A narrow, rocky path leads to the end of the trail here. The ground is mostly barren. There is a small wooden sign that reads 2010. In the distance Exit Glacier is retreating in the valley between two mountains.

This is the closest the trail gets to Exit Glacier. The sign shows where Exit Glacier was located in 2010. Very few plants are growing here as this area has only been exposed recently from underneath Exit Glacier. Stop here to feel the powerful katabatic winds blowing off of Exit Glacier and to observe the land as it is uncovered due to glacial retreat.

A on the left of the image says 2010. Behind it a glacier is in the center between two mountains.

Exit Glacier 2010 sign and end of trail

Exit Glacier 2010 Sign and end of trail

A wooden display panel at the start of the Harding Icefield trial. The panel is roughly 8 feet tall, and 10 feet wide. There is information about hiking the trail and wildlife you might encounter. There is also a registry for hiking the trail in the center of the sign.

This is the trailhead for the 8 mile roundtrip Harding Icefield Trail. This trailhead is located off of the Glacier Overlook trail. From the Exit Glacier Nature Center walk down the concrete path towards the Glacier Overlook trial, and turn off when you see signs for the Harding Icefield Trail. From here, the trail is roughly 4 miles one way (8 miles round trip). The elevation increases to roughly 4000 feet by the trails end. The trail leads up to the Harding Icefield, which is the largest Icefield entirely within the United States. There are spectacular scenic views of Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield along the way, especially at Marmot Meadows and at Top of Cliffs

An information sign at the start of the Harding Icefield Trail. A forest is behind the sign.

Harding Icefield Trail Trailhead

Harding Icefield Trailhead

An open area 1.3 miles up the Harding Icefield Trail. The trail is steep and narrow to get here. Marmot Meadows is covered with shrubs, small trees, and flowers during the summer months. It offers opportunities to view Exit Glacier from above it.

About 1/3 of the way up the Harding Icefield Trail, the surrounding forest opens up to Marmot Meadows. Although named for Hoary Marmots that were often seen here, they are less common now due to more plants growing and covering the land. Marmot Meadows offers some spectacular views of Exit Glacier from above it.<br /> <br /> To get to Marmot Meadows, start at the trailhead for the Harding Icefield Trail. Marmot Meadows is roughly 1.3 miles up the trail. The trail is quite steep, averaging roughly 1000 feet of elevation for every mile. Be sure to bring plenty of water and warm clothes, as weather can quickly change. Before hiking here, check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">Current Conditions</a> page on our Park's website.

Small plants and shrubs in the front of the image. A white glacier is behind the shrubs flowing down

Marmot Meadows

At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice. Sugpiaq people relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate.