Seward Exit Glacier Naturalist Hike

Overview

This two-hour guided hiking trip starts with a scenic drive 12 miles out of Seward to the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Exit Glacier flows down from the Harding Icefield, its toe currently reaching within a few miles of the facility. Guests get their first glimpse of the impressive icy mass as it comes into view on the drive.

See up close how glacial forces mold the land.

There's much more to see as the walk begins. The tour's naturalist hiking guide has a wealth of knowledge. The running narration is interesting, covering glaciology and geography, topography and plant life. Guests see up close just how glacial forces molded the land and environment around them.

The trail enters a forest of young trees and begins to wind gently up a low bluff toward the eastern side of Exit Glacier, topping out on a rocky overlook. From this vantage point, you're close enough to feel cold air coming off the glacier and hear the groans and cracks of the constantly moving ice. After plenty of time to observe the glacier from this safe viewpoint, the guided tour concludes with a return hike to the nature center and drive back into Seward.

More Details

The guided Exit Glacier Naturalist Hike covers about 2.5 miles with some elevation gain. The trail is well established, but covers terrain with roots, rocks, and gravel.

What to Bring

Guests should wear synthetic clothes they can comfortably hike in and sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Bring a backpack with a rain jacket, an extra warm layer if needed, and water. Don't forget a camera and binoculars.

Special Instructions

This is an active excursion. Guests must be able to walk at an even pace on a hiking trail with roots and rocks for up to one hour.

Transfers & Meeting Points

The Exit Glacier Naturalist Hike starts and finishes at the tour operator office in Seward. The office is one block south of the Small Boat Harbor and about a 10-minute walk from the Seward Depot.

Exit Glacier Naturalist Hike
1013 3rd Ave
Seward, AK 99664

Rates & Dates

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

There is no child rate for this service, and children must be at least 7 years old to participate.

Departure Times

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Availability

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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