Marmot Meadows Hike

See Exit Glacier from a different view on this guided Marmot Meadows Hike

This is a challenging 2.6-mile round trip trial, gaining over 1000ft in 1.3 miles. On this beautiful area of the Harding Icefield trail, join our guide on an informative, visually stimulating hike and submerge yourself into an environment that will leave you breathless, from the climb and the views! Gain some elevation and see Exit Glacier from a different view. Once at Marmot Meadows, enjoy a provided lunch while you look over this 2.5 mile long and 1-mile-wide Glacier! We do not recommend this hike for beginners.

Alaska has over 100,000 Glaciers to see. Come with us to see the one that has had the biggest impact on Seward and so many that have visited it. Exit Glacier has played such a big part in Seward’s History and has even helped keep the economy from crashing here. We are honored to be able to share this magnificent icon of Seward with you. Our guided hike is a great way to get the bigger picture of the impact and history of this awe-inspiring glacier on us as individuals and as a community. 

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 we have to throw in some groan worthy jokes along the way! Our guides always carry – bear spray, 1st Aid Kits and SAT Phone or InReach on all our guided hikes.

It’s nice to see Exit Glacier from the Over Look Trail, but to see it from Marmot Meadows is a whole other story! 

What to Expect

• 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!

What’s Included

• 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

What’s Not Included

• Hiking boots
• Rain gear
• Water
• Gratuity for your amazing guide!

What to Bring/Wear

• 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 

What to Consider

• 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 take great pride in our guides; one trips with us and you will see why we do! They go through a 2-week training course every season to sharpen their skills. Our guides always carry Bear Spray, 1st Aid Kits, and essential safety gear for all trips.