Hiking Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords Alaska

You really can’t lose when choosing which hikes to do in Alaska, the state is so full of beauty that you will be starry eyed while taking out your trash in the morning. But, if there’s one trail I could recommend in Alaska, it’s Harding Icefield. I probably took more photos in the first hour of this hike than I will at my own wedding (you know, if I get married).

With every turn of a switchback, there’s a new mind blowing view or landscape. We started off hiking through a foggy pine forest, and when we hit the summit I was pretty sure we were walking on the moon.

But enough of my babbling, here are the stats:

Length: The 8.2-mile round trip 

Rating: strenuous! Hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. 

Elevation Gain: 3,812 feet

The Trail

You will begin the hike to Harding Icefield in the Exit Glacier area. The day we started there were bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to buy bear spray ahead of time. Although, an Alaskan local did tell me that bear spray wouldn’t do anything if you encounter a grizzly and that I should be carrying a fire arm, I still decided to carry some.

The trail starts climbing throughout the woods, and if you start early enough you can see the sun shining through the forest and fog rising over the treetops.

 

Once you get above the tree line, the enormous icefield comes into view. It makes an incredible background for the rest of the hike, and yes it’s really that color blue.

I took this photo of two hikers we met on the trail and sent it to them after:

One last climb up some very rugged switchbacks and you feel like you’ve summited the moon. The top of the summit is covered in dirt and rock and seems to carry on forever. I can’t tell you how many times I went over a slight hill thinking that it would be the end of the trail, and yet there was another hill to go over.

Finally, you will reach a small shack and then the final view of Harding Icefield.

The icefield looks like it goes as far as the eye can see (it’s over 700 square miles), and is almost like looking at the horizon over the ocean. It’s also the perfect place to pull out that sandwich that you’ve been thinking about the entire hike 😉

Things to bring for the Harding Icefield Hike:

I hiked this in September, so you may need to wear more or less layers depending on the season you’re hiking in.

Waterproof coat (this is the one I used)

Fleece (didn’t end up wearing mine but packed it just in case)

Long sleeve thermal

Lightweight Down Jacket

Leggings

Gloves

Hiking Boots (I’m obsessed with these, but if you want more of a sneaker than a boat, I’ve also used these ones that work well).

Hiking socks

Hat

Daypack

Snacks (I brought granola bars, almonds, and of course a sandwich)

Water Bottle

Camera (I have this one, it’s great for hiking and lightweight)

Sunscreen

Bear Spray! I bought this at a store when I arrived in Alaska, but if you’re checking luggage you can probably buy some cheaper ahead of time. The one I bought in Alaska was 70 bucks (pricey, but if it saves your life….)

Have any questions about hiking to Harding Icefield? Feel free to comment below!