Exit Glacier Ice Hiking: An Alaskan Adventure Review

Alright, planning a trip to Alaska? Well, have you considered walking right on a glacier? So, the Exit Glacier ice hike could be just what your sense of adventure is calling for! It’s almost like stepping onto another planet, but with far better photo opportunities, in my opinion. It’s very likely you’ll get some fantastic snapshots there. Yet, it’s really something that you might want to be prepared for, right? The chill, the gear, and of course the unbelievable views – these are the things that made my visit a highlight, truly. This review really covers what to think about, what to bring, and what to expect when you find yourself heading out onto the ice.

Why Exit Glacier Is More Than Just a Tourist Spot

The Exit Glacier, it’s part of the Kenai Fjords National Park, so you get to enjoy a lot more than just ice, honestly. First off, just so you know, this place is a powerful reminder of how landscapes change, seemingly before our very eyes. Each year, the glacier kinda shrinks back a bit, so very markers show how far it used to stretch, which, as I see it, gives a very real, in some respects sad, lesson in environmental change, really. Yet, it isn’t just about gazing, it’s getting up close and feeling the rawness of nature, kind of. When I first walked up to the glacier, it was a bit of a spiritual thing. You could be seeing the might of something both old and incredibly vulnerable, too it’s almost hard to describe. That day for me was something that helped connect more to the natural rhythms around me in a way I hadn’t felt before.

Picking the right tour: More than Just a walk

Okay, so not all ice hiking tours are cut from the same cloth, right? You want to, arguably, think about the company that will give you what you need, while ensuring your well-being out there. It’s pretty smart to read through reviews and find what people say about guides, group sizes, and the equipment they offer, naturally. Now, for me, a really experienced guide is essential. It’s almost like they not only ensure your safety but really add so much to the experience with stories about the area, about the glacier’s past and it’s possible future. Plus, they typically point out little cool spots or details you would probably miss yourself. In my opinion, going with a smaller group typically allows for a better, slightly more personal vibe where you get more time with the guide, which can really change the whole experience from okay to awesome.

Gearing up for Glacial Greatness

Alright, let’s chat gear, is that alright with you? Turns out, the correct equipment is that important on a glacier. Layers are extremely important: think thermal underwear, a warm fleece, and a waterproof outer shell; very key for remaining warm and at ease, so that’s extremely important, you want that. You know what else you’ll absolutely want? Strong, waterproof hiking boots; it will likely make or break your hike, it could happen. The tour group might even provide crampons – those spikey things you attach to your boots, almost so you don’t slide everywhere – if not, really make sure yours are top-notch, by the way. And just so you’re aware, don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen! That ice reflects the sun and can actually give you a very quick sunburn. Seriously, I was somewhat surprised how bright it actually was out there. That, and a hat, of course, and gloves. Layers, layers, and more layers – is that going to work?

What to Expect on the Ice

So, once you step onto the glacier, that is almost when the fun starts! At first, is that a little spooky? Yep, I felt it too. You might be hearing the creaks and groans of the ice as it shifts, even; very normal, actually! The ground will almost definitely be uneven and slippery, so actually take your time and listen to your guide; that, is something you want to do! During the hike, very keep an eye out for cool formations such as moulins (those are, typically, vertical shafts in the ice) and maybe even ice caves – obviously be sure to check with the guide, because that could be dangerous. I took tons of photos but, very truthfully, none really capture the total feeling of being right there, so enjoy every moment; just a heads-up, you will not forget it. As I was saying, be ready for it to be cold, obviously, even on days when it, arguably, feels warm elsewhere, by the way. The glacier can very make its own microclimate.

Making the Most of your Alaskan Ice Adventure

So, to actually get the most from your trip to Exit Glacier, you have the option of doing a few things, it seems to me. First, book in advance, mostly if you are, just a little, traveling in peak season. These tours are very popular, it goes without saying, and space sometimes fills up faster than you would maybe expect. You may want to arrive early at the park too, in order to have some time to visit the nature center and get a look at the trails before the hike, obviously. Another thing – seriously listen to your guide! Those individuals, in particular, are there for your well-being and have loads of information to share. I asked seemingly a million questions, and so I received all kinds of fascinating details. Finally, actually take a moment to just pause and seriously absorb where you’re standing, even. The mix of that striking landscape with just how quiet it is can definitely be overwhelming. I will be shocked if you won’t get anything from that at all.

Photographing the Glacier: Tips for Stunning Shots

Photographing Exit Glacier has the possibility to offer so many moments. Is the correct gear to capture that required? Mostly, yes, and patience could very well come in handy. Given how bright a glacier could get, you almost want a polarizing filter for the camera in order to reduce glare, you want that; as a matter of fact, you actually really, really want that! Shooting early in the morning, actually, is also an awesome time to capture it with softer light; anyway, this makes the ice features show in the photographs rather nicely. I found that focusing so much on the little things really pays off. Showing the texture of the ice, maybe, or capturing a little meltwater stream almost always added that different thing to it. Remember that, arguably, the conditions might change rapidly, mostly as a result of it always being the mountains, so basically have a rain cover available for your device just to protect against sudden rain; obviously not something you might be looking forward to, clearly.

Extending Your Kenai Fjords Experience

Well, should you have extra days on your hands (and that, arguably, sounds wonderful!) consider really making the most of your time and consider something else. Seward provides so many alternatives so you aren’t left there twiddling your thumbs. So Kenai Fjords boat excursions often provide views to icebergs calving in addition to plenty of dolphins, orcas and whales. So it’s almost the ideal thing for a lot of folks who find wildlife compelling! For a different kind of hiking and terrain after the icy challenge of it, is that a welcome prospect to you? Then there is a lot to appreciate around Exit Glacier at the several hiking trails and mountain ranges there, if that interests you even a little bit, it may become a new activity for you; but don’t push your limits. Okay? In either way I really suggest taking advantage of regional foods when available from restaurants at local establishments to provide your taste buds new exciting regional encounters. You may also discover that you have your very personal and perhaps unexpected treasures on this, what potentially turns into a great, excursion that way.