Kenai Fjords National Park (Exit Glacier)

The feel

The Exit Glacier area is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park you can reach by road, in a park that is mostly ice and ocean. Short trails start at the nature center. Boat tours cover the rest, with day trips to see the fjords, tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife, many with park ranger interpretation.

Black bears are spotted almost every day from the Harding Icefield Trail. The Exit Glacier Campground has 12 tent-only sites just before the nature center parking lot.

What to expect

What it is

The only road-accessible corner of a park that is mostly ice and ocean. Trails lead to views of Exit Glacier and up to the Harding Icefield; the rest of the park is reached by boat.

Time

The Glacier View Loop is a one-mile loop, and the Glacier Overlook Trail adds 0.6 miles beyond it. The Harding Icefield Trail is 7.8 to 8.2 miles round trip, takes 6 to 8 hours and gains about 1,000 feet with every mile. Shorter turnarounds are Marmot Meadows at 1.4 miles one way and Top of the Cliffs at 2.4 miles one way.

Crowds and best time

Most visitors come in June, July and August. Parking is limited, especially from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Parking

One lot at the nature center, where the road ends, 8.6 miles from the Seward Highway at mile 3.7. A shuttle or taxi from Seward is an option.

Fees and passes

No activity fee on the Harding Icefield Trail; entrance fees may apply.

Dogs

Pets are not allowed on park trails. Bikes are not allowed on trails past the parking lot.

Kids

The Glacier View Loop is an accessible one-mile trail.

Hazards

Snow and avalanche danger on the upper Harding Icefield Trail, often through early July. Black bears are common, so make noise to avoid surprising one. Expect storms, high winds and sudden temperature changes.

Cell signal

No cell phone service or public wifi in the park, including the Exit Glacier Area.

Bathrooms and water

Bring at least 2 liters of water per person for the Harding Icefield Trail, or a filter, since untreated stream water may contain Giardia.

Season and access

Open all year, but from late October to mid May the road is closed to cars, usually because of snow. Visitor Centers are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Mingo says

Save the Icefield hike for after early July, since the upper trail is often covered with snow through then. Reach the lot early, since parking is limited from late morning to mid-afternoon.

Before you go

• Pack warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles for the Icefield.
• Call the Recorded Information Line at 907-318-2088 for current road and trail conditions.
• Take a shuttle or taxi from Seward if you want to skip the parking squeeze.
• Call the park at (907) 318-2040.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.