Current Conditions

Alerts

 

On This Page

• Important Closures and Safety Updates
• Park Road Status
• Trail Conditions

Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. Snow at higher elevations on the Harding Icefield trail can persist into mid-summer. It is always a good idea to check on current conditions before setting out.

This site is updated regularly to reflect the latest conditions, as is the Recorded Information Line at 907-422-0573. If needed, contact the park headquarters directly at [phone], during normal business hours.

 

Important Park Closures and Safety Updates

 

The Exit Glacier canyon emergency closure in red.

NPS Photo

DANGER: Closure of Exit Glacier Canyon Due to Risk of Outburst Flood

A closure is in place from the toe of Exit Glacier to the end of the canyon where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain. The canyon is susceptible to unpredictable glacier outburst flooding events which can produce sudden surges of water combined with large ice chunks, rock, and other debris.

Because glacier outbursts are caused by the hydrology within the glacier, not prevailing weather conditions, a glacier outburst can happen at any time. Visitors accessing the Outwash Plain should be aware that water levels may rise quickly. Outburst flood waters often carry large amounts of ice, rock, and other debris. The entire Outwash Plain is susceptible to flooding. Please be aware of your surroundings and seek high ground immediately if water levels begin to rise.

 

For your safety, please obey all posted signs and avoid the ice fall hazard area.

NPS Photo

PARK CLOSURE: Toe of Exit Glacier Due to Ice Fall Hazard

An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice, as well as ice caves. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please do not continue past ice fall hazard zone signs. Official trails will not bring you close to the closed area.

 

Always be bear aware!

NPS Photo

TRAIL SAFETY: Be Bear Aware

• Carry bear spray
• Talk loudly
• Hike in groups
• Do not surprise a bear
• Dogs and other pets are prohibited on trails at all times
• Dogs and other pets may add to the stress of bears or other wildlife

If you see a bear:

• Back away
• Give it lots of space
• Don't get between a sow and cubs
• Plan to wait if there is a bear near the trail - You are no longer in a hurry!

 

Park Road Status

Herman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) is the only road access into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Current Access to Herman Leirer Road by Automobile Traffic: OPEN

• Learn how to get to and get around Kenai Fjords National Park.

Current Access to the Exit Glacier Area by Snowmachine (Snowmobile): CLOSED

• Refer to the Exit Glacier Developed Area map and regulations for details on snowmachine boundaries in the Exit Glacier Area.

Alaska 511: Only a small section of the road to Kenai Fjords National Park is within National Park Service boundaries. Alaska 511: Alaska's Department of Transportation website, will continuously update the driving conditions on the state's highways. The Seward Highway (AK-9) is the only road that provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park

 

Please be respectful when parking. Do not block traffic or park over vegetation.

NPS Photo

PLAN AHEAD: Limited Parking at Exit Glacier

During the summer when the road is open there is limited parking at Exit Glacier, especially during the hours of 10:00 am - 3:30pm. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip.

Do not block traffic. Please be respectul to park grounds and follow any signage restricting parking. There are additional gravel car spots in the RV section of the parking lot.

 

Road to Exit Glacier in Winter and Spring

During the winter and for much of spring, Herman Leirer Road is unmaintained and inaccessible to automobile traffic due to a state road closure. Traveling beyond the state gate (first gate) to the Exit Glacier Area is another 7 miles (11.5 km), and an additional 1 mile to the Exit Glacier overlook. If continuing to the Exit Glacier Area, it is important to be prepared for minimal daylight and winter weather conditions.

 

Trail Conditions

All maintained trails begin in the Exit Glacier Area on the paved path adjacent to the Exit Glacier Nature Center just past the parking area. Bikes and pets are not allowed on trails past the parking lot.

Current Exit Glacier View Loop and Overlook Trail Conditions

• All trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center to the Glacier Overlook are open and clear of snow.

Current Harding Icefield Trail (HIT) Conditions

• Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring a plentiful amount of water for this strenuous hike. The only water refill station and water fountains in the park are at the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
• Harding Icefield Trail is now open along its full length, there is no longer avalanche danger.
• The lower portions of the trail to Marmot Meadows (1.4 miles) is snow-free. Please stay on trail to reduce impact on sensitive vegetation.
• From Marmot Meadows (1.4 miles) to Top of the Cliffs (2.5 miles), about half of the trail is snow-free. Steep sections of snow exist. Please stick to the flagged trail to reduce impact on sensitive vegetation.
• Beyond Top of the Cliffs (2.5 miles) to End of Trail (4.1 miles), there is significant snow on the trail. Keep in mind this time of year melting is still happening resulting in potential rock and snow fall. Regularly check up-mountain as you hike.

Current Trail Conditions Last Updated: 7/6/2024

 

Tips for Planning your Harding Icefield Trail Hike in Summer

• Trekking poles are highly recommended.
• On sunny days, hikers should bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.
• Trails are open to foot traffic only. No bikes or pets.
• This is a long and strenuous hike and proper preparation is important. Trail and weather conditions can change over the course of a day. Be prepared, and make sure to have food and water, extra clothes, sturdy footwear, and rain gear.
• Hikers should be prepared for a wide range of conditions, including wet, mud, rain/snow and rockfall.