Check hoses, belts, electrical wiring, insulation, and radiator fluid level. Exit Glacier: Exit Glacier - See 904 traveler reviews, 869 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. Visitors are encouraged to hike in groups, make noise and not surprise a bear. And on the hike back, I also saw four adult goats and another kid. Parking at the trailhead/nature center was plentiful and free. Is That a Marmot Under My Hood? - National Wildlife Federation . But if you are in decent shape, have good shoes, and water, the views are amazing. Is it worth hiking the trail and doing the Ice Climbing, or do you feel the hike you get as part of the Ice Climbing is sufficient, and not worth going back to do the entirety of the trail? There are several different companies that offer ice climbing on the Exit Glacier: Exit Glacier Guides, Kenai Backcountry Adventures, and Kenai Riverside Resort. Glad I joined him as it gave me the confidence to proceed to the top.Im in my early sixties and in reasonable shape. The Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest icefields in the United States, is what feeds the Exit Glacier. BEST OF DENALI NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best things to do in Denali National Park. Soon, you will be hiking on that glacier! Visitors to Exit Glacier, seen here from Marmot Meadows, in Kenai Fjords National Park have been warned to watch out for a wounded cow moose/NPS file. The vegetation and scenery along the way are gorgeous and you go through 3-4 different ecosystems/micro climates on your way. To get to the other glaciers in the park, you have to take a boat or helicopter. You will also be hiking with a backpack that contains your climbing gear, extra layers, water, and food for the day. Leashed pets and bicycles are allowed on the road to Exit Glacier and in the parking lot. Around 9 am we piled into their shuttle van and were driven to Kenai Fjords National Park (about a 15 minute drive). The National Park Service and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are not responsible for damage caused by marmots. This is something that we strongly considered doing. Amazon Buys 30-Acre Orange County Office Campus for $165M - The Real Deal Read our, Ways to Experience Harding Ice Field Trail, Geologic Formations, Hiking Trails, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Water Sports, Kayaking & Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Boat Tours, Hiking & Camping Tours, Walking Tours, Hiking & Camping Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours. Gunshot Moose Causing Concerns Near Exit Glacier In Kenai Fjords Also, the signs of how far the glacier has receded is a real wakeup to what is happening in this natural world. Not only do they offer a fun, memorable experience, but they also place a big emphasis on safety. Change). Fun, short little hike with awesome views of the mountains & exit glacier. Well paved. The road often remains closed through early May, so be sure to check current conditions if you are visiting during the off season (fall through spring). Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 57 min to complete. Highest Elevation: 3,525 feet Time: 6 to 8 hours* Difficulty: Strenuous There is an additional 0.3 miles each way between the parking lot and the Harding Icefield Trailhead. Kenai Fjords National Park - rickanddebtravelogue This will help the animal not perceive you as a threat. Unlike bear encounters, running from a moose can be an appropriate response. ET on June 23rd, 2023 through July 5th 7:00 a.m ET and only at www.marmot.com. We have lots of suggestions on what to wear in the What to Bring section of this guide. [6], Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park Project Jukebox, "A reporter bids farewell to Exit Glacier", "Retreating Exit Glacier has become an icon of climate change", "Harding Icefield loses mass; Exit Glacier shows big one-year retreat", "Exit Glacier Area - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service)", "Ranger Programs - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service)", "Wildlife Viewing at Exit Glacier - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Department of Fish and Game", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Exit_Glacier&oldid=1089624111, This page was last edited on 24 May 2022, at 21:04. It is uphill and at times a bit of scrambling. From here the trail will get steeper and the weather will get colder, so pace yourself and be ready to wear additional layers. A lot of people on the trail. Good for family and great view of glacier. Flowers in Marmot Meadow and view of Exit Glacier Exit Glacier best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. Marmot Meadows / Exit Glacier - YouTube We visited the Exit Glacier just outside of Seward in mid-July, 2018. For the next few hours, you will hike on the glacier, get a lesson on ice climbing (if you are a newbie, like we were), and then test out your new skills on the ice. A fun way to get to know a glacier! 47 10 Top of the Cliffs hike Review of Exit Glacier Reviewed August 27, 2018 Our family of 6 adults hiked to Top of the Cliffs in late July. Also take water and snacks. It is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska and is a visible indicator of glacial recession due to climate change. We also wore gloves and a hat. Some muddy spaces, some steep rocks to climb up, absolutely stunning views! Here you can explore the trails, walk very close to an active glacier, or take a ranger-led walk. Center Back Length: 40in. That was my advice for some people going up who didn't want to go all the way. After 1.4 miles you'll reach the first viewpoint of the glacier, "Marmot Meadows", at an elevation of 1558ft. If you concern wildlife Bear attack, this ranger program will be perfect to ease your mind. This hike I would love to do again with some friends. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Picnic tables are located next to the parking lot. Tatum and Liv setting up the ropes at our first crevasse. Do not use any poison or substance that pose a risk to the environment, human or animal health, safety or property. Activity Front-Country Hiking Pets Allowed No Activity Fee No Location Exit Glacier Area Reservations No Season Summer, Fall In the spring of 1968, the first documented mountaineering party succeeded in crossing the Harding Icefield. Our out and back hike was 5.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 1565. Hiking poles: if you prefer to use your own. Humans are so arrogant and the animals always end up paying the price! Ice climbing on the Exit Glacier is lots of fun, but it is a long, tiring day, so a good level of physical fitness is needed. Professional guides. At 70 and 69 years old, this was quite the workout for us. There are some small climbing challenges, and the elevation changes steadily during the hike. However, if you are also referring to hiking all the way to Harding Icefield (continuing the hike past the point where you step onto the glacier), then that is a very different experience. https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/exit-glacier-view-loop. This glacier is located at the end of Herman Leirer Road (aka Exit Glacier Road), the only road in Kenai Fjords National Park. After a quick lesson on how to walk with crampons, we hiked to our spot for ice climbing lessons. At times, I was awestruck. Climbed the trail leading up to the glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park - Things to Do, things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. Trail was well marked and in great condition. If you encounter a moose and it has not detected you, move away slowly and give the animal plenty of space. If you only did the hike to the glacier, thats not worth it. In the distance, you can see a tiny bit of the icefields peeking over the mountains. The cost includes transportation to and from the Exit Glacier, two guides, the technical climbing gear, and lunch. After 1.8 miles, youll reach the true start of the trail and the true Alaskan wilderness the bottom of the cliffs. Exit Glacier is a glacier derived from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains of Alaska[1] and one of Kenai Fjords National Park's major attractions. However, Exit Glacier serves as a great introduction to what awaits you in this wild state. Thats about a 10 hour day. Exit Glacier is officially located in Kenai Fjords NP, yet its the only part of this NP that is accessible by car from Anchorage, which makes it easy to explore. Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield Trail (Kenai Fjords NP) When is the Best Time to Ice Climb on the Exit Glacier? It is the easiest hike youll get in Alaska; albeit, it is not easy at all:), in terms of accessibility, terrain, and trail findingSo lets start our adventure! A must see if your in the area! It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models. -Turn key to on, but do not start your vehicle. Edit them in the Widget section of the. You can keep hiking off trail once you get to the lookout area to get even closer to the glacier. Ill send you a pic. Exit Glacier, the only area of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by car, is one of thirty-five glaciers that flow off the vast Harding Icefield. Hiking to the end of the Harding Icefield Trail adds another 4 miles (out-and-back) and 2,000 feet of elevation gain to the day. On my way down there were way more people starting the hike. I was able to do the round trip in seven and a half hours. This area overlooks and offers great views of Exit Glacier and the beginning of the Harding Icefield. I was sore for days after doing this. -Physically block marmots by driving over a tarp and then wrapping it around your entire vehicle. I wish we had more time to hike up to top. Exit Glacier. The Glacier Overlook Loop Trail (taken on a different day than our ice climbing tour). A guided hike to Marmot Meadows along the Harding Icefield trail is also available every day of the summer season at 9 am and lasts 3 to 4 hours. -Wash the outside, undercarriage, and engine compartment of your vehicle before visiting. I would do it again and yes, go farther for the fun of it. Three Rivers, If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. But if you have never hiked on a glacier before, I would say its more worth it to hike on the Exit Glacier than to hike up the rest of the trail to the Harding Icefield. It is 2.8 miles round trip but it is steep elevation gain. -Start the engine and listen for unusual sounds. Cant stress this enough. reviewed Exit Glacier Overlook Trail June 20, 2023 Hiking Trail is good for hiking even in a wet rainy day Hiked to the exit Glacier overlook and till Marmot meadows in the Hardong icedield trail This is a 1.7 mile stretch with an elevation gain of +1007ft in the bitter cold and large parts of the trail will be completely covered in snowso it is not for the faint-hearted!! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Im sure your posts will figure into the conversation. After navigating this snowy part youll reach the top of the glacier and the end of the trail. Harding Ice Field Trail: Harding Trail to Marmot Meadows - See 198 traveler reviews, 303 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. The Exit Glacier is the most accessible glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, since it is the only glacier you can get to by car. You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. Toggle submenu for First Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The rapid retreat of the glacier highlights the effects of climate change and how it affects Alaska's coastal glaciers. It takes a bit of strength to use the ice axes and to kick the crampons into the wall. Cool view of glacier. I'm an average hiker. But once on the glacier, it can be very cold, so you will also need several more layers, as well as hats and gloves, to stay warm. We all unanimously agree that this was our favorite experience in Kenai Fjords National Park, although Tim and I also really liked the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. The outside of the restroom has a water bottle refilling station. glacier hikes | List | AllTrails If you can hike 5 miles while wearing a backpack, you should be fine on this excursion. The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. We arrived at the Exit Glacier ranger station as it was closing and the rain was coming down. I-110 S; Interstate 110; San Pedro; Convention Center; Grand Ave. We saw a Black Bear across the revene. This was our first experience ice climbing, but it definitely wont be our last! On several occasions, marmots have not escaped the engine compartment quickly enough and unsuspecting drivers have given them rides to other parts of the parks; several have ridden as far as southern California! 73 reviews of Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail "if you like chutes and ladders, you'll love this hike. Julie Last updated: April 9, 2023 United States 2 Comments. For more information, please see, Mount Marathon via Skyline and Mount Marathon Loop. Eventually, you get another good look at Exit Glacier, as you approach Marmot Meadows, which is at mile 1.4 on the trail. Read all of our articles about Alaska in our. Overall a nice, easy hike to get pretty close to a glacier. Final sale styles end in .97 and are marked "FINAL SALE". Much of what we hiked was a forested area, but it "opened up" near Marmot Meadows and the views were spectacular. Glaciers are dangerous, with hidden crevasses and shifting ice, and it can even be dangerous to just hike on the terminal moraine. Kara was the winner, but I think her years of rock climbing gave her an advantage. Came face to face with a curious juvenile miss on the lesser traveled part of the trail near the rock field. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. The high temperature in Seward on this day was 58 Fahrenheit. If a bear actively pursues you or is aggressive, using bear spray has been shown to be an effective deterrent. Past season styles end in .99 and are marked "SALE" and "New To Sale". Not a fun day I think. Secondary Fabric: 69% Acrylic, 31% Polyester Fur 22.7 oz/yd. Immediately, we knew it would be a great day. Great hike and view of Exit Glacier. At the end of the three hours on the Exit Glacier, we hiked off the glacier, removed our gear, and repacked our things into our backpacks. Beautiful trail but uneven terrain. To hike all the trails, start by turning left at the nature center and following the accessible, Glacier View Loop Trail through the cottonwood forest to the Glacier View, a panoramic vista of Exit Glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. Nice peaceful trail. And there are age minimums, which we cover later in this guide, so if you would like to do this with kids, this is something to be aware of. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip. Here are photos of the four of us ice climbing. Kara just before rappelling into the crevasse. The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. Itll be tough and the snow will get thicker, but dont be discouraged, in the end, you came to Alaska by your choice:) and honestly, that is what it is worth for. This large mountain rodent may pose a threat to your car. It was a very good day we were the oldest people on the trail, and not one 20 year old hiker ran up to me and said, sir, are you going to be alright?. But once down therewow. We also have a detailed guide to driving from Anchorage to Valdez, yet another amazing road trip. Once you make it to the Exit Glacier, you get a quick break. During the summer, potable water is available at the restroom building, through both water-fountains and a water-bottle filling station. How about ice climbing on the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park?
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