Quick Details
Adult
Ages 18+
$ 75
Child
Ages 10 to 17
$ 75
Join us for a scenic hike through the Exit Glacier Overlook Loop Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park!
Exit Glacier holds a significant place in Seward’s history, attracting numerous visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park. Our guided hike offers a comprehensive look at the impact and history of this awe-inspiring glacier on individuals and the community.
The Exit Glacier Nature Hike takes you onto the 2.2-mile Glacier Overlook Trail, winding through a glaciated forest of spruce, cottonwood, and birch trees. This well-maintained trail transitions into an undeveloped, moderately strenuous hiking trail that provides views of Exit Glacier. Over time, glaciers can wear away even the strongest rocks, leaving behind a variety of features. Once on the Exit Glacier overlook, you can witness firsthand how this glacier reshapes the landscape due to its retreat.
The undeveloped section of this trail can be slippery and challenging for those not used to nature trails. You will encounter gravel, a slightly steep rocky slope, and a narrow beam bridge crossing a small drainage. For your safety, we recommend not participating in this hike if you are uncomfortable walking on an undeveloped trail as described.
Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the trail systems, sharing insights into the area’s local flora and fauna, geology, glaciology, glaciation, and the history of Seward.
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- This hike takes on average 2hrs round trip and it gains almost 250ft over a little more than a mile. So as a good reference to decide if you are capable of this hike, you should be able to climb two flights of stairs without stopping, and be able to hike for 2hrs straight. Our guides take plenty of breaks along the trail to give interp and allow a breather. On request our guides will stop at the Kenai Fjords National Park sign for you to grab a picture and/or to visit the Exit Glacier Nature Center (it closes early September). We do NOT climb on the glacier!
- Is there any wildlife viewing? – We will almost always see squirrels and birds! Oh, you want to see more? Well in that case, we do have the chance to see moose, bears and even mountain goats! But those squirrels and birds are pretty cool too.
- Wait … did you say bears!? – Yes! Believe it or not, Alaska is Bear Country and we always have a chance of running into some. Our guides are trained to avoid bear encounters, de-escalate a bear encounter if it were to happen, and if needed use bear spray.
- How many people are on the hikes? – We keep a guide ratio of 1:14 for our hikes. This does not mean every hike will have this ratio, but it will not exceed this amount. This is a group activity; we will move as fast as our slowest hiker. Don’t want to join a group hike? Check out our private trip options!
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- We supply trekking poles and of course passionate Guide!
- Pick up/drop off to and from our local Seward hotels, lodges and campgrounds
- Great scenery!
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- Always bring layers and rain gear. Most people dress too heavily for this trip but it is better to have too much than too little.
- Hiking boots, hat, sunglasses, binoculars and did we mention rain gear?
- Water bottle and snacks
- A good camera
- Gratuity for your amazing Guide!
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- This hiking experience goes rain or shine, there can be a definite change in temperature as you get close to the glacier with breezes blowing down from the ice field. We recommend that you take an extra layer if you typically are cold natured.
- The hiking trail is a partially blacktop trail that turns into an undeveloped hiking trail which can be slippery and challenging to people that are not used to hiking nature trails. At points you will hike on gravel, climb on a slightly steep rocky slope and encounter a narrow beam bridge crossing a small drainage. If you consider yourself unstable with walking on an undeveloped trail as described, we recommend that you do not participate with this hike for your safety!
- A signed assumption of risk and acknowledgement of risks is required for anyone to participate!
Our Guides -We are very proud of our guide team, and you’ll understand why after just one trip with us! Each of our guides is certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and participates in a rigorous two-week training course at the beginning of each season. This course sharpens their expertise in rescue techniques, group management, and more.
Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. For all our guided hikes, our guides carry bear spray, first aid kits, and a SAT phone or InReach.