Road and Trail Conditions

Kenai 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.

Please check this site for the lastest conditions, or call the park at [phone].

 

Road to Exit Glacier (Herman Leirer Road):
The road is open to vehicle traffic for the 2013 summer season.

Possible delays may exist throughout the month of June to allow for continuing flood control work. Flagging operations will be in place with one-lane traffic possible.
(Update 6/2/2013).

 

Exit Glacier trails:
The trails are open and accessible for the 2013 summer season. However, if hiking to the toe of the glacier through the outwash plain, be prepared get your feet wet in the braided streams that flow from the glacier.
(Update 6/12/2013)

 

Harding Icefield Trail:
The trail is dry and in great shape from the bottom almost to Top of the Cliffs. There are still a couple of snow-covered switchbacks down low, but for the most part dirt dominates the lower trail. At about .25 miles before the Top of the Cliffs the snow starts getting deep, but even up high there are many melted out stretches. Snow is firm and easy to walk on. Updated 6/18/2013.

Please use extreme caution, and be prepared for slippery and cold conditions. Appropriate footwear, trekking poles, and bear spray are all recommended. Black bears were visible on the hillsides, and there were reports of bear heading onto the icefield at the End of the Trail.

Harding Icefield Trail Map, with conditions marked.

 

Closures

Seward Highway Conditions

Bear activity updates