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This extremely strenuous 8.2-mile round trip trail is a spectacular day hike, but be warned that it is not for the faint of heart as you will ascend approximately 1000 ft of elevation for every 1 mi hiked. For those who are fit, this trail is incredibly rewarding, as it passes from the valley floor, through forests, meadows and the alpine, with the Exit Glacier carving out the valley floor next to the trail, before finishing with a breath-taking view of the Harding Icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak. The upper portion of the trail is often covered with snow through early July, and hikers should be prepared for storms, high winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature changes. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person), or bring along a filter - untreated water from streams along the trail may contain Giardia, a parasite that can cause severe abdominal distress.
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The Exit Glacier Nature Center is open daily during the summer season. It is closed during the winter. The nature center is the trailhead for all that the Exit Glacier area has to offer, including the Harding Icefield trail. The building includes exhibits about the Exit Glacier area, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area.
The main park visitor center is open daily during the summer season. The visitor center is closed during the winter months. The visitor center provides opportunities to view the park film, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area.