Seward Day II: Harding Ice Field Hike

Sat July 4th: Seward invites hikers from all over the world for a famous footrace up Mount Marathon on this day each year. We decided to avoid the traffic and crowd by going to Harding Ice Field(part of Exit Glacier) for a hike. It is quite strenuous especially on a hot day like today. Its a 8.8 mile (round trip) and you should reserve 1 whole day for you to enjoy all the magical scenery on the hike. There is a ranger led hike on every Sat/Sunday (starts at 9 am from the trail head); but incase you miss joining the group at 9; don't worry. There is pretty much 1 straight path and you cannot get lost on the way if you stick to the marked trail.
Locals said today was the hottest day in Seward in past 4 years! Dressing up in 3 layers was not exactly a great idea today :(
On such a hot day drinking water + some form of electrolyte is highly recommended. I lose appetite when I hike up; so we carried minimal food with us (some trail mix bars + fresh fruits and Chitale Bakarwadi :P).

For the most part the trail is not covered. But when it is, there are mosquitoes around. Carry an insect repellent at all times in Alaska during summer. The trail goes right along the side of Exit glacier. You can easily see the crevices formed between 2 plates of ice with a naked eye all along.

Fireweed and lupines are all over and makes it all worth while to walk in the bright sun. Only the last 1.5 miles go through ice. Having nice hiking shoes or the ones that don't slip is the key. We were each carrying a walking stick too which helped especially during this patch.


All the hard work at the end of 4.4 miles is all its worth when all you can see is a gigantic ice field in front of you. No one talks for sometime and you immerse yourself in the divine beauty ...