Exit Glacier Road
MP 0
| Exit Glacier Road
Intersection with Seward Highway MP 3.7
| This is also signed as Herman Liere Road. The road is closed in winter past the first mile, but you can ski the road. | Links:
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MP 7.1
| Resurrection River Trail, southern end
| Access: Just before you cross the Resurrection River Bridge (approximately 7.1 miles), there is a trailhead on the north side of the road.
Distance: 16.3 miles one way Elevation Gain: 1050’ Difficulty: Difficult due to rough trail and river crossings Best Months: July-September (due to river crossings)
This is a very rough trail; there are several major river crossings that don’t have bridges. I have walked a few miles on this trail, and it was still in fairly good shape in 2012, though the USFS website says it becomes rough past mile 4.5. It is mostly through the woods in that section, with a few views of the river. Few people use this trail, so if you are looking for a quiet experience, this may be an option, but definitely not one of my top picks for the Seward area. Valerie’s Rating: ❷ | Links:
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MP 8.1
| Exit Glacier Campground
| Access: Turn onto Exit Glacier Road and drive for 8.1 miles. The campground is ¼ mile before end of road. 12 walk in sites, tents only. No reservations, summer only. | Links:
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MP 8.4
| Exit Glacier Trails
| Access: Turn onto Exit Glacier Road and drive 8.4 miles. Park in the visitor center parking lot at the end of the road.
Distance: 1.2 miles each way to the side of Glacier. A shorter loop is wheelchair accessible. Elevation gain: None to 280’, depending on loop Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on loop Best Months: May through September
These trails are a not-to-miss if you are in Seward. This is the most accessible glacier by foot in Alaska. Even if weather does not permit the climb to the Harding Ice Field, the trail to the toe of Exit Glacier is more than worth the short amount of time it takes. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Downloads: Exit Glacier Trail System Aerial Photo
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MP 8.4
| Harding Ice Field Trail
| Access: Turn onto Exit Glacier Road and drive for 8.4 miles. Park in the visitor center parking lot at the end of the road.
Distance: 4.1 miles each way Elevation gain: 4000’ + Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous due to steepness Best Months: Mid-July through Mid-September
This trail is spectacular! If the weather is good and you are in good enough shape, this trail should be at the top of your list. Some people continue onto the Harding Ice Field from the end of the trail, but you should only attempt this if you are experienced in snow field and glacier travel. Even shorter distances on the Harding Ice Field Trail are worthwhile, if you don’t want to hike the entire trail. As an alternative to this trail, see the Exit Glacier Trail (above). Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Harding Icefield Trail Conditions
Downloads: Harding Icefield Trail Aerial Photo
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