Seward Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure

5.0

4 reviews

Excursion Overview

Hike to Exit Glacier and Step Onto the Ice

The Exit Glacier Ice Hike takes you beyond the viewpoint and onto the icy surface of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. The experience begins with pickup in Seward or a meet-up at the adventure office, where you’ll be outfitted with the glacier gear you need, including crampons, a helmet, harness, trekking poles, and a backpack.

From there, you’ll hit the Harding Icefield Trail, hiking about 1.3 miles and gaining 1,300 feet in elevation as you make your way through forest and alpine terrain. The uphill portion of the hike is what gives this tour its strenuous rating, so guests should be prepared for a challenging climb before reaching the glacier.

Once you reach the edge of the glacier, you’ll gear up and learn the basics of glacier travel from your professional mountaineering guide before stepping onto the ice. Depending on the conditions and the pace of the group, you may have the opportunity to explore crevasses, meltwater features, and other formations on the glacier while learning more about its geology and movement.

If conditions allow, you may even enjoy lunch on the glacier before making your way back along the trail. The hike back offers a different perspective of the valley and surrounding mountains.

This is a strenuous hike, but for guests who are up for the challenge, getting the chance to actually walk on Exit Glacier makes the effort worthwhile.

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. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

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

Guest Reviews

5.0

4 total

Deo M

On Jul 2026

It was an amazing experience hiking on the glacier with our family. Truly strenuous but worth it. Our guides Jake and Andre were awesome making sure we were safe every step of the way and giving us the opportunity to see the glacier s many different features. An unforgettable adventure for sure.

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

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$299.00

Duration: 8 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 8 hours

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Participant (Age 10+): $299.00

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Seward Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure

Excursion Overview

Hike to Exit Glacier and Step Onto the Ice