Harding Ice Field Trail, Alaska, United States
5.0 (198 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Kenai Fjords National Park Hiking Trails
Great hiking experience in rain
We were worried about the hiking plan on 7/7/2022 due to the rain forecast (98-99%) the whole day. Finally we decided to take a shot. It turned out that the hiking experience was amazing. First, the rain was not heavy, mostly drizzling. My jeans was not soaked. Most of the hiking was in the woods which reduced the wetness significantly. The raining was constant during the hiking but it didn’t bother at all. Secondly, the hiking was not tiresome due to the cool weather. Last but not least, mosquitoes were at rest in the rain weather so the whole hiking was bug free. We were so happy to take this chance. If anyone is worrying about the rain in this hiking trail please sit back and relax. Raining day (if not too heavy) is the best friend for this hiking experience. We walked to the cliffs (the second stop of the trail) and the view was absolutely amazing. You don’t want to miss it!
Address
, Alaska, United States.
Website
http://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/harding
Current local date and time now
Thursday, May 09, 2024, 17:28
User Ratings
5.0 based on (198 reviews)
Reviews
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5LadyRouge 5:00 PM Jul 15, 2021
Top Scenic Hike in Alaska
Our family did this hike in about 6.5 hours including stopping for 45 mins at the end to take in the ice field. I would say this is moderate to hard hike. It is a climb up (3800 vertical ft) and 9 miles round trip including through snow patches but overall the trail is very well maintained and defined. Lots of beautiful scenic overviews of the Exit Glacier along the way up to rest and have a snack. Highly recommend hiking boots and poles for this for the adult hikers. The Harding Ice Field at the end is stunning with an expansive viewing area with lots of space to find your own area to absorb the grand view and have a snack. Worth it to go all the way to the end. Was amazing!
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5Lisa B 5:00 PM Aug 18, 2021
Epic Hike
We just did this hike and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience! I was super worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it all the way but I did! I m 56 yrs old and in relatively good shape, but not in great shape! We took it slow and made it to the end! We took plenty of breaks on the way up and were much faster coming back down after a long break at the top! It was sooo worth it! The views are phenomenal. Also be bear aware! 1.5 miles up we heard a startling grunt beside us on the trail. Then brush snapping and another grunt! We hustled as fast as we could to get out of that forested section! At the end we checked in with the ranger and were told it was a black bear that other hikers actually saw 15 minutes behind us on the trail. That was scary so make sure you take precautions ! Also, like others have said, we clocked the mileage and it came to 10.2. It’s longer than what you see posted! Do it- you won’t regret it!!
