Published September 20, 2013 03:44AM
Kenai Fjords National Park: Exit Glacier Loop
Hike to the edge of the Exit Glacier on this memorable, 2-mile loop in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Located 12 miles northwest of Seward, Exit Glacier is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. This short, 2-mile loop starts at the Nature Center parking area and climbs gradually to the edge of the glacier.
From the trailhead, the well-maintained path travels south. After 0.3 mile, the route curves to the southwest and passes views of the Resurrection River. Roughly 300 yards later, stop at Glacier View, a wheelchair-accessible vantage point overlooking Exit Glacier. Look through the telescope and read the interpretive signs before continuing the hike.
From Glacier View, hike west 1,000 feet to a T-junction and turn left. The route climbs gradually for another half a mile to an overlook at the edge of the glacier. Take in the views of this massive sheet of ice, then turn around for the return trip to the trailhead.
MORE PARK INFO: Kenai Fjords National Park, (907) 224-7500; nps.gov/kefj/
-Mapped by Kim Phillips and Matt Vellone
Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.2
Waypoints
EXT001
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Location: 60.188623, -149.63197
The trail starts from the Exit Glacier Nature Center parking area. Hike south.
EXT002
Location: 60.185054, -149.628452
The trail curves to the right, heading southwest past views of the Resurrection River.
EXT003
Location: 60.184038, -149.632405
Glacier View: This wheelchair accessible viewpoint showcases panoramic views of Exit Glacier. Several interpretive signs and a telescope are also located here.
EXT004
Location: 60.184926, -149.637099
Turn left @ T-junction. The trail on the right leads back to the parking area.
EXT005
Location: 60.18415, -149.637705
Turn right @ Y-junction.
EXT006
Location: 60.183479, -149.63891
Cross a bridge.
EXT007
Location: 60.183088, -149.639454
Turn left @ T-junction.
EXT008
Location: 60.182806, -149.639143
Turn right @ 3-way.
EXT009
Location: 60.181723, -149.640183
From this vantage point, views extend across the river to the Kenai Mountains.
EXT010
Location: 60.181611, -149.642297
Turn left @ 3-way junction.
EXT011
Location: 60.180416, -149.643509
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Exit Glacier: This overlook at the edge of the glacier offers up-close views of striking blue ice. Next, turn around and return to Waypoint 4; continue straight at this junction to return to the parking area.
Exit Glacier
Location: 60.180416, -149.643284
View from Glacier View
Location: 60.184049, -149.632303
Exit Glacier
Location: 60.184065, -149.632341
Trail Views
Location: 60.181728, -149.640065
Exit Glacier
Location: 60.180416, -149.643402