AlertsLatest Covid-19 UpdateKenai Peninsula and Burrough, which includes Kenai Fjords National Park, is in LOW community level transmission. Therefore, wearing a mask in federal buildings at Kenai Fjords National Park is not required.In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable. Mask requirements vary by park based on CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Facility UpdatesBoth our Visitor Center by the Seward Small boat Harbor and Exit Glacier Nature Center are closed for the season.Park Information and Current ConditionsKenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. Snow at higher elevations on the Harding Icefield trail can persist into mid-summer. It is always a good idea to check on current conditions before setting out.
Road to Exit Glacier (Herman Leirer Road): The Herman Leirer Road is CLOSED to automobile traffic.
The Exit Glacier Area is currently OPEN to snowmachine (snowmobile) use. Refer to the Exit Glacier Developed Area map and regulations for details on snowmachine boundaries in the Exit Glacier Area. Note: During the summer when the road is open there is limited parking at Exit Glacier, especially during the hours of 10:30 am - 3:30pm. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip.
Note: An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice, as well as ice caves. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please do not continue past ice fall hazard zone signs.
Note: A closure is in place from the toe of Exit Glacier to the end of the canyon where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain. The canyon is susceptible to unpredictable glacier outburst flooding events which can produce sudden surges of water combined with large ice chunks, rock, and other debris. Trail ConditionsCurrent Harding Icefield Trail (HIT) Conditions
Trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center: All trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center are open.
Trail Safety
Dogs and other pets are not permitted past the Exit Glacier parking lot
If you see a bear
Alaska 511Alaska's Department of Transportation website will continuously update the driving conditions on the state's highways. The Seward Highway (AK-9) is the only road that provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park.
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Last updated: January 18, 2024