Get the app

Activity Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Harding Icefield Trail

An activity in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, free to visit and worth most of a day (about 8 hours). Best time to go: July–Aug.

Open in Google Maps Apple Maps
Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward
Photo: Kathleen Herrold · Google

Why go

Steep 8.2-mile round trip climbing 3,000 ft to views over a 700-square-mile icefield.

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in Seward, alongside 3 activities, 2 places to eat and 2 sights. The closest of our other picks is Exit Glacier, 1.4 mi away as the crow flies. Set aside most of a day (about 8 hours) here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.

Type
Activity · Adventure
Neighborhood
Kenai Fjords National Park
Price
Free
Time needed
8 hr
Best time
July–Aug

Nearby

The 6 closest curated picks in Seward, measured as straight-line distance.

  1. 1
    Exit Glacier

    Kenai Fjords' only road-accessible glacier, with signs showing its retreat since 1815.

    Sight · 1.4 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Resurrection Roadhouse

    Lodge restaurant at Seward Windsong Lodge on the road to Exit Glacier.

    Food · 8.4 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Mount Marathon

    Seward's town mountain, site of the July 4 race; the hikers' trail gives bay views.

    Activity · 9.0 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Ray's Waterfront

    Long-running harbor restaurant for fresh halibut, salmon and crab.

    Food · 9.2 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Kenai Fjords Tours

    Day cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park for tidewater glaciers, orcas, puffins and sea lions.

    Activity · 9.2 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking

    Guided kayak trips in Resurrection Bay, including paddles near Aialik Glacier.

    Activity · 9.2 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Harding Icefield Trail is a stop on our Alaska Glacier Route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More to do in Seward

Harding Icefield Trail is our only activity pick in Seward; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Seward guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Seward run from 31°F in January to 58°F in August; October is usually the wettest month. For Harding Icefield Trail itself, we suggest: July–Aug.

Modelled monthly averages for Seward from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Seward weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Harding Icefield Trail, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
Harding Icefield Trl, Alaska 99664, USA
Coordinates
60.18302, -149.67220
Destination
Seward, Alaska

Harding Icefield Trail: quick answers

How much time do you need at Harding Icefield Trail?

Plan on most of a day (about 8 hours) at Harding Icefield Trail. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Harding Icefield Trail?

Our pick: July–Aug. Insider tip: Upper sections hold snow into July; start early and carry bear spray.

Is Harding Icefield Trail free?

Yes, we list Harding Icefield Trail as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is Harding Icefield Trail?

Harding Icefield Trail is at Harding Icefield Trl, Alaska 99664, USA, in Kenai Fjords National Park. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include Harding Icefield Trail?

Harding Icefield Trail appears on Alaska Glacier Route, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Harding Icefield Trail to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Seward.

Get TripsCircle

Plan Seward

Lists & regions

Also in Seward

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.