What Exit Glacier is and how to reach it
Exit Glacier is a publicly accessible glacier in the Harding Icefield near Seward, Alaska, about 3.5 miles from the town center. Unlike many glaciers in Alaska, you can walk to it and onto it without specialized climbing equipment or a guided tour — though the National Park Service (NPS) maintains specific trails and seasonal access rules that change year to year based on ice conditions.
The glacier sits within Kenai Fjords National Park. To reach it, you drive south from Seward on Exit Glacier Road (a narrow, winding road that closes in winter) to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center parking area. From there, the walk to the glacier's face is between 0.3 miles and 3.7 miles depending on which trail you take and how far the ice has retreated that season.
The NPS does not charge an entrance fee to Kenai Fjords National Park itself, but Exit Glacier Road may have a day-use fee (currently $5 per vehicle, though this varies). Check the park's official website before you go, because fees and road closures change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Exit Glacier Road is open only from late May through September; the road closes in winter and may close temporarily due to weather or maintenance.
- Three trails lead to different viewpoints: the Glacier View Trail (0.3 miles), the Toe of the Glacier Trail (3.1 miles), and the Harding Icefield Trail (6.7 miles round trip), each with different difficulty levels and views.
- Walking onto the glacier itself is permitted, but the ice is unstable and crevasses are hidden; the NPS recommends staying on marked routes and watching for falling ice.
- The glacier has retreated significantly over decades, so the distance from the visitor center to the ice changes year to year.
- Summer is the only practical season to visit; bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear even on short walks.
The three main trails and what each one shows you
The Glacier View Trail is the shortest and easiest. It is a 0.3-mile paved loop that starts at the visitor center and ends at a viewing platform overlooking the glacier from a distance. This trail is wheelchair accessible and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You see the glacier and the valley it carved, but you do not walk on ice.
The Toe of the Glacier Trail is a 3.1-mile round-trip hike that descends into the valley and brings you to the base of the glacier where the ice meets the ground. The trail is unpaved, crosses a stream, and involves some elevation change. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours. This trail gets you close enough to see crevasses and hear ice calving (breaking off), and many people walk a short distance onto the glacier itself from this point.
The Harding Icefield Trail is a 6.7-mile round-trip hike that climbs steeply from the visitor center and ends at a ridge overlooking the Harding Icefield — a vast expanse of interconnected glaciers and ice. This trail is for experienced hikers in good physical condition; it takes 4 to 5 hours and involves significant elevation gain. You do not walk on Exit Glacier itself on this route, but you see it as part of the larger icefield.
When the glacier is accessible and what to expect seasonally
Exit Glacier Road opens in late May and closes in September, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on snow melt and weather. The road itself is narrow, winding, and not maintained in winter. Even during the open season, the road may close temporarily for maintenance or due to heavy rain or snow.
Summer (June through August) is the only practical time to visit. Daylight is long, the road is reliably open, and the trails are snow-free. July and August are the warmest months and draw the most visitors. June and September are quieter but may have lingering snow on higher trails and shorter daylight hours.
The glacier itself changes visibly from year to year. The ice face retreats (moves backward) over time, so the distance from the visitor center to the glacier's edge is not fixed. The NPS updates trail conditions regularly on its website. Before you plan your trip, check whether the Toe of the Glacier Trail is open and how far it is to the ice that season.
Walking on the glacier: what is safe and what the NPS recommends
You are permitted to walk on Exit Glacier's surface, and many visitors do. The ice is not roped off or restricted. However, the glacier is unstable. Crevasses (deep cracks in the ice) are common and can be hidden by snow or thin ice bridges. Chunks of ice fall from the glacier face without warning. The ice surface is slippery and uneven.
The NPS recommends staying on marked routes, watching for falling ice, and not venturing into areas where the ice looks unstable or where crevasses are visible. If you slip or fall, the consequences can be serious. Many visitors walk only a short distance onto the ice near the base of the glacier and then return to solid ground. Others hire a guide through a local outfitter for a more structured glacier walk with safety equipment.
Do not assume that because the glacier looks solid or because other people are walking on it, it is safe for you. Conditions change daily. If you are uncomfortable on ice or have mobility concerns, the Glacier View Trail or the Toe of the Glacier Trail viewpoint are safer alternatives that still show you the glacier.
What to bring and how to prepare for the hike
Even the short Glacier View Trail requires sturdy footwear because the ground is uneven. For the Toe of the Glacier Trail or the Harding Icefield Trail, bring hiking boots with good ankle support and traction. The trails are steep and muddy in places, and loose gravel is common.
Bring layers. The weather in Seward changes rapidly, and the temperature drops as you gain elevation. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and bring a waterproof jacket and pants. Even in summer, the wind at higher elevations can be cold. Bring a hat and gloves if you are hiking the Harding Icefield Trail.
Bring water and snacks. There is no water or food available on the trails. The visitor center has restrooms and a small gift shop, but no food service. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, especially on longer hikes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential because the sun reflects off snow and ice and can cause severe sunburn.
If you are walking on the glacier, wear sturdy boots with good grip. Microspikes (traction devices that strap to your boots) are helpful but not required for short walks on the lower glacier. If you plan to spend significant time on ice or hike to higher elevations on the glacier, consider renting or bringing microspikes or hiring a guide.
How the glacier has changed and why it keeps retreating
Exit Glacier has retreated dramatically over the past century. Photographs taken in the early 1900s show the glacier extending much farther down the valley than it does today. The NPS has marked the glacier's position at different points in time along the Toe of the Glacier Trail, so you can see how far it has moved backward.
The retreat is driven by warming temperatures. As average annual temperatures rise, the glacier loses more ice to melting than it gains from new snow. This is happening across Alaska and throughout the world. Exit Glacier is one of the most visible examples of this change because you can walk to it and see the evidence directly — the bare rock and gravel where ice used to be, the new vegetation growing in areas the glacier has uncovered.
The retreat means the hike to the glacier gets longer each year. The distance from the visitor center to the ice has grown over decades. The NPS monitors this change and updates trail information accordingly. If you visited Exit Glacier 10 years ago, the walk to the ice would have been shorter then than it is now.
Visitor services and what is available at the site
The Exit Glacier Visitor Center is open during the season (late May through September) and has restrooms, a small gift shop, and interpretive displays about the glacier and the icefield. The center does not have food service, a cafe, or lodging. The nearest restaurants and hotels are in Seward, about 3.5 miles away.
There is a parking lot at the visitor center, but it fills up on busy days, especially in July and August. There is no shuttle service or alternative parking. If the lot is full, you may need to wait or come back later. Arrive early in the day if you are visiting in peak season.
Cell phone service is limited or absent on the trails and at the glacier. The visitor center may have spotty coverage. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication once you leave the parking area. Bring a map or read offline maps before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Exit Glacier in winter?
No. Exit Glacier Road closes in late September and does not reopen until late May. The road is not maintained in winter and is impassable due to snow and ice. The only way to see the glacier in winter is by helicopter or boat tour from Seward, which are expensive and require booking in advance.
Do I need a guide to walk on the glacier?
No, but it is not required. Many visitors walk short distances on the ice on their own. However, if you are inexperienced on ice, uncomfortable with the risks, or want to go farther onto the glacier, hiring a guide through a local outfitter is a safer option. Guides provide safety equipment, teach you how to move on ice, and know where crevasses are likely to be.
How long does it take to see the glacier?
The Glacier View Trail takes 15 to 20 minutes. The Toe of the Glacier Trail takes 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. The Harding Icefield Trail takes 4 to 5 hours round trip. Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours total at the site, including time at the visitor center and on one of the shorter trails.
Is the hike to Exit Glacier difficult?
The Glacier View Trail is straightforward and accessible to most people. The Toe of the Glacier Trail is moderate — it involves elevation change and uneven terrain, but most people in reasonable physical condition can complete it. The Harding Icefield Trail is difficult and requires hiking experience and good fitness. Choose based on your ability and how much time you have.
What should I do if I see a crevasse on the glacier?
Stay away from it. Do not try to jump over it or test how deep it is. Crevasses can be deeper than they look, and the edges can collapse. If you encounter crevasses while walking on the glacier, turn back and return to solid ground. The safest approach is to stay on marked routes and avoid areas where crevasses are visible.