Harding Icefield Trail Hike. Share a Gem . Hike the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. Aug. 24. I encourage you to be aware of your surroundings anywhere you hike, being prepared is always the best way to enjoy the outdoors. 13 Comments. Lush trees, bears, and vast icefields of Exit Glacier. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. The Harding Icefield Trail starts at the base of Exit Glacier. This is bear country! Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html, Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts on Kenai Fjords tours. It has everything; amazing scenery and wildlife. Difficulty of the Harding Icefield Trail. Trail in Bear Creek, AK Foursquare uses cookies to provide you with an optimal experience, to personalize ads that you may see, and to help advertisers measure the results of their ad campaigns. Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking; Kayak Adventures ... Harding Icefield Hiking Adventure. anytime we hike or berry pick in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Harding Ice Field Trail ist ein 8.2 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Seward, Alaska. A steep, four-mile trail leads from the ranger station at Exit Glacier up to the edge of the icefield, affording visitors with a spectacular view and skilled mountaineers with ready access to the ice. 6. Trail opens to views of Harding Icefield, a near-blinding spread of bowl-shaped glacial cirques covering half the park . There is ice as far as the eye can see. It is named for United States President Warren G. Harding. At the trailhead, this encouraging sign greeted me. There’s tons of great hikes in Alaska we cant wait to do some. This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen. Trail in Bear Creek, AK Foursquare uses cookies to provide you with an optimal experience, to personalize ads that you may see, and to help advertisers measure the results of their ad campaigns. Bears can be a common sight along the Harding Icefield Trail. The icefield is also one of four remaining icefields in the United States and is the largest contained entirely within the United States. Getting to the trailhead: Directions, lodging, trail facilities . The icefield is a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered half of Alaska. The northern end of the Icefield is easily reached via the Harding Icefield trail — a pleasant and popular track from a Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center up alongside the Exit Glacier. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. you can either drive and park at Exit Glacier Car Park or take the Exit Glacier Shuttle that costs $10 return with a few different times to choose from. The Harding Icefield Trailhead is located on the right about 1/3 of mile along the Exit Glacier Paved Path. HGL008 Along the way, the party made a first-ever ascent of Truuli Peak, a 6,612—foot eminence that protrudes from the northwestern edge of the icefield near Truuli Glacier. It is also partially located in Kenai Fjords National Park. The Harding Icefield Trail starts off from the loop nature trail, about 0.4 miles from the nature center. Harding Ice Field Trail is a 8.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Seward, Alaska that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. David. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Turn L onto side trail for Exit Glacier overlook . Harding Icefield Trail A hike to the top of the Harding Icefield Trail gives you a glimpse of what much of south-central Alaska looked like during the last ice age. Looking for a smaller full day boat tour in early Sept. Is there a better week in June for Seward. fyi, you cannot pack bear spray on airlines, even in checked luggage. Answer 1 of 7: My husband and I will be in Alaska from Oct 4-8. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. But humans aren't part of their diet. A little bit scared now, want a company. Black Bear in Kenai Fjords National Park along the Harding Icefield Trail, Alaska. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. I instinctively said, "Hey bear," he looked over at me then quickly scampered off into the woods. And today didn’t disappoint. And then you have to go back down. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail you’ll be transported to another time. Toursaver coupon for Major Marine hi-speed catamaran. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail of the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is one of the best adventures in the Kenai Peninsula and in Alaska. The 24 hour light makes the foliage grow fast and huge, parts of the trail were almost overrun with plant life. Bells might or might not work and bear spray might incapacitate you and not the bear if not used properly. This guy gave us a glassy stare as we walked by. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. The weather can be unpredictable. Expedition members included Bill Babcock, Eric Barnes, Bill Fox, Dave Johnston, Yule Kilcher and his son Otto, Dave Spencer, Helmut Tschaffert, and Vin and Grace (Jansen) Hoeman. In early 1936, a 27-year-old Swiss immigrant and future state senator named Yule Kilcher disembarked in Seward. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. My friend just came across a bear last week when she hiked the trail. This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of elevation in only 4 miles. Three years later, J. Vin Hoeman, Dave Johnston, and Dr. Grace Jansen made an eastbound attempt. "We advise that outdoorsmen should wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them," a spokesman said. Kayak Bear Glacier or Alalik Glacier first week of September, Another Question: Tracy Arm/Sawyer vs PWS or Ailek, Opinions please - Millers Landing "Best of Alaska" tour. As I came out of the outhouse, I noticed a black bear not 20 feet in front of our cabin. Answer 1 of 7: My husband and I will be in Alaska from Oct 4-8. We had a close encounter with a cub (didn't have to actually discharge the can) and there were no other humans anywhere nearby. NPS Photo. Come prepared to hike the Harding Icefield Trail with layers, water, and trekking poles. The adventurous Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike near Seward in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. The vegetation is quite dense along this entire trail. This is bear country! Location: 60.181412, -149.663361. As noted above, Yule Kilcher, Dave Johnston, Vin Hoeman, and Grace Hoeman were veterans of previous attempts; of the ten, only four–Bill Babcock, Dave Johnston, Yule Kilcher, and Vin Hoeman–hiked all the way across the icefield. If you are coming up here in season and you could only do one hike, this is the one I'd pick. Nice photos! Black bears are seen almost every day on this trail. The wildlife on this trail includes plenty of marmots, but there is a very good chance you will see bears and mountain goats as well. 5 beoordelingen . Trail opens to views of Harding Icefield, a near-blinding spread of bowl-shaped glacial cirques covering half the park . To reach the beginning of the Harding Icefield trail. Harding Icefield between Bear and Skilak Glaciers, Nunatak Plateau in background, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Alaska Science Forum: "Harding Icefield's Loss is the Ocean's Gain." In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear paw prints and scat. If you aren’t much of a hiker then I would rate the Harding Icefield trail as difficult. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. There are unlimited ways of why hiking here is worth your time, but here are our 5 favorite reasons to hike the Harding Icefield Trail. [2] The icefield itself receives over 400 inches of snow each year.[3]. Fortunately, the bear is not hungry....just stared at them and left. Both attempts were unsuccessful. Hopefully you'll find someone going at the same pace you do, and you might even make a new friend! But the real attraction has to be the scenery – specifically Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield. Harding Icefield Trail is an epic 8.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 3812 feet. No need to register, buy now! By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of our cookies as described in our privacy policy and cookie policy. vanaf US$ 139 ... hoewel er mensen aan de top om foto's te nemen. We got halfway and noticed most… Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.The park covers an area of 669,984 acres (1,046.9 sq mi; 2,711.3 km 2) on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seward.The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. Harding Icefield Trail Hike. The plants along the trail are dense and include salmonberry bushes, a popular food with black bears. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com, Get answers to your questions about Seward, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Seward, Hotels near Seward Community Library & Museum. We have read a few articles on bear safety, but I am curious about everybody's thoughts! The best method, in my opinion, to warn bears of your presence is talking or clapping. If you can't do that, wait at the bottom of the trail for other hikers to start up,a and ask if you can go with them. The hike starts out in lush meadows; it was late June and the snow had recently melted off leaving beautiful wildflowers in it's wake. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. The men, however, told no one of their intentions, and once they returned, Smith's wife was the only one that was aware of what they had done. It was easier than I thought it would be but it still involved a 6.5km slog of reasonably steep uphill hiking. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. OR. Retrieved December 14, 2006", Kenai Fjords National Park - Exit Glacier (U.S. National Park Service). 3 June 2015 at 08:00 Reply. The bear was only 100 feets away from her and her husband. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Black Bears Exit Glacier Harding Icefield Trail Seward we12travel. This 8.2 mile round trip hike is strenuous, but the breathtaking view of the icefield, is well worth the effort. There is always a chance you might come across one and as others have said, noise to let them know you are coming is the best weapon you can have. Location: 60.183701, -149.665466. Home For More Stock Photos Be on the look out for mountain goats, black bear, and marmots--- they are common sightings up here. You'll gain approximately 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile so be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours for this trip. They hiked from Bear Glacier west to Tustumena Glacier. We left the end of the trail late (hence why we were alone with a bear) and had to rush back to beat sundown. In 1963, a party consisting of Don Stockard, Tom Johnson, and Carl Blomgren tried a westbound crossing. Conditions on the icefield overwhelmed him however, and a week later he was back in Seward. Near Bear Creek, Alaska. In 1983 Roman Dial and Jim Lokken skied from the edge of the Skilak Glacier to the Tustumena Glacier edge in a single day and in 1984 Dial skied from the Skilak to the Chernof solo in one day as part of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic. Harding Icefield Trail Details: We started out with the kids and hiked the short trail up to the Glacier lookout. At the end of the trail Harding Icefield reveals itself. I have been looking forward to this hike for a very long time. The 8.2-mile out-and-back run along Harding Icefield is a spectacular outing. Just 10 days ago I came across a bear probably 50 feet or less from me. HGL008. Camping is not permitted in the emergency hut at the end of the trail. This strenuous trail climbs approximately 1,000 feet every mile, but spectacular views along the way make it well worth the effort. - bear spray. Grizzly bear scat has little bells in it and smells like pepper. You will begin the hike to Harding Icefield in the Exit Glacier area. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. You'll get in trouble pretty much only if you surprise the bear or if you get between a bear and its food or cubs. The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. The Harding Icefield Trail is easily one of the most stunning and photogenic hikes I’ve ever done. Download this stock image: Black bear near the Harding Icefield Trail at Exit Glacier in Kenai Fiords National Park, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - C53BWR from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Hannah. The Harding Icefield is an expansive icefield located in the Kenai Mountains of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. 67 reviews of Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail "We went during July 4th weekend and the ranger recommended we only go halfway to the ice fields as there was still a good deal of snow at higher altitudes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27495397', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska and hiked the Harding Ice Field Trail. You'll feel like you're on the top of the world! This trek climbs 3000 feet alongside Exit Glacier as it passes through several climatic zones. The first quarter-mile (0.4 km) is through dense cottonwood and alder passing a few small cascades. We hiked this trail around the end of July in 2020 and here is a guide of what you need to know before diving into this epic adventure. Turn L onto side trail for Exit Glacier overlook . When we started planning our trip to Alaska, this was the first trail to make the "must do" list. Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.The park covers an area of 669,984 acres (1,046.9 sq mi; 2,711.3 km 2) on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seward.The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. Our family recently traveled to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Manitoba's suggestion of the ranger-led hike of the Harding Icefield Trail is a great one. A tough trail that rewards runners with sweeping views of the Exit Glacier. Two parties attempted to cross the icefield in the mid-1960s. Add a Symbol . We would like to see Exit Glacier and do the Harding Icefield Trail - but are concerned about bears. All-Day Hike: The Harding Icefield Trail is strenuous! Overview. Share a Photo . Be sure to learn what do when you see one, so that both you and the bear have a safe experience. Seward residents generally ignored the huge icefield west of town before 1922. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s edge, and mountains fill the frame in every direction. The expedition left Homer on April 17, bound for Chernof Glacier; eight days later, they descended Exit Glacier and arrived in Seward. Difficulty of the Harding Icefield Trail. Related: What are the most popular tours in Seward? Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers’ questions frequently. This 8.2-mile roundtrip hike is sure to not disappoint if you are ready mentally and physically. It is named for United States President Warren G. Harding. The bears out there are very used to people. This was definitely the right decision for our family. Grizzly Bears. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27496035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. HARDING ICEFIELD EXIT GLACIER Marmot Meadows mile 1.4 1558 ft elevation OUTWASH PLAIN Top of the Cliffs mile 2.4 2475 ft elevation Bridge mile 0.8 PREPARE FOR THE TRAIL This hike can be a fun adventure, if you’re prepared. The forest slowly opens up as the trail steepens and you start some long switchbacks. I was staying at the Anan Bay Cabin, went to the outhouse (right next door). Bear spray – the Harding Icefield Trail is nestled in bear territory and you might have a surprise bear encounter… yikes! However, we didn’t think the girls would enjoy completing the 8.2 miles round trip journey. This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of … Answer 1 of 7: My friend just came across a bear last week when she hiked the trail. However, we didn’t think the girls would enjoy completing the 8.2 miles round trip journey. Create Recommended Route or Trail . The bear was only 100 feets away from her and her husband. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Fortunately, the bear is not hungry....just stared at them and left. OR. Bells might or might not work and bear spray might incapacitate you and not the bear if not used properly. Location: 60.181816, -149.656311. HGL007. When we started planning our trip to Alaska, this was the first trail to make the “must do” list. Thanks David … truly looking forward to hiking again! Harding Ice Field Trail ist ein 8.2 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Seward, Alaska. The best method, in my opinion, to warn bears of your presence is talking or clapping. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Let someone know your plans. It was a warm, sunny July day when my wife and I hiked the Harding Icefield trail. Hiking in Alaska: Harding Icefield Trail Hiking in Alaska can be trying; mosquitoes, grizzly bear and our old foe, moose are always a possibility. Unwilling to wait two weeks for a coastal steamer, Kilcher walked to the Homer area, probably by way of the Resurrection River valley. How often do folks see bear in such a short distance there? And believe me when I say, this hike is definitely worth the time and effort-the scenery was magnificent! Alaska: flying to Junea, Sitka, ketchikan (no cruise), Alaska Self drive tours- Goalaskatours.com. Description Follow the Exit Glacier Paved Path for roughly 1/3 of a mile and look for the Harding Icefield Trailhead on the right. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. From the end of the Edge of the Glacier Trail, I had to backtrack a short distance to the start of the Harding Icefield Trail. The trail ends overlooking the massive 700 square mile Harding Icefield, which is a leftover of the last major Ice Age. The trail gains about 3500 ft over 4.5 miles: a reasonably low price to pay to … The chance of seeing bear, dall sheep, mountain goats, and eagles is extremely high. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Harding Icefield, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harding_Icefield&oldid=942295482, Bodies of ice of Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking in-text citations from November 2009, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 February 2020, at 20:33. Activiteiten in de omgeving van Harding Ice Field Trail. And today didn't disappoint. Answer 1 of 7: My friend just came across a bear last week when she hiked the trail. Find the perfect harding icefield trail stock photo. Depending on the time of year you can run into rain, snow and ice on the trails as well. They are accessed from the Herman Leirer Road (also called Exit Glacier Road) … We would like to see Exit Glacier and do the Harding Icefield Trail - but are concerned about bears. Retrieved December 14, 2006. Harding Icefield Trail Details: We started out with the kids and hiked the short trail up to the Glacier lookout. We also make sure we make noise, talk, and play music on our phone while we are hiking so not to surpise a bear. OR. HGL007. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Harding Icefield Trail Map PDF Access to the Harding Icefield is exceptional in comparison to other large icefields. Following the Glacier Overlook Trail for 0.4 miles (0.64 km), the Harding Icefield Trail branches off to the right (well-marked). Harding Icefield Trail to Top of the Cliffs (5 miles, +2,500/-2,500 feet). Go early so you can take your time hiking back down. The bear was only 100 feets away from her and her husband. From cottonwood forests on the lower trail, the trek takes you through some rocky terrain, to green alpine meadows overlooking the blue, crevassed Exit Glacier, past mountain cascades up to a vista of the endless sea of ice that is the Harding Icefield. The day we started there were bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to buy bear spray ahead of time. Their trip remained a virtual secret for more than twenty years after they completed it. Share a Video . Fortunately, the bear is not hungry....just stared at them and left. There is a chalkboard next to the ranger's station door that lists recent sightings. In the spring of 1968, the first documented mountaineering party succeeded in crossing the icefield. Glaciers And Glory: The Harding Icefield Trail. The construction of the Spruce Creek trail that year, however, made it possible to view the upper portions of the icecap, and President Harding's promise to visit the territory was sufficient to bestow his name on the feature. The entire hike at Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield Trail took 5 hours, 42 minutes. KenaiFjordsNationalPark.com: "Sights To See." Do you have any flexibility in your itinerary to do the hike the next day? Go to the right to start the Harding Icefield trail. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Brown bear activity in the area. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Bring bear spray. Between the mid-1920s and the early 1930s, the increasing popularity of aviation had given a lucky few the opportunity to soar over the icefield. It is also partially located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Location: 60.182297, -149.670547. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Connect with Facebook. But, the views are worth it. If the entire trail had been open, it would have been even longer. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen. For Stock Photo Pricing Contact Us Buy a Print . We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. "We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear". And then you get to the top where you will see the incredible Harding Icefield. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of our cookies as described in our privacy policy and cookie policy. It certainly got my heart racing a bit, even after having seen dozens of such bears at the observatory for the previous 3 days. Not uncommon to see a bear during the Harding hike. Photo Order #050910-039 . Of all the spectacular views on this hike this was my absolute favourite. Apparently it was a toll road. Durability, image clarity and color accuracy are our top priority, as we use archival inks to prevent fading and to preserve as much fine detail as possible with no over-saturation or color shifting. I guarantee you won't be all alone out there during the day. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. Share on Trail Run Project. The enormous size of the icefield is almost impossible to imagine unless you are experiencing it, but I’ll give it a try. Things happen. NPS Photo / F. North. If you come face to face with a bear you won’t have enough time to retrieve your spray from the backpack. The Exit Glacier, however, is the most accessible of the glaciers being reached by a spur road off of the Seward Highway.