Exit Glacier is a natural wonder of Alaska found in the Kenai Fjords National Park. All those who love nature and are enthusiastic about having new adventures in their lives should try hiking this trail . Visitors can easily reach to exit glacier by road and can witness amazing sceneries and landscapes all around. While moving ahead among the lush green rainforests of the Kenai Fjords National Park, this trail can be reached after crossing some amazing panoramic views of the glacier’s icy blue façade.
The icy blue façade of the glacier is a representation of the stunning power and innocence of nature’s wonder. This open trail is a form of an open laboratory under the sky that experiments with different weather conditions and numerous climatic changes constantly. So, knowing in detail about the exit glacier alaska and exploring it personally will surely bring an unavoidable experience to your lifelong.
Getting to Exit Glacier:-
While heading off to visit exit glacier, 2 important things should be considered properly. One of them is the best time to explore the Exit Glacier. This right time is during the summer season, from the days of late May to approximately the middle of September. The summer season is specially chosen because of the extreme stability of weather conditions in the glacier and also for the beautiful views and landscapes.
The accessibility of exit glacier trails is very limited during winter and rainy seasons because of the slippery and ice-studded roads. So, in such situations, the best visitors can explore is snowshoes and skiing but hiking would be very difficult.
Before exit glacier hike one must visit the information center. Exit glacier visitor center is a place where detailed maps and many other details about the trail are given.
Hiking and Exploring the Exit Glacier:-
Exit Glacier provides photography and camping opportunities to visitors. For comfortable stay of the hikers exit glacier campground is there overnight camping. These campgrounds also provide food and refreshments that rejuvenate the enthusiasm of the hikers. In the case of photography, the glacier overlook trail provides scenic masterpieces to explore and capture. The exit glacier salmon bake is a marvelous place for taking incredible photos and videos to make the trip memorable.
Adventure Activities at Exit Glacier:-
- Exploring the Wildlife:
Numerous wild animals and birds can be seen in the exit glacier cabin or throughout the national park. These species include sea otters, spot whales, seals, and numerous unique bird species.
- Backcountry Hiking Expeditions:
Apart from the exit glacier seward trail hiking, the Kenai Fjords National Park is much vastly spread and provides backcountry hiking opportunities as well. To go on backcountry hiking expeditions some important requirements such as knowledge of wilderness safety, navigation skills, and proper planning is necessary.
- Ice Climbing:
For those who see outdoor adventures as a type of adrenaline rush can get great pleasure exploring the exit glacier ice climbing activity. Even without any prior experience or knowledge about the activity, visitors can freely explore it with the help of an introductory course given by the guides here.
- Winter Activities:
Visitors who are exploring exit glacier seward during the winter season can do a lot of winter activities performed here every year. These activities include cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing.
Where to Stay in Exit Glacier?
For lodging experiences, considering the exit glacier lodge is one of the most effective options. The accommodations and resting spaces here are very cozy and the location is also very convenient for the visitors to go and rest after a whole day of adventures.
For comfortable accommodation near the Exit Glacier, Exit Glacier Cabins is a good place . This lodging option is resided at the heart of the wilderness and provides complete tranquility from crowd with comfort at its best. Many other such amazing accommodation and lodging options can be explored by visitors and then pre-bookings should be made for their respective choices to be prepared beforehand.
Food option Near Exit Glacier:-
Just like local accommodations near Exit Glacier, many amazing cuisines and incredible dining options such as Exit Glacier Salmon Bake. This dining spot provides amazing salmon dishes, American classics, and burgers which are some of its many specialty dishes.
FAQs:-
1.Can any bears be seen on the Exit Glacier Trail?
Yes, the Exit Glacier is said to be the bear country and that is why many varieties of bears can be seen here. Both black and brown bears can be encountered here so it is important to always be alert and aware of the surroundings. Carry bear spray to avoid any kind of bear attack that may occur if you get too close to the bear territory by any chance.
2. What is the total distance of the Exit Glacier Trail?
The total distance of the exit glacier trailhead is about 1 mile long. However, for those seeking a much enhanced hiking experience, they can move ahead with a much more challenging Harding Icefield Trail, which is approximately 7 miles long and consists of mesmerizing landscapes and views.
3. Can people directly reach the Exit Glacier and hike the trail?
No, to make sure that all safety rules and regulations are followed, it is important to go by the rules & the rules suggest that going directly to the Exit Glacier and hiking the trail is prohibited. Only systematically guided glacier tours are permitted so as to ensure the safety and security of every hiker.
4. What is the difficulty level of the Exit Glacier Trail?
The difficulty level of the exit glacier hike is beginner to medium. Those who have a considerably good physical fitness can easily hike the trail. Also, beginners may find it a little difficult to hike this trail but could easily accomplish it with systematic approach. The roads throughout the trail are considerably paved and minimum uneven terrains exist here.
5. How to make a list of all the necessary things to carry on the Exit Glacier Trail?
To make a list of all the necessary things to carry on the trail, taking help of authentic exit glacier guides will be crucial. Then a proper and systematic list should be made which should definitely include a thick jacket, other layered clothes, a camera, plenty of water and energy snacks, a navigation tool, a first-aid kit, and a detailed map.
Conclusion:-
Taking a planned and systematic exit glacier tour is very important to get expected results from your trip and enjoy it to the fullest. Undoubtedly, Exit Glacier is a must-see destination of Alaska and hiking it with all the preparation will bear effective results.
Also, this is a once-in-a-lifetime and not to miss opportunity which benefits hikers to gain a lot of experience in their hiking expedition. For beginners, this is a great chance to get closer to the nature and start their hiking journey calmly and confidently for sure.
