Perhaps one of the most spectacular day hikes of all time is the hike up Exit Glacier to the Harding Ice Field located in Seward, Alaska on the breathtaking Kenai Peninsula. Stretching as far as the eye can see for over 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is one of the four major ice caps in the United States and is the crown jewel of the Kenai Fjords National Park.

To be able to hike to its edge and see the massive sheet of sparkling ice dating back to the last major Ice Age emotionally and physically takes your breath away, and is an unforgettable experience. It is listed as a demanding, strenuous hike but in my opinion, is worth the sore knees and racing heartbeat to receive such an incredible gift at the end.

The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area. 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. 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.

-US National Parks

My 16-year-old daughter looking out at the icefield in awe and wonder.

 

Last August during a family trip to the Kenai Peninsula our family of four set out a little past nine am towards the trailhead ready to see what was in store for us. We had read its descriptions that it was a challenging hike which it was but were prepared with plenty of water, hiking poles, a can of bear spry, and bug repellent. While we did see a mama bear and cubs from a distance, there were thankfully a lot of people on the trail keeping the bears away.

I was thrilled because finally after so many years of trying, I got my teenage daughter to fall in love with hiking. My son Max, at two years older, was already an avid hiker yet it my daughter Sophia still dreaded hiking until this trip. Alaska changed her, opening her young creative mind to a world of beauty, nature, and imagination.  It ended up being Sophia who kept charging ahead and getting our family to do longer and more difficult hikes. While the Harding Icefield hike was no easy feat, it would set us up for an even longer one in the coming days. Yet in my mind, this hike was the one that kept with me and continues to months later to this day. It was quite surreal.

The trail map of the Harding Icefield hike gives you a glimpse of the different viewpoints along the way and a tiny perspective of just how enormous it truly is.

The trail begins after the Exit Trail pavement, offering three major viewpoints along the way.  The first 1.4 miles/2.3 kms of the trail brought us up through thick forest, lots of mud, and swarms of bugs. It was hot and humid that day even for Alaska and we were all about ready to turn around it felt that unpleasant. But thankfully we kept moving until we reached the first viewpoint at Marmot Meadows (1572 feet). We were out of the shade, away from the bugs, and rewarded with a beautiful valley peppered with wildflowers and the occasional marmot.

Setting off. The first segment of the hike is hot and humid and filled with bugs. Be prepared!

The view of Marmot Meadow is lovely as is the view looking back down towards Seward

Seward is far below blanketed in clouds

The second stop is the “Top of Cliffs” which is 2.4 miles/ 3.9 km elevation of 2452 feet. It is the first place that you get a panoramic view of the Harding Icefield. Of course, we had to pull over for photos, water, and a brief rest on our weary legs. The remainder of the hike would get much steeper and more strenuous, while the views would continually make you pinch yourself to make sure it was all real. It was that insanely gorgeous.

First lookout spot

The final stretch of the hike is the most breathtaking and steep. But as I’ve mentioned before, it is so incredibly worth it.

Finally after several hours you reach the last stop which is called “The end of the trail” (at  4.1 miles or 6.6 km elevation, 3512 feet). It is absolutely surreal part of the hike see you in the magnificent ice field is beyond incredible. Remember it is a Strenuous hike  as the trail climbs over 3000 feet and just over 4 miles.

Looking over a corner of the ice field is a humbling experience, one that leaves behind a sense of magnitude and awe that stays with visitors for a long time after they leave Alaska.  – US National Parks

The view of the massive Harding Icefield blew me away. In fact, after all the incredible places I’ve hiked on Earth ranging from the might of the Himalayas to the glaciers of Iceland, the Alps, and the Andes – this place left me with a sense of the most awe and wonder. It was spellbinding.

My 16-year old daughter looking out at the icefield in awe and wonder.

After a picnic lunch at the foot of the Harding Icefield, we made our way back down completing the trail in a little less than six hours.  It was a turning point for us as a family. We had together finally done our first real hike. One of many more I hope to do in the future.

Turning to look back at Seward

If you go:

The Harding Icefield Hike is located in Seward, Alaska and is a 8.6 roundtrip hike. It is listed as strenuous and be prepared with lots of water, good sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles. Here is a map and description of the trail. Bring bug spray and bear spray. While we saw a mama bear and two cubs from afar, another hiker had the sh*t scared out of him when a bear ran 30 feet in front of him crossing the trail while chasing a marmot. Be prepared!

Another recommended hike in the area: The hike to Lost Lake is a 16-mile off the beaten path hike in Seward, Alaska through lush forest and high alpine landscape. It is less crowded and more popular with the locals. Find the hike on AllTrails here.