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Kenai Fjords National Park: Harding Icefield Trail
Get a front row seat of retreating glaciers on this challenging 8-mile out-and-back to the Harding Icefield. No crampons or ice axes are needed during the summer hiking months.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Alaska (AK) |
| Distance: | 4.09 mi |
| Difficulty: | 7 / 10 |
| Rating: |
 3 rating(s)
|
TO TRAILHEAD: From Anchorage, take AK 1 S (becomes Seward Hwy./AK 9 S of Gilpatricks); in 127 mi., W @ Glacier Rd/FH 46 exit just outside Seward. Follow signs 8.4 mi. to Exit Glacier; park in lot.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
TRK01
| Distance: 4.09 mi | Points: 362 |
Points of Interest
HGL001
Location: 60.189274, -149.629318Begin on Harding Icefield Trail near visitor center. Caution: Check trail conditions first
HGL002
Location: 60.187751, -149.632673Trail junction; continue straight through hemlock and spruce forest
HGL003
Location: 60.184345, -149.644058First views of Exit Glacier, a massive blue-white blanket capping nearby fields of willow and pioneer plants
HGL004
Location: 60.184132, -149.649551Cross bridge over glacier-fed creek
HGL005
Location: 60.182976, -149.653061Follow trail along Exit Glacier ridge; best photos in summer twilight
HGL006
Location: 60.181816, -149.656311Trail opens to views of Harding Icefield, a near- blinding spread of bowl-shaped glacial cirques covering half the park
HGL007
Location: 60.181412, -149.663361Turn L onto side trail for Exit Glacier overlook
HGL008
Location: 60.183701, -149.665466Follow switchbacks above cottonwood and alder treeline
HGL009
Location: 60.182297, -149.670547Land opens to thick cover of pink fireweed and emerging snow patches
HGL010
Location: 60.184547, -149.672562Watch for black bears while passing this popular wildlife hangout
HGL011
Location: 60.184559, -149.684586Follow orange markers; use caution crossing 1st snowfield; watch for white mountain goats
HGL012
Location: 60.182037, -149.702515Pass small gray emergency cabin
HGL013
Location: 60.178944, -149.706711Reach Harding Icefield overlook; admire endless expanse of snow and ice. Retrace route to trailhead
Harding Icefield
Location: 60.183184, -149.664002© Gina Wheeler
Harding Icefield
Location: 60.183270, -149.695244© Gina Wheeler
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