Exit Glacier Area

 
Chunks of glacier ice line a creek from Exit Glacier
Explore the beautiful valley carved by Exit Glacier.

NPS Photo/ J. Rodrigues

Visit Exit Glacier

Here you can explore the trails with magnificent views or take your experience further with a ranger-led walk. It is a place where you can witness up close how glaciers re-shape a landscape and learn how plant life reclaims the barren rocky land exposed by a glacier's retreat.

The Exit Glacier area is the only part of the park accessible by road.

 
 

Exit Glacier Year-Round

While most visit in June, July and August, the Exit Glacier Area is open all year. However, in late-October to mid-May, the road to Exit Glacier is inaccessible to cars, usually due to snow. The road often remains closed through mid-May, so be sure to check current conditions if you are visiting during the off season (fall through spring).

 

 

Directions to Exit Glacier

Turn on to Herman Leirer Road, commonly called "Exit Glacier Road," at mile 3 of the Seward Highway (AK-9). Proceed 8.4 miles. The road will end at the parking lot for the nature center.

Note: 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.

(Google Map Coordinates: 60.1782633,-149.6494389)

 
A detailed map of the Exit Glacier Area including Glacier View (accessible, 1 mile) and Overlook Loops.
Map of the Exit Glacier Area, click for a downloadable pdf version with detailed alt text for screen readers.

Exit Glacier Trails

A network of short trails leads to different views of Exit Glacier, beginning at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and the parking lot. To hike all the trails, start by turning left at the nature center and following the accessible Glacier View Loop Trail through the cottonwood forest to the Glacier View, a panoramic vista of Exit Glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. This one-mile accessible trail loops back to the parking area, or you can turn left at the trail-side kiosk and continue .6 miles on to the Exit Glacier Overlook via the Glacier Overlook Trail.

The Glacier Overlook Trail is a well maintained trail which provides views of Exit Glacier. Follow this moderately strenuous trail to the Exit Glacier Overlook and view the glacier in its own glacially carved valley.

If you are looking for a longer day hike, don't miss the 8 mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail.

Exit Glacier Nature Center

The nature center includes exhibits about the Exit Glacier area, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and rangers to help answer questions about the area.

  • Operating hours of the nature center.

  • Learn a little more about the park by participating in a ranger-led program, which occur daily during the summer.

  • Flush toilets, near the nature center, are operable from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rest of the year pit toilets are available.

  • During the summer, potable water is available at the restroom building, through both water-fountains and a water-bottle filling station. Reusable water bottles are available in the bookstore.

  • Picnic tables are located next to the parking lot. Bear-proof garbage and recycling bins are also available.

  • There is a 12-site, tent-only campground available about 1/4 of a mile before the nature center.

  • Leashed pets and bicycles are allowed on the road to Exit Glacier and in the parking lot. Bikes and pets are not allowed on the trails at anytime.

 

Enhance Your Exit Glacier Experience

 
A ranger holds a postcard of a glacier
Join a Ranger-led Program

Join a park ranger on a journey to deepen your connection to Kenai Fjords' beautiful, changing landscape.

A tent on a campground amongst trees
Exit Glacier Campground

Exit Glacier has 12 first-come first-served tent sites in summer.

 

Learn More

 
Two people, one in a wheelchair, look at trail signage
Accessibility

Learn about accessibility across various locations and mediums in your National Park depending on your needs.

A person looks out at icefield vista
Harding Icefield Trail

Learn how to prepare for a hike on the Harding Icefield Trail.

Exit Glacier and outwash plain with pieces of ice over the rocks.
Things to Do

Kenai Fjords has something for everyone. Take as much time as you have and experience your park.

Last updated: May 12, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664

Phone:

907 422-0500

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