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Seward Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure

5.0
3 reviews

Excursion Overview

Hike to the Ice to Conquer Exit Glacier on Foot

The Exit Glacier Ice Hike offers an unforgettable glacier adventure in Seward, Alaska, taking you beyond the viewpoint and onto the icy surface of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. This guided experience begins with convenient pickup in Seward or a meet-up at the adventure office, where you’ll be outfitted with all necessary glacier gear including crampons, helmet, harness, trekking poles, and a backpack. Led by a professional mountaineering guide, the journey starts on the renowned Harding Icefield Trail, climbing approximately 1.3 miles and gaining 1,300 feet in elevation through forest and alpine terrain. This demanding uphill hike is what gives the tour its strenuous rating, making it ideal for physically fit adventurers seeking a challenge.

At the glacier’s edge, adventureres will gear up and receive instruction on glacier travel before stepping directly onto the ice. Explore Exit Glacier’s dramatic crevasses, meltwater features, and ever-changing formations while learning about the glacier’s geology and movement from your guide. Depending on conditions and group pace, you may enjoy a scenic lunch on the glacier before hiking back along the same trail, taking in sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. This is not a casual walk, but a rewarding, immersive Alaska glacier hike designed for those ready to push themselves and experience one of Seward’s most iconic natural landscapes in a truly hands-on way.

This tour is typically available from May through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Professional and knowledgeable mountaineering guide leading a guided interpretive hike focused on glacier history, geology, and local ecosystems
  • Glacier equipment provided including a small backpack, crampons, harness, helmet, and trekking poles
  • Deli-style lunch including a turkey wrap, granola bar, and fruit, with dietary options available upon request
  • Roundtrip ground transportation from Seward to Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Complimentary luggage storage, ideal for guests traveling from cruise ships

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
  • Minimum age to participate is 10 years old
  • Participants must have a good to high level of fitness and be able to hike steep, uneven terrain for extended distances. Youth must be capable of completing the hike and following all guide and guardian instructions.
  • Not recommended for guests with back problems or heart conditions
  • Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • There are no bathrooms in the backcountry so plan to use facilities before and after the tour with bathroom breaks on the trail done in the natural environment following Leave No Trace principles

Duration: Approximately 8 hours (Roundtrip from the tour operator's office in Seward.)

  • 15 minutes - (if requiring pick up) transport to operator's office
  • 30 minutes - equipment and safety briefing
  • ~ 1.5-2 hours - hike to the glacier's edge
  • ~ 2-3 hours - hiking and exploring the glacier and lunch break
  • ~ 1.5-2 hours - hike back to the trailhead
  • 15~30 minutes - transport to operator's office and requested drop off location

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour typically departs from the office in Seward. Courtesy pick-up from your hotel, cruise terminal, or railroad depot is available upon request, or you are welcome to meet the guide directly at the office. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible. 

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Children must be at least 10 years of age to participate in this tour. Participants must have a good to high level of fitness and be able to hike steep, uneven terrain for extended distances. Youth must be capable of completing the hike and following all guide and guardian instructions.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour. If you elect to use your own backpack, it needs to be big enough to hold the helmet, harness, crampons, etc., and have a waist strap.

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable container and snacks are allowed on tour.

There are no bathrooms in the backcountry so plan to use facilities before and after the tour with bathroom breaks on the trail done in the natural environment following Leave No Trace principles.

Yes, a deli-style lunch including a turkey wrap, granola bar, and fruit, with dietary options available upon request is provided.

Participants must have a good to high level of fitness and be able to hike steep, uneven terrain for extended distances. Youth must be capable of completing the hike and following all guide and guardian instructions.

Glacier equipment provided including a small backpack, crampons, harness, helmet, and trekking poles.

Eat a hearty meal before your tour and bring snacks and a refillable water bottle. Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a waterproof rain jacket (rain pants recommended), and gloves. Don’t forget essentials like a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal items, and consider bringing cash or Venmo for guide gratuities.

Yes, secure storage for your belongings is available at the local office, perfect for guests traveling from cruise ship.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

3 total

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Emily F

On Aug 2021

This hike was the highlight of our entire trip! It was definitely challenging, but exciting! The Kenai Backcountry Adventures guides were friendly, patient, knowledgeable and helpful.

Oleksandr Z

On Aug 2020

Thanks to Robin. She did wonderful job. That's was really great hike to the glacier! Hope I will come back one time☺️

Nina Areli M

On Sep 2019

We had the most amazing experience on this tour! Our guide, Todd made us feel safe all the time and was very patient. The views and the feeling on the ice totally worth it. I absolutely recommend this tour.

$299.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$299.00

Duration: 8 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 8 hours



Minimum of 2 Required to Book

Participant (Age 10+): $299.00

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