Quick Details
Adult
Ages 18+
$ 129
Child
Ages 12 to 17
$ 129
Discover a unique perspective of Exit Glacier with our guided Marmot Meadows Hike
Alaska is home to over 100,000 glaciers, but Exit Glacier has had a particularly significant impact on Seward and its visitors. It has played a vital role in Seward’s history and economy, and we are honored to share this magnificent landmark with you.
Join our guide on an informative and visually stimulating hike on the Harding Icefield Trail and gain a deeper understanding of Exit Glacier’s history and its profound impact on us as individuals and as a community. This challenging 2.6-mile round trip gains over 1000 feet in just 1.3 miles, rewarding you with breathtaking views of Exit Glacier from a unique vantage point. Upon reaching Marmot Meadows, you can enjoy a provided lunch while overlooking the impressive 2.5-mile long and 1-mile-wide glacier. Please note this hike is not recommended for beginners.
Our guide will hike with you through the trail systems, offering a wealth of knowledge of the area—from the local flora and fauna, geology, glaciology, glaciation, the history of Seward, and of course some groan-worthy jokes along the way! For your safety, our guides always carry bear spray, 1st Aid Kits, and a SAT Phone or InReach on all our guided hikes.
While Exit Glacier is beautiful from the Overlook Trail, seeing it from Marmot Meadows is an unforgettable experience!
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- The hike takes on average 3-4hrs round trip. This hike gains over 1000ft over 1.3 miles. This is a challenging hike and should be treated as such. It is a constant “stair” climb for the 1.3 miles. Our guide will take breaks along the trail to give interp and allow a slight rest.
- Is there any wildlife viewing? – We will almost always see squirrels and birds. But we do have the chance to see moose, bears and even mountain goats as well.
- 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, lunch, snack hot drinks and of course passionate guide!
- Pick up/drop off to and from our local Seward hotels, lodges and campgrounds
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- Hiking boots
- Rain gear
- Water
- Gratuity for your amazing guide!
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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
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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. This is a challenging hike as the trail is quite steep and it gains some elevation from the beginning averaging roughly 1000 feet for every mile. Be sure to bring plenty of water and warm clothes, as weather can quickly change. If you are uncertain if you are able to do this hike, please contact our office and ask for our advice, we are happy to help!
- 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 three-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. That’s why our guides are equipped with bear spray, comprehensive first aid kits, and all essential safety gear on every trip.