6-8 Hours
Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
Kenai Fjords National Park
The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Travel from the valley floor, through forests, meadows and the alpine, finishing with a breath-taking view of the Harding Icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak.
Ranger Recommendation Keep your eyes open! 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. Watch for wildlife throughout your hike, as bears, mountain goats, hoary marmots, and others, have all been seen from the trail. Be prepared! 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. Be prepared for storms, high winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature changes. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person). Stay on the trail. Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile. Careless hikers who cut switchbacks, along with frequent summer rains, cause tremendous erosion. Volunteers help restore and maintain this trail every year. Please respect their hard work by sticking to the trail.
Tags
Front-Country HikingGeologyGlaciersMountainsScenic ViewsTrailsWildernessHarding IcefieldHarding Icefield TrailKenai FjordsKenai Fjords National Parktrailhikingalaska
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Details
Duration
6-8 Hours
Duration Details
As an out and back trail, hike as far as you would like. Good shorter options with scenic views are Marmot Meadows (1.4 mi one way) or Top of the Cliffs (2.4 mi one way).
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
The trail ascends steeply over the 4.1 miles, gaining around 3500' of elevation. The surface can be muddy, slippery, rocky and include snow and ice depending on the time of year. Though pets are prohibited on this trail, service animals are able to accompany visitors.
Pets
No
Reservations
No
Location
Exit Glacier Area