The Harding Icefield Trail is 8.2 miles roundtrip and gains 3,800 feet in elevation – that’s a rate of about 1,000 feet per mile! Between the mid-1920s and the early 1930s, the increasing popularity of aviation had given a lucky few the opportunity to soar over the icefield. Volunteers help restore and maintain this trail every year. They minded their own business and so did we. Throughout the entire hike you have splendid views of … Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, you need not hike all the way to the top to experience the wonders of this trail. Avalanche hazards can exist in late spring and early summer as well. Dense clouds hung low, and fingers of fog crept up the valleys. Make sure you are dressed properly, as the weather on top is often different than in the Exit Glacier area below. The strenuous 7.7-mile roundtrip Harding Icefield Trail starts on the valley floor and climbs through alder and cottonwood forest, and wildflower meadows before reaching the stark landscape of the icefield gaining approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. The eight mile (round-trip) trail begins by following Exit Glacier, but then climbs steeply and eventually ends overlooking the massive Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within the US, which feeds Exit Glacier and about 40 other glaciers. Edge of the Glacier, a partially-unpaved trail that, as the name suggests, takes you to fairly close to the edge of the glacier, near the lower end; Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2 mile round-trip with a significant elevation gain, that provides views of Exit Glacier and eventually the Harding Icefield; I … Watch for wildlife throughout your hike, as bears, mountain goats, hoary marmots, and others, have all been seen from the trail. Would you hike to the Harding Icefield? Killed my knees on the way down. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. They are free to join. Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield, Seward - Good to Know. Harding Icefield Trail is an epic 8.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 3812 feet. The view is sooo awesome and 100% worth it! Though the elevation profile is not always even, each of these sections is right around 2 miles so it breaks the day up nicely for objectives. Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Harding Ice Field Trail is a 13.2 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Seward, Alaska that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2-mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Took us just under 5 hours bottom to top with a short lunch stop at the shelter. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. View from the end of the Harding Icefield Trail. The trail itself is only 3.8 miles out, but you'll need to access it via the Exit Glacier Paved Path, which adds to the overall distance.Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier area as … The still air was heavy with moisture as I hiked up the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside Seward, Alaska. Elevation Gain of the Harding Icefield Trail. The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, you need not hike all the way to the top to experience the wonders of this trail. Please do not pass this one up. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. The trailhead at the valley floor where the Exit Glacier terminates is a forest of cottonwood and alder. 1 Reviews of Harding Ice Field Trail "About 9 miles RT from the parking lot, and about 3000' elevation gain. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/harding-ice-field-trail Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Located in Kenai Fjords National Park, the trail head is about a 15 mile drive from Seward. You will begin the hike to Harding Icefield in the Exit Glacier area. Return by … We had some difficulty navigating the trail under the snow as the orange flag trail markers seemed to have been covered for the most part. Length of the Harding Icefield Trail. Up to this point, however, people had walked only on the icefiel… Hike to the ice-field is said to be 8.2 miles round trip but is very relative as some indicate the trail to be about 10 miles round trip. chachaSH/Tripadvisor. Look back in time, when viewing the expanse of the Harding Icefield. Harding Icefield Trail Hike. The amazing views require some effort – the hike is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain. One of the hardest yet most rewarding hikes I’ve EVER done. Please respect their hard work by sticking to the trail. Harding Icefield Trail – The Arrival. OVERVIEW: The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile, 5-hour hike round trip with a 3,150-foot elevation gain.Hiking conditions are best from June to September. How to Hike the Harding Icefield Trail. United States - Hike to Harding Icefield - My husband and I are travelling to Alaska during the last 2 weeks of July. The trail however is not all about ice. For physically fit hikers, a strenuous four-mile trail parallels the glacier’s north edge on a 3,000-foot ascent to the ice field, offering spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains along the way. First, I didn’t know this trail was rated difficult when we were on 99% of the trail! Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles. The Harding Icefield hike is a must-do hike in Kenai Mountains. Parking: free, at the Exit Glacier parking lot. The trail is easy to follow all the way to the cabin, snow ankle deep for about the last 30 min or so but the trail is still easy to follow! We saw 3 black bears on the way up. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. Lush trees, bears, and vast icefields of Exit Glacier. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2-mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. OVERVIEW: The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile, 5-hour hike round trip with a 3,150-foot elevation gain.Hiking conditions are best from June to September. The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2 mile round trip trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside of Seward, Alaska. Though pets are prohibited on this trail, service animals are able to accompany visitors. The strenuous 7.7-mile roundtrip Harding Icefield Trail starts on the valley floor and climbs through alder and cottonwood forest, and wildflower meadows before reaching the stark landscape of the icefield gaining approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. From the very beginning, this trail climbs upward, starting with switchbacks through the forest. We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. Very excited! We hit the trail head at 10am on an Oct Tue and had the whole trail to ourselves. We arrived at the Harding Icefield Trail just north of Seward, Alaska mid-morning on the 4th of July. In about 1000 ft elevation the forest disappears to allow a hike that overlooks the Harding Icefield. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. Harding Ice Field Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park: Address, Harding Ice Field Trail Reviews: 5/5. The trail gains about 1000' of elevation… Early in the season, about half of the trail is covered in snow, but hikers with … The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. Check on trail conditions before starting out - the upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July, and there may be avalanche danger. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. Harding Icefield Trail is an epic 8.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 3812 feet. All-Day Hike: The Harding Icefield Trail is strenuous! Glaciers And Glory: The Harding Icefield Trail. HARDING ICEFIELD EXIT GLACIER Marmot Meadows mile 1.4 1558 ft elevation OUTWASH PLAIN Top of the Cliffs mile 2.4 2475 ft elevation Bridge mile 0.8 PREPARE FOR THE TRAIL This hike can be a fun adventure, if you’re prepared. Careless hikers who cut switchbacks, along with frequent summer rains, cause tremendous erosion. I had heard of the Harding Icefield and even drove by the trailhead on previous trips to the Kenai Peninsula and always wondered what an icefield is like. Definitely would recommend this one. I had heard of the Harding Icefield and even drove by the trailhead on previous trips to the Kenai Peninsula and always wondered what an icefield is like. At only 4 miles to the end of the trail, hikers might assume that it is an easy hike; it’s not. We ended up with 10.5 miles and just under 4000’ of elevation. Saw 3 black bears out today towards the last mile to the top, be careful. I say this first because I read the reviews of this climb thinking it was going to be very difficult. Tag: Harding Icefield Trail elevation gain. The ice field itself looks like something from another planet. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person). Peer into the Pleistocene on the Harding Icefield Trail, high in the Kenai Mountains. The Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park is truly a wonder to behold! The Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park is truly a wonder to behold! How to Hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Elevation wise its all uphill with no flats whatsoever. A definite must hike if you are in the Seward area. Happy hiking. Very beautiful, a must do if it fits your activity level. Went all the way down to stand on the icefield. The trail is strenuous! Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, you need not hike all the way to the top to experience the wonders of this trail. You'll gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours for this trip. Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. It just will take some people longer. It was a warm, sunny July day when my wife and I hiked the Harding Icefield trail. Harding Icefield Trail. It was a warm, sunny July day when my wife and I hiked the Harding Icefield trail. Took us 6ish hrs roundtrip at a leisurely pace. Steep and damp but not really technical. I was comfortable for most of the trail and it had the most beautiful views I’ve seen even not making it to the ice field. Bring tons of water and snacks. 1 Reviews of Harding Ice Field Trail "About 9 miles RT from the parking lot, and about 3000' elevation gain. Hiking Tip. ... You gain about 2,800 feet in elevation on the way up, so it was a nice change of pace to hike downhill once we hit the summit. Located atop Exit Glacier where it stretches for 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is worth the climb. Though the elevation profile is not always even, each of these sections is right around 2 miles so it breaks the day up nicely for objectives. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. Stay on the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Kenai Fjords National Park - Harding Icefield Trail: Summary: Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield: Type: Day Hike - Out and Back: Distance (Total) 7.4 miles / 11.9 km: Elevation Gain We did the Harding Icefield Hike at the end of August and were constantly wowed by the beauty and stunning views. New snow could be found on the trail during the fall. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. Hikes Oct 16th. For those looking for an easier outing, the Exit Glacier can be viewed from an accessible trail that is about one mile in length. NPS Photo / F. North. Good shorter options with scenic views are Marmot Meadows (1.4 mi one way) or Top of the Cliffs (2.4 mi one way). Covering approximately 700 square miles, and at a maximum depth of roughly 4000ft, the Harding Icefield is the largest ice field entirely within the United States. Elevation Gain of the Harding Icefield Trail. Also saw two black bears, very non-aggressive, on the trail! We saw a baby moose which was so beautiful. There are Ranger led Harding Icefield hikes from 9am on Saturdays in July to August. Top of the cliff is probably a good return point if you are short of time. Alaska, hiking, National Parks, RVs, scenic byways, Travel, Uncategorized. It felt like going through two different worlds in one afternoon. Le sentier offre plusieurs activités et sa meilleure utilisation est de mai à octobre. Route: From the Nature Center, follow the paved approach trail to the Harding Icefield Trailhead. It was typical weather for a temperate rainforest, I kept reminding myself, but gloomy all the same. I started out at 7:45am and had the trail all to myself the entire way up even going slow for all the picture taking. The other big thing we wanted to do in Kenai Fjords National Park, besides glacier kayaking, was hiking the famous Harding Icefield Trail.. The weather can be unpredictable. The day we started there were bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to buy bear spray ahead of time. We hiked to the top and hit the offshoot on the way back. The vast expanse of the Harding Ice Field is absolutely mind-boggling. Would you hike to the Harding Icefield? Harding Icefield Trail a trail near Seward Alaska. The edges of the Exit Glacier are skirted while hiking the trail, and keen ears can listen to the cracking ice. Stops along the way at Marmot Meadows (1.4 miles) and Top of the Cliff (2.4 miles) provide scenic vistas to take a break during your journey or turn around for a shorter hike. Harding Ice Field Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park: Address, Harding Ice Field Trail Reviews: 5/5. For those looking for an easier outing, the Exit Glacier can be viewed from an accessible trail that is about one mile in length. Elevation: 3,800 feet gain ; Distance: 8.2 miles (roundtrip) Glacier overlook, where the kids hiked too, before heading back with their Grandparents Harding Icefield Trail Details: We started out with the kids and hiked the short trail up to the Glacier lookout. Pretty cold and breezy at the top as well so layers are definitely needed. Trailhead: Exit Glacier Nature Center. Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. Strenuous. Keep your eyes open! I did know when I didn’t make it to the ice field because of some sketchy (to me) last steep exposed waterfall sections that were too narrow for my comfort level. Kenai Fjords National Park - Harding Icefield Trail: Summary: Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield: Type: Day Hike - Out and Back: Distance (Total) 7.4 miles / 11.9 km: Elevation Gain The Harding Icefield trail can really be broken up into two sections: hiking out of the forest to the cliffs for an amazing view of Exit Glacier and then climbing on up to the Harding Icefield above it. Location: 60 ° 11' 5.194" N, 149 ° 38' 14.172" W Region: Kenai Peninsula Nearest City: Seward Uses: Hiking Length: 4.1 mi (6.6 km) Elevation: 408 ft (124.36 m) Low: 408 ft (124.36 m) High: 3480 ft (1060.7 m) Elevation Gain: 3215 ft (979.93 m) Elevation Loss: 153 ft (46.63 m) They are free to join. We really want to hike to the top of the Harding Icefield. You will begin the hike to Harding Icefield in the Exit Glacier area. Length of the Harding Icefield Trail. This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of elevation … Elevation: 3,800 feet gain ; Distance: 8.2 miles (roundtrip) Glacier overlook, where the kids hiked too, before heading back with their Grandparents Harding Icefield Trail Details: We started out with the kids and hiked the short trail up to the Glacier lookout. Along the way, enjoy wildlife, wildflowers, and waterfalls. If you give yourself enough time and have completed a few long hikes in your life, and maybe have a buddy for motivation, you should be fine :) As others have mentioned the changing landscape is amazing during this hike - definitely bring a camera, and LAYERS! Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, with around 3000 feet of elevation gain. Travelers gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation with each mile, putting this day hike firmly into the “strenuous” category. John and Katie’s Alaska RV Trip 2017: On Top of the World via the Harding Icefield Trail. The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. John and Katie’s Alaska RV Trip 2017: On Top of the World via the Harding Icefield Trail. Alaska, hiking, National Parks, RVs, scenic byways, Travel, Uncategorized. Elevation: 3800 feet of gain (be prepared, this is a steep one!) Did this hike on Aug 16. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. The day we started there were bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to buy bear spray ahead of time. Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. Didn’t see any cool animals, but other hikers saw bears. As noted, the hike is fairly difficult as it is pretty elevation intensive, but it is very much worth it. Let someone know your plans. Follow the trail to its terminus at a vista of the icefield, just past the emergency use shelter. Glaciers And Glory: The Harding Icefield Trail. The edges of the Exit Glacier are skirted while hiking the trail, and keen ears can listen to the cracking ice. The surface can be muddy, slippery, rocky and include snow and ice depending on the time of year. Loose trail is hard on the knees but the view from the top is amazing! 3000 feet or 914 metres. The Harding Ice field which spans over 300 square miles, is an expansive ice-field that resides in the Kenai mountains which are partially located within the area of Kenai Fjords national park. Easily one of the best hikes we've ever done and could probably list it in the top 10 day hikes in the US. The nearby town of Seward averages 72 inches of rain per year. The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2 mile round trip trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside of Seward, Alaska. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s … Be prepared! If you have time, take the offshoot at mile 2.5 to hike down to the glacier and get a feel for how amazing it is. NPS Photo / F. North. Trail was amazing! The hike to view the Harding Icefield is about 4 miles (oneway) with 3,500 feet elevation gain. Quick Facts. Three different climates to pass through and insane views all over the place. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. Sewardresidents generally ignored the huge icefield west of town before 1922. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. At only 4 miles to the end of the trail, hikers might assume that it is an easy hike; it’s not. Camping: Yes, along the Harding Icefield Trail corridor, though you must be a decent ways from the trail on bare rock or snow. If you’re in decent shape you’ll be able to finish the hike. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Exit Glacier – choice of trails up to 1 mile long; … Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. We did the Harding Icefield Hike at the end of August and were constantly wowed by the beauty and stunning views. Overview Hike the 7.4 mile Harding Icefield Trail, up along side Exit Glacier to the place that glaciers are born in 700 square mile of ice called Harding Ice Field. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. There are Ranger led Harding Icefield hikes from 9am on Saturdays in July to August. Combine that with the easy accessibility from the town of Seward, and it was a no-brainer. The other big thing we wanted to do in Kenai Fjords National Park, besides glacier kayaking, was hiking the famous Harding Icefield Trail.. Started around 9:30am and finished at 4:45pm with a long photo break at the top. This climb is not difficult if you are prepared and have hiked before. The Harding Icefield Trail is a great ambassador for the changing environment because of how easy it is accessed by people from all over the world. Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). As an out and back trail, hike as far as you would like. Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. The eight mile (round-trip) trail begins by following Exit Glacier, but then climbs steeply and eventually ends overlooking the massive Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within the US, which feeds Exit Glacier and about 40 other glaciers. This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of elevation … We were excited about what our day would bring. Snow can often still be found on the trail until late-June to early-July. We were excited about what our day would bring. Hiking Tip. Gorgeous hike. The ice field was incredible (and freezing) make sure you bring gloves and a warm hat. Hard on the knees when you go down. It’s not technical and very safe. I am an avid climber. The Trail. We had great weather and clear skies! All-Day Hike: The Harding Icefield Trail is strenuous! The Trail. We had decent boots with no covers and our feet stayed dry. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s … Stay with us while exploring Seward After a day of hiking in the alpine tundra, stay with us at one of 3 conveniently located downtown Seward hotels. We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. Elevation Gain: 3,812 feet. The nearby town of Seward averages 72 inches of rain per year. I took my time and soaked it in. Begins in the lush green forest, ascends to colorful meadow and ends in a mars like tundra. Tag: Harding Icefield Trail elevation gain. Early in the season, about half of the trail is covered in snow, but hikers with … In about 1000 ft elevation the forest disappears to allow a hike that overlooks the Harding Icefield. The forest slowly opens up as the trail steepens and you start some long switchbacks. I write this for the other scaredy-cats like me out there, the trail is worth it! 8.2miles or 13km return. Elevation Gain: 3,812 feet. The construction of the Spruce Creek trail that year, however, made it possible to view the upper portions of the icecap, and President Harding's promise to visit the territory was sufficient to bestow his name on the feature. You'll gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours for this trip. Would have loved to see a bear but maybe next time. Starting on the valley floor, this 8.2-mile roundtrip trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, through heather-filled meadows and ultimately climbs above the treeline to an astonishing view of the Icefield. Located atop Exit Glacier where it stretches for 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is worth the climb. The hike to view the Harding Icefield is about 4 miles (oneway) with 3,500 feet elevation gain. We were initially a little intimidated by these numbers, but the trail sounded too amazing not to try. 8.2miles or 13km return. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield Trail is 8.8 miles long and is quite strenuous, with an elevation gain of 3,953 feet. The Harding Icefield at the top is the real treat, with scenic views over same ice that covered much of Alaska 23,000 years ago in the Pleistocene Epoch, although the trail offers more awe-inspiring experiences along the way. Le sentier longe une cascade et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile. This was one of our first hikes on our trip to Alaska, and it was definitely worth it. The views are beautiful. Bears frequent the trail. The last 20-30 mins was through snow, at times knee deep, but just follow the tracks and the flags. The Harding Icefield at the top is the real treat, with scenic views over same ice that covered much of Alaska 23,000 years ago in the Pleistocene Epoch, although the trail offers more awe-inspiring experiences along the way. Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. Being Mid-October, we started off with beautiful falls colors going up the bottom of the mountain, and by the time we got to the top of the hike, we were walking through a couple feet of snow. Probably ranks as my favorite hike so far! The trail itself is only 3.8 miles out, but you'll need to access it via the Exit Glacier Paved Path, which adds to the overall distance.Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Exit Glacier area as … 3000 feet or 914 metres. Harding Ice Field Trail: Harding Ice field trail - See 190 traveler reviews, 281 candid photos, and great deals for Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, at Tripadvisor. Harding Icefield is displayed on the Seward A-8 USGS quad topo map. Get up close and personal with Alaska's famous glaciers by trekking along the Harding Icefield Trail. Dress in layers- very cold at the top if you go to the glacier. Check. The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a few small cascades. Anyone who is interested in visiting Harding Icefield can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The trail ascends steeply over the 4.1 miles, gaining around 3500' of elevation. Allow at least 6-8 hours for the hike. It’s difficult rating hikes when everyone is on different levels. Such a fun and beautiful trail. Edge of the Glacier, a partially-unpaved trail that, as the name suggests, takes you to fairly close to the edge of the glacier, near the lower end; Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2 mile round-trip with a significant elevation gain, that provides views of Exit Glacier and eventually the Harding Icefield; I … The trailhead at the valley floor where the Exit Glacier terminates is a forest of cottonwood and alder. The trail however is not all about ice. The Harding Icefield hike in Alaska easily makes our top 3 list of most memorable and wow-factor hikes. Nearly 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to at! 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