Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure

Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure – Seward, Alaska

This isn't a viewpoint stroll — it's genuine glacier travel deep inside Kenai Fjords National Park. You'll hike up to Exit Glacier, gear up at the lateral moraine, and step onto a living, shifting landscape of crevasses, sculpted blue ice, and meltwater features found nowhere else on Earth.

Exit Glacier is one of nearly 40 glaciers flowing from the massive Harding Icefield — a 700-square-mile (1,813 sq km) remnant of the last ice age that dominates the interior of the Kenai Peninsula. Getting on the ice requires a strenuous uphill hike of 1.3 miles (2.1 km) with roughly 1,300 ft (396 m) of elevation gain along the Harding Icefield Trail, which keeps groups well away from the crowds at the lower viewing area. The effort is absolutely worth it: once on the ice, your professional guide leads a route tailored to current conditions, explaining glacier dynamics, ice features, and the ecology of this rapidly changing environment.

Groups are kept deliberately small at a 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio, which means better pacing on the approach, more time on the ice, and photos that actually capture the scale of where you are. All glacier equipment — crampons, helmet, harness, trekking poles, and a small backpack — is provided. A deli-style lunch is included and typically enjoyed right on the glacier (conditions permitting), making this a true full-day Alaskan adventure.

This tour is ideal for physically fit adventurers who want a genuine backcountry experience without the crowds. No prior glacier or mountaineering experience is required — your guide handles all instruction on the ice.

Duration

1. Total duration: 8 hours
   
2. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and gear fitting
   
3. Pickup in Seward begins as early as 8:00 AM (exact time confirmed at booking)
   

Location / Where to Meet

Courtesy pickup is available within Seward city limits (approximately a 4-mile radius), covering most hotels and B&Bs, private rentals, the Seward Small Boat Harbor, the Alaska Railroad Depot, and the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal. Guests staying outside this zone should meet at the office.

There are no restroom facilities in the backcountry. Use facilities at the office before departure. Bathroom breaks in the field follow Leave No Trace practices.

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 12 years old
   
2. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; private trips are recommended for families with young children
   
3. Difficulty: Strenuous — 1.3 miles (2.1 km) uphill with approximately 1,300 ft (396 m) of elevation gain on steep, uneven terrain
   
4. Good physical fitness required; participants should be comfortable with sustained uphill hiking
   
5. No prior glacier or mountaineering experience required — full instruction provided on-site
   
6. Early season trips may involve snow-covered terrain in addition to glacial ice
   

What's Included

1. Professional Glacier Guide: Experienced guides lead you safely across the glacial terrain.
   
2. Round-Trip Transportation: Convenient transport from Seward to Exit Glacier trailhead and back.
   
3. Specialized Gear: Includes crampons, helmet, and trekking poles for safe glacier navigation.
   
4. Safety Equipment: Comprehensive safety gear to ensure a secure hiking experience.
   
5. Interpretive Insights: Learn about the glacier’s movement, formation, and the effects of climate change.
   
6. Incredible Photo Opportunities: Capture the stunning blue ice and vast glacial landscapes.
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide
   
2. Personal clothing and footwear (see What to Bring / Wear)
   
3. Travel protection / trip insurance — can be added at checkout for an extra fee
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Weather-Appropriate Clothing – Dress in layers, including a waterproof rain jacket and pants.
   

1. Sturdy, Well Broken-In Hiking Boots – Required for securely attaching crampons.
   
2. Backpack (Day Pack) – To carry personal items, snacks, and water.
   
3. Snacks & Water Bottle – Refillable at the trailhead to keep you energized and hydrated.
   
4. Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protection from the sun’s reflection off the ice.
   
5. Camera or Smartphone – Capture unforgettable glacier moments.
   
6. Cash or Venmo for Guide Gratuities – Recommended but not required.
   

Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Tour from Seward, AK