the one trail | harding icefield hike

8.2 miles . 3100 ft gain . 3520 ft high

Kenai Fjords National Park

Visiting an Alaskan national park is not easy, but so well worth it. While nothing quite rivals the beauty of the natural land in Alaska, trails are far and few between. In fact, there is merely one trail in all of Kenai Fjords National Park — the Harding Icefield and technically, also the gentler Exit Glacier Trails at the base of the Harding Icefield hike. This is a truly a testament to how wild it is in Alaska. Considering the national park focuses on the fjords, it makes sense that the majority of the park would be seen on boat.

The hike

As you drive up to the trailhead, you’ll start to see signs for where the glacier used to end, which is wild to see the difference between the 1800s and currently. Even as you hike the Exit Glacier Trails (before taking the split to the Harding Icefield trail), there are still signs for years where they’ve measured the glacier to. You can continue exploring the Exit Glacier Trails to the end, where you’ll see the terminus of the glacier. Since it is quite accessible, it is rather popular. For a more strenuous hike with slightly fewer people, but still a good number for a national park, turn right up the trail where it starts to gain steeply!

The trail truly doesn’t let up for a long time until you get to the point labeled “cliff top”. While there’s views of the valley all along the way, the view of the glacier really doesn’t get into full view until you’re at the top of the cliff. Don’t worry though, it’s viewpoint that is quite safe and has a lot of space for people to sit and relax. It is a cliff, however, in a way where you can see all of the Exit Glacier at once.

From here, you’ll see where the Exit Glacier meets the Harding Icefield at the top. If your legs are still fresh enough, continuing on the trail will bring you to a more flat trail to the last overlook. In my opinion, it is marginally worth the extra trek if you are tired. Definitely worth it if you have the energy! You’ll get a different perspective of the glacier, but more importantly, you’ll be able to see more of the icefield, which gives you such a perspective. The wild thing is that the icefield something like 40 miles beyond what you can already see, which is about 6 miles. It’s massive!!

The end of the trail is a lovely place to stop for a break with plenty of space for multiple groups. Get your fill of glacier before heading down, and don’t forget to check out the lower short trails on your way out if you have the time!

Bonus: Seward

While Seward is a very small fishing town, it is well worth a couple hours of exploration while you’re here! I particularly liked the Resurrect Art Coffee House for good cafe vibes and delicious baked goods!

Notes

• There is only one trail system in Kenai Fjords National Park. The Exit Glacier hikes get to the base of the glacier and its riverbed. The Harding Icefield trail is more strenuous and takes you to seeing the top of the icefield, from which the Exit Glacier flows out from
• There is no cell service on the trail, but there is some a few minutes down the road
• While the trail is popular, it is always a good idea to bring bear spray and travel in groups while hiking in Alaska
• There are no fees to enter the park
• The biggest town nearby is Seward, 20 minutes away. The trailhead is about 2.5 hours from Anchorage.
• Water taxis can be helpful for getting around for backcountry travel in the park

Photos taken on Canon EOS R5 and iPhone 13 mini