line. Bears are common, so carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Why Exit Glacier is Worth the Visit

Even in a state packed with glaciers, Exit Glacier stands out. It’s raw, real, and photogenic, and unlike many of Alaska’s icy giants, you don’t need a helicopter or a six-day trek to experience it.

Whether you’re just looking for an easy trail with a view or want to sweat your way up to the endless whiteness of the Harding Icefield, this is one of those Alaska experiences you won’t forget.

And honestly? There’s something powerful about standing next to a glacier that’s both ancient and disappearing.

If you’re road-tripping through the Kenai Peninsula or basing in Seward for a few days, Exit Glacier absolutely deserves a spot on your Alaska itinerary.