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Exit Glacier is a glacier located in the Kenai Fjords National Park in the U.S. state of Alaska.
It's truly stunning with its incredible views and will certainly give you an unforgettable memories when you explore it!
The glacier derives its name from its historical significance as a common exit for travelers navigating the Harding Icefield, a colossal ice plateau in the Kenai Mountains.
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It's a unique glacier because its one of the most accessible glaciers in the state. This means that it draws a significant number of tourists every year.
It's about an hour drive from Seward, AK making it a pretty easy day trip if you're staying in the fishing town for a couple of nights.
This glacier also makes a great stop on your way to Soldotna, AK.
Notable for its impressive size and stunning icy-blue appearance, Exit Glacier is a dynamic feature, constantly moving and shaping the landscape around it.
This glacier flows as a "toe" or terminus glacier from the Harding Icefield down into the valley below, creating a striking visual contrast between the gleaming ice and the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors to Exit Glacier have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including hiking and guided tours.
There are well-maintained trails leading to viewpoints from where one can observe the glacier's ever-changing face.
Depending on the desired intensity of the hike, options range from the moderate trek to Marmot Meadows or the more challenging journey to the Top of the Cliffs.
For the adventurous souls seeking an immersive experience, the full 4.1-mile hike to the glacier's end offers an exhilarating adventure with over 3500 feet of elevation gain, requiring 6-8 hours to complete round trip.
It is generally not safe to walk on Exit Glacier without proper equipment and knowledge. Here's why!
Unpredictable Terrain: Glaciers are constantly moving and changing, resulting in unstable ice conditions. Crevasses (deep cracks) can form unexpectedly, posing a serious risk to those walking on the glacier.
Melting Ice: Warmer temperatures cause glaciers like Exit Glacier to melt and change shape, making the surface uneven and potentially hazardous.
Guided Tours: For those interested in experiencing the glacier up close, guided tours led by experienced professionals are available. These tours provide the necessary equipment (such as crampons and ropes) and safety briefings to ensure a safe and educational experience.
With all that being said, you can still get super close to the glacier during your hikes and get some amazing pictures!
During the peak tourist season, which typically occurs in the summer months, the number of visitors can be particularly high as travelers from around the world flock to witness the glacier's beauty and explore the surrounding wilderness.
The park service often provides updated visitor statistics, which can give a more precise estimate of the number of visitors to Exit Glacier during a specific time frame.
I definitely recommend that you put this glacier on your itinerary while in Alaska. It is worth the drive and the hike.
The nearby visitor center provides valuable information about the glacier's geological history and safety guidelines for visitors.
If you're looking for an even more strenuous excursion, the Harding Icefield Trail offers a challenging trek leading to a stunning overlook of the vast Harding Icefield, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of this frozen wilderness.
Amidst the adventure, it's essential to pause, take breaks, and simply soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's natural wonders.
So, whether you're an avid hiker or simply a nature enthusiast, a visit to Exit Glacier promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska's icy wilderness.
