Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward

If you’re heading to Alaska and looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, a guided ice hike on Exit Glacier is hard to beat. This tour promises more than just a walk; it’s an adventure that combines physical challenge, breathtaking scenery, and expert guidance—perfect for those who love exploring beyond the typical tourist spots.

From the moment we read about it, we were drawn to the fact that this isn’t a casual stroll but a fit and adventurous outing that takes you off the beaten path. We love that it includes professional guides who provide all gear, the opportunity to walk on a glacier, and the chance to enjoy lunch with glacier views. However, the emphasis on physical fitness and some steep hiking might be a consideration for those who prefer more relaxed tours.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who want an authentic, hands-on Alaskan adventure. If you’re comfortable with some strenuous hiking and crave a close-up encounter with glaciers, you’ll find this tour to be well worth the investment.

Key Points

• Highly rated with a 5.0/5 from 136 reviews, emphasizing its quality.
• Hiking on Exit Glacier with guides makes the experience safer and more informative.
• All gear and instruction are provided, making it accessible to first-timers.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline logistics.
• Moderate to strenuous activity requires good physical fitness.
• Average booking 69 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

An Authentic Look at the Exit Glacier Ice Hike

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour stands out because it’s designed for adventurous, fit travelers who want more than the typical glacier viewpoint. Instead of a tourist bus or boat, you’re actively hiking on ice, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. What we love is that it’s led by professional glacier guides—like Brandon and Adriana, who reviewers say are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. They provide all necessary gear—helmets, harnesses, crampons, trekking poles—so you don’t need to worry about equipment or technical skills.

The guided nature of the hike also offers safety and insights you wouldn’t get on your own. Expect to learn about glacier formation, its ongoing changes, and the environment from guides who genuinely love sharing their expertise. Reviewers emphasize how engaging guides like Brandon and Adriana made the experience fun and educational, often mentioning their enthusiasm and patience.

What to Expect on the Itinerary

Starting in Seward, the tour includes hotel pickup and transportation to Kenai Fjords National Park. The journey itself is part of the experience, as you’ll pass through stunning landscapes that are characteristic of the Kenai Peninsula. Once there, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the vast Harding Icefield and its glaciers that are slowly melting but still majestic.

The main activity involves a 7-hour hike—a balance of land and ice. The hike begins with a steep approach to Exit Glacier, which some reviewers describe as challenging but rewarding. Expect some uphill and potentially tricky terrain, so good fitness levels are recommended. Guides are attentive, and many reviewers mention feeling safe and well-supported throughout the trek.

Once on the glacier, you’ll spend time walking on ice—a surreal experience. The guides show you features like crevasses, ice formations, and possibly bear claw marks on nearby trees—adding layers of interest for curious minds.

The Experience on the Glacier

Walking on Exit Glacier feels like stepping into another world. Reviewers describe the scale and beauty as breathtaking, with some mentioning that it’s “the most amazing experience” they’ve ever had. You’ll be equipped with crampons, which make walking on ice safer and easier, but be prepared for some steep sections on the glacier.

One of the standout points is the lunch break, where you can enjoy a delicious deli wrap and fruit while soaking in glacier views. It’s a perfect moment to rest, reflect, and appreciate the natural wonder surrounding you. The entire day is designed to be physically rewarding and memorable.

Guides and Equipment: Why They Matter

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides—with some mentioning guides like Adriana, who has an environmental science background, adding depth to the experience. Guides are praised for their patience, flexibility, and safety-conscious approach.

The equipment provided is top-notch, including helmets, harnesses, crampons, and trekking poles, which are essential for navigating the icy terrain. One reviewer remarked that feeling safe was the key to thoroughly enjoying the hike, especially on steep or uneven surfaces.

Logistics and Practicalities

Pickup and transportation are included, taking the hassle out of logistics. The tour departs around 9:00 am from the Kenai Backcountry Adventures office, with pickups starting as early as 8:00 am. Travel time to the park is part of the adventure—giving ample time to enjoy scenic views en route.

The group size is limited to 20, ensuring you get plenty of attention from guides. The tour lasts about 8 hours—roughly 7 hours of activity plus travel time—so be prepared for a full day of adventure.

Price and Value

At approximately $230 per person, this tour offers a compelling value given the length, guided expertise, permits, gear, and the unforgettable experience of walking on a glacier. Compared to other Alaska tours, this is a premium experience—but one that many reviewers agree is worth every penny.

What adds value is the personalized guidance, safety measures, and the chance to witness a landscape that’s changing rapidly due to climate change. Many have expressed that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially as glaciers retreat.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is best suited for adventurous, physically fit travelers who are comfortable with some steep terrain and hiking. It’s perfect for those seeking a hands-on experience rather than just sightseeing. Families with older teens, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone eager to explore Alaska’s glaciers intimately will find it to be a highlight.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

The main consideration is the physical demand—the hike involves uphill walking and glacier crossing, which may not be suitable for everyone. Plus, rain gear isn’t included, so you might need to bring your own if the weather shifts. The tour is also weather-dependent, meaning that if conditions are severe, the experience could be canceled or rescheduled.

Final Thoughts

This Exit Glacier Ice Hiking tour from Seward offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with Alaska’s glaciers. The combination of expert guides, stunning scenery, and a challenging yet rewarding hike makes it ideal for those wanting a genuine outdoor adventure. It’s a fantastic way to see the effects of climate change firsthand while enjoying the physical challenge of glacier travel.

If you’re prepared for some effort, eager to learn, and craving a memorable experience away from crowded viewpoints, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a perfect choice for those who want more than just a sightseeing trip—here, you’ll create lasting memories on icy landscapes that are disappearing faster than ever.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for fit, adventurous hikers. While first-timers are welcome, you should have a good level of physical fitness due to the steep and strenuous sections.

What gear is provided?
All necessary equipment—including helmets, harnesses, crampons, trekking poles, and small backpacks—is supplied by guides.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with around 7 hours of hiking on land and ice.

Do I need to bring rain gear?
Rain gear isn’t included, so it’s wise to bring your own if weather conditions are wet or unpredictable.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Seward are included, making logistics smooth.

What is the booking window?
The tour is typically booked about 69 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

How many people are in a group?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
While not explicitly stated, the physical nature suggests it’s best suited for teenagers and adults.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What should I wear?
Wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and bring rain gear if needed.

In the end, this Exit Glacier ice hike offers a fulfilling mix of adventure, education, and awe-inspiring scenery—perfect for travelers eager to explore Alaska’s icy frontier in a meaningful way.