Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Glacier View Loop Trail
Hiking
5.0
(14)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
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Tips
July 23, 2019
Hiking
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June 2, 2024
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May 28, 2025
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Glacier View Loop Trail
4.9
(15)
230
hikers
3.71km
01:13
160m
160m
The Glacier View Loop Trail offers an incredibly rewarding experience for minimal effort, guiding you through rich cottonwood forests and past small waterfalls before opening up to breathtaking views. You'll find yourself gazing directly at the impressive Exit Glacier and the expansive Harding Icefield, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the glacier's retreat. The path is generally flat and well-maintained, making it a pleasant stroll for all ages.
This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) loop, with 531 feet (162 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a family-friendly hike or an accessible outdoor adventure near Seward. Parking is available at the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, and the trail is particularly notable for its wheelchair-friendly sections.
Beyond the stunning glacial vistas, the Glacier View Loop Trail serves as an excellent introduction to the Exit Glacier area. You might even spot wildlife like marmots or black bears, especially during the salmon season. It's a perfect option for beginners or anyone wanting a high-payoff scenic viewpoint without a strenuous climb.
4.9
(14)
239
hikers
3.38km
01:06
130m
130m
The Exit Glacier – Exit Glacier Nature Center loop offers a unique journey through a landscape actively shaped by ice, starting near the Nature Center. You'll traverse cottonwood forests and open boulder fields, witnessing the dramatic Exit Glacier up close and seeing the milky, mineral-rich water flowing from it. The trail provides diverse perspectives of the glacially carved valley, with signs marking the glacier's historical extent, offering a powerful visual of its retreat.
This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking loop involves 437 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. The trailhead is conveniently located at the Exit Glacier Nature Center parking lot, which is easily accessible by road. The Glacier View Loop section is flat and wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for all, while the Glacier Overlook Trail adds a moderately strenuous option for those seeking a closer view.
What makes this area truly special is its role as a "living laboratory" for understanding environmental change. Exit Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, and the clear markers indicating its past positions provide a unique educational opportunity to observe glacial recession firsthand. The Nature Center further enhances the experience with exhibits and ranger-led programs, making it a compelling destination for anyone interested in glaciology and the impacts of global warming.
5.0
(7)
179
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Distance 635 m
Uphill 30 m
Downhill 10 m
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Sunday 12 July
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7°C
92 %
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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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