Exit Glacier - Glacier View Loop

The feel

The loop starts at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and runs through cottonwood forest to a panoramic view of Exit Glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. It is an accessible trail, partly paved and partly compressed gravel, and it loops back to the parking area.

Signs along the way show how far the glacier has retreated. Bears and moose frequent the area, so this is a walk where you keep an eye out and never approach wildlife.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 1 to 2 miles, rated easy, with 200 ft of gain at most; partly paved and partly compressed gravel through cottonwood forest to the glacier view, with a slight descent on the return.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Parking is limited, especially from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Parking

Turn onto Herman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) at mile 3 of the Seward Highway and go 8.4 miles to the lot at the nature center.

Fees and passes

No fees to access the park.

Dogs

Not allowed; pets are not permitted on the trails.

Kids

Rated easy and kid-friendly.

Hazards

Bears and moose frequent the area. Exit Creek rises and falls through the summer, so be aware of possible flood risk. Never leave backpacks or strollers unattended.

Cell signal

No cell phone service or public wifi in the Exit Glacier area.

Bathrooms and water

No restrooms on the trails. Restrooms are near the Nature Center.

Season and access

From late October to mid-May the road is inaccessible to cars, usually due to snow. Snow may keep the trail closed as the road opens, typically in May. Trails are accessible day and night.

Mingo says

A May visit may find snow on the path. Wheelchairs can be borrowed during open hours if you need one.

Before you go

• Keep backpacks and strollers with you; never leave them unattended.
• Call the Park Visitor Center at (907) 422-0535.
• Leave dogs at home, since pets are not allowed on trails.
• Wheelchairs can be checked out from the Exit Glacier Nature Center during open hours.

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