Ice Climb Exit Glacier
Details
Distance
4.5 miles
Elevation Gain
750 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Brooke Van Poppelen
Experience one of the ever-changing glaciers of Alaska from a vertical perspective.
You could climb Exit Glacier a hundred times and never see the same crevasse twice. This glacier is constantly changing, so you never know what kind of climbing you're in for. If you're not an experienced ice climber, there are a couple of guide companies in Seward you could go with.
The hike begins at the base of the glacier, where there's a visitor center and bathrooms. As you drive into the park, you will see dates marking where the glacier was that year. It's insane to see how much has melted in such a short time. Even as you hike up, you'll notice the how the age of the forest changes. After hiking up the moderately steep trail for about 2.25 miles you'll arrive at the glacier, where you can layer/gear up. You can never be sure where a new crevasse has formed underneath the snow, so be sure to use a long probe to check that there's solid ice beneath you.
Take in the enormity of the glacier and the views of Seward as you hike around looking for a good crevasse. Once you find one, strap in and get climbing. You could easily spend all day out here, especially with the midnight sun lighting your way.
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Details
Distance
4.5 miles
Elevation Gain
750 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Leave No Trace
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