Glacier hiking and ice climbing are guided activities offered in Alaska, for example at Exit Glacier near Seward, where guides lead visitors across the ice to see moulins, crevasses, icefalls, waterfalls, and caves [1].
| Example location | Exit Glacier, near Seward |
|---|---|
| Ice climbing trip | 8 to 9 hours, about 4 miles |
| Ice hiking trip | 7 to 8 hours |
| Guide ratio (example operator) | 1 guide to 3 clients |
Ice climbing
One Seward operator describes an ice climbing trip of 8 to 9 hours covering about 4 miles and roughly 3,500 feet of elevation change. After a 1.5-hour hike to the glacier, climbers spend about 3 hours on the ice, starting with easier routes and progressing to harder ones. No prior experience is needed because instruction is included [1].
Ice hiking
The ice hiking trip uses the same route and lasts 7 to 8 hours. Instead of climbing, the group explores the glacier for 1.5 to 2 hours with a guide, looking at moulins, crevasses, icefalls, waterfalls, and caves. There is no set route [1].
Gear and guides
The operator provides ice axes, crampons, helmets, backpacks with hydration systems, trekking poles, and lunch or snacks, and asks participants to bring non-cotton hiking clothes, hiking shoes, and a camera. The guide-to-client ratio is 1 to 3, and the company says it was founded in 2005 and was the first land-based adventure company in Seward to offer glacier hiking and climbing, working with the Park Service to establish these tours [1].
Other trails nearby
The same listing also names non-ice options near Exit Glacier: the Exit Glacier Naturalist Hike (about 1.5 hours, easy), the Harding Icefield Trail (5 to 8 hours, roughly 3,000 feet of ascent), and the Lost Lake Trail (6 to 8 hours) [1].
FAQs
Do you need experience to ice climb on Exit Glacier? The operator says no prior experience is needed because instruction is included [1].
What gear is provided? Ice axes, crampons, helmets, backpacks, trekking poles and food [1].
What is the difference between ice hiking and ice climbing? Hiking explores the glacier on foot, while climbing adds about 3 hours of instructed climbing [1].
Sources
Key facts
- Climbing trips last 8 to 9 hours
- Guide ratio of 1 to 3 at one operator
Quick checkWhat is glacier hiking in Alaska like?Show answer
Guides lead groups across the ice to see moulins, crevasses, icefalls and caves, with gear provided.
Sources
- Alaska.org. Exit Glacier Guides: Hiking and Ice Climbing (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue