Table of Contents
Updated January 2025
On this trip to Alaska, we rented an RV for our Alaska dream vacation to visit a few National Parks. Today it’s a beautiful morning. Our Alaskan road trip itinerary today includes a visit to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. The road to Exit Glacier on the Seward Highway sees heavy traffic during the summer months. Exit Glacier is only one glacier within Kenai Fjords National Park. There is no entrance fee for the Park. However, one way we support our National Parks is by purchasing an annual park pass. We love America the Beautiful pass because it gains us entrance into all the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. The pass costs $80 for one year.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.
Sensational Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
The Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses nearly 65% of the Harding Icefield. Exit Glacier Road is the only road-accessible portion of the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Exit Glacier is a prominent valley glacier in Alaska, flowing from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains. It gained its name in 1968 when it served as the “exit” route for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield. This glacier is a striking example of the natural beauty of this rugged landscape of Alaska. Visitors often come to witness its massive ice formations in such a unique environment. The glacier’s movement shapes the surrounding valley, showcasing the power of nature. Exploring Exit Glacier offered us wonderful insight into glacial processes and the impact of climate change on these majestic ice bodies.
Getting to Exit Glacier
To reach Exit Glacier from Seward, take the Seward Highway north 3.7-miles (MM 3) to the Exit Glacier Road. Follow the signs, which will lead you directly to the parking area. From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway for about two hours. Continue until you reach the Exit Glacier Road exit. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot. The total drive from Anchorage is about 130-miles. Make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Exit Glacier is one of the most popular road-accessible glaciers in the state. The peak months to visit Exit Glacier are June, July, and August. Exit Glacier Road follows the Resurrection River, giving panoramic views of the mountains. The road ends at the glacier.
The parking lot at the end of Exit Glacier Road offered us ample space for RVs early in the morning. However, it fills up quickly during warmer months. Tour buses from cruise ships add to the demand, making it hard to find a spot later in the day. Arriving early can save time and frustration if you plan to visit the glacier.
Important Information to Know before You Visit Exit Glacier
- Exit Glacier Nature Center is open seasonally. May through September from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Closed: October through April.
- Accessibility: Exit Glacier is accessible year-round, though conditions can vary. The summer months (June to September) are the most popular due to warmer weather and easier access to trails.
- Facilities: The park has a parking lot, restrooms, and a visitor center with information on the glacier, its history, and the surrounding wilderness. Bring snacks and water; few services are available nearby.
- Entrance Fees: There is no fee to visit Exit Glacier specifically, as it is part of the Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–September): This is the most popular time to visit Exit Glacier because of milder weather, accessible trails, and longer daylight hours. It’s the best time for hiking, as snow and ice have typically melted on lower elevations, making trails more accessible. Fall (September–October): Fall is a quieter time, and you might catch stunning autumn colors. However, trail conditions can be slippery with early snow. Spring (May–early June): This is still a good time to visit, but some trails may be muddy or have lingering snow. Fewer crowds make for a peaceful experience. Winter (November–April): Winter can be harsh, and many trails may be inaccessible because of snow and ice. However, for winter adventurers, this could be an opportunity for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, though conditions can be challenging.
- Pets: Allowed on-leash in the Exit Glacier area, but not on more strenuous trails like the Harding Icefield Trail.
Discover the Exit Glacier Nature Center
We began our adventure with a short walk from the parking lot that leads to a small ranger station-Nature Center. You will want to start your visit here. By stopping in at Exit Glacier Nature Center open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM in summer, you can get updates for the trial conditions.
The Nature Center is also a great educational opportunity. Look at the interactive displays on the glacial geology & history. Additionally, an interactive panel with trail and weather information will help you plan your day effectively. You can then decide what kind of adventure is best for your day. Before embarking on the trail to the top of the glacier, be sure to pick up a map while in the Nature Center.
We opted for another option doing the self-guided audio tour on The Alaska App, narrated by the Park Service’s chief interpretive ranger.
The Nature Center has a clean restroom with flush toilets. You can fill up your nondisposable, reusable water bottle that we recommend you bring with you. It is located directly outside the restrooms. Hydration is the most important thing when climbing in high elevations. Drink often during your visit to Exit Glacier while on your hike, carry along quick and easy snacks. Trekking poles and bear spray would certainly help if you plan the Harding Icefield Trail. At certain times of the year, bug spray may be an additional item you will need.With the cooler June temperatures, today we did not have any issues with mosquitoes.
Highly recommend doing a Ranger-Led Tour
If you have time in your schedule, we recommend doing a ranger-led walk on the trail to Glacier View Lookout for pictures. The ranger will get you to the best spots for spectacular views of Exit Glacier. Daily tours are available at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you prefer, professional guided tours are available.
What Trails Should You Hike in the Park?
Short but Sweet Hike the Glacier View Trail
Different trails offer unique views of the glacier. The easiest option is the Glacier View Trail, also known as the Lower Trail. This one-mile loop is wheelchair-accessible and winds through a lush cottonwood forest. You can walk it either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The entire loop takes about 20 minutes to complete. A spotting scope is available at the viewpoint for close-up looks. The Glacier View Trail provides amazing sights of the outwash plain and the glacier’s toe.
NOTE: The park has paved the trail for only part of the walk. Soft gravel covers the rest of the trail, making navigation easy.
Markers along the trail clearly show how much Exit Glacier has receded over the last 120 years. At one time, it extended all the way to Seward, roughly 8 miles away. The speed of this recession is striking. On our last visit in 2021, we couldn’t even reach the toe of the glacier; it had moved back even further since 2012. The distance the glacier has pulled away in such a short time highlights the reality of climate change.
Moderately Difficult – Glacier Overlook Trail
We followed the half-mile paved trail, part of the Glacier View trail, before turning left onto the Glacier Overlook Trail. The path led us through thick woods, where sunlight flickered through the leaves. Soon, we broke free from the trees and stepped onto the rocky glacial moraine. The ground felt uneven underfoot, with stones scattered across the landscape. This dramatic shift in scenery revealed striking views that made the trek worthwhile.
We followed the well-kept trail leading to the top of the glacial valley. The hike to the glacier’s edge covers about 1.2 miles and climbs 429 feet. This moderately strenuous trek rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the Glacier Overlook Trail. Standing at the edge, the sight of the valley below is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It’s a scene that captures the beauty and power of nature, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
The Harding Icefield – Trail All Day Hike
Harding Icefield Trail climbs 3,500 feet in 4.2 miles to the top of the cliff. It covers 700-square-miles, however; the reward is sweeping vistas of the entire glacier. Allow all day for this hike-6-8 hours. Dress in layers as the winds blow off the glacier, the air becomes chilly. There are a lot of opportunities to see wildlife as you travel through heather-filled meadows and tundra above the treeline. A good pair of binoculars makes spotting wildlife easier. This is bear habitat, so make noise and keep a keen eye while walking in the meadows.
One thing that surprised me was how the ice appears crystalline blue as the light scatters blue hues of sunlight like a prism. We could see little caverns and crevasses throughout the glacier. Visitors should take care venturing into the icefield as there can be hazards. It is amazing in the bright sunshine; the colors are stunning!
Although we set out to reach the top of the icefield, we only made it about halfway. We just did not have the time today or the stamina to make it to the top of the trail. Be aware in the spring, the trail may be unimproved and not well marked. The orange markers often shift or move during winter.
Getting Your Feet Wet! Outwash Plain
Instead, we took the paved/gravel trail and entered the outwash plain. We were determined to reach the toe of the glacier. Flow from the base of the glacial melt zone creates many braided stream channels, so keeping your feet dry is not an option for walking the outwash plain. I would advise good hiking shoes or wading boots with neoprene socks. You must walk along and through the rushing waters of Exit Creek to reach the base of the glacier. The braided stream of the Exit Creek weaves its way across the outwash plain. No marked trail since the river is constantly changing, creating new channels with increased or decreased meltwater. The meltwaters eventually join those of the Resurrection River.
Walking the Outwash Plain – Not so Easy
The stream water is freezing, the rocks are slipper-care should be taken when walking the outwash plain. We soaked our feet walking in the water, but that did not deter us from our destination. Although today the weather is warm and sunny, we feel the ice-cold water and the wind that is created by thermal currents on the glacier surface. It was exhilarating trying to make our way along the gravel outwash. It was worth the extra effort.
From the base, you can easily walk on top of the glacier. Stepping out onto the glacier is fantastic, well worth the short hike. You can see the rushing meltwater, the ice has overhangs in some areas, be safe, these tunnels can collapse at any time. Small crevices line the glacier.
NOTE: We walked to the toe of the glacier on our 2012 trip. On the next trip in 2021, the toe was off limits and a hazard, as the ice cave could collapse.
End of the Trail – The Glacial Moraine
On our walk back, the breeze was quite cool from the occasional gusts of wind from the glacier. These gusts are katabatic wind caused by the cool air rushing down the glacier, much like the rush of air that comes out of your freezer door on a hot sunny day. Moraines align the sides of the glacier. Similar to a bulldozer pushing material away, the glacier displaces large boulders.
Exit Glacier continues to melt at a rapid pace because of the ever-increasing temperatures in Alaska. Today it is one of the fastest retreating glaciers in Alaska receding 100-200 feet per year.
The Many Views of the Resurrection River
After returning to our RV, we changed into dry footwear and grabbed a snack and warm drinks. This is the luxury of traveling by RV in Alaska. Everything is so handy. Full-time RVers have a carbon footprint of 28% smaller than a standard household.
We made our way back down the Exit Road, stopping at a few pullouts to take in the views of the mountain alpine glaciers on the other side of the Resurrection River. From these pullouts, you can take in the U-shaped valleys created by the retreating glacier. Other glacial features include cirques, rock striations, and rock slides.
Final Thoughts-You See What is Best About Kenai Fjords National Park at Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is truly a remarkable sight and one of the best places to experience the beauty and wonder of the Kenai Fjords National Park. It gave us the chance to witness firsthand the incredible power of nature and the impact of climate change on our planet. As one of the most accessible glaciers in the park, it provided a unique opportunity to explore the natural world up close and learn about the forces that have shaped this magnificent landscape.
A visit to Seward would not be complete without stopping at Exit Glacier. WE make this stop on every return trip to Alaska. So make sure to add Exit Glacier to your Alaskan road trip itinerary.
Have you been to Alaska? Did you visit Exit Glacier? Please share in the comments below your favorite memory of Exit Glacier, Alaska.
