Harding Icefield Overlook

Harding Icefield Overlook is the end-of-trail viewpoint on the Harding Icefield Trail above Exit Glacier. From the rocky ridge, ice and snow stretch to the horizon, broken by dark peaks rising through the ice. It’s a huge payoff, but it takes a strenuous full-day hike to reach. On a clear day, frame a few of those peaks in a wide photo; they give the blank sweep of ice some scale.

The trail is 7.8 miles round trip from the Exit Glacier trail register, and takes 6–8 hours to hike to the end and back. The climb totals about 3,100 feet and ends at 3,527 feet. This is a steep, rocky climb, not a short walk from the parking area. The emergency shelter near the top is for emergencies only, not overnight accommodation.

The trail starts on the valley floor, winding through cottonwood and alder forest, then heather-filled meadows before rising above treeline. Even a shorter climb gives you a look over the valley and Exit Glacier’s terminus, so you can turn back before the icefield if the full route is too much.

The Harding Icefield covers about 700 square miles and feeds many of the park’s glaciers, including Exit Glacier. The isolated mountain peaks poking through the ice are called nunataks. Much of the icefield is a remnant of past ice ages; roughly 60 feet of winter snow falls over it in an average year, compacting into glacier ice over about four to ten years.

The upper trail often stays snow-covered through early July, and avalanche danger can affect how far it’s safe to go. Above treeline, storms, strong wind, intense sun and fast temperature changes can turn a good day quickly. Check trail conditions before setting out.

There are no toilets along the trail. The Exit Glacier Nature Center at the trailhead has seasonal restrooms and summer drinking water; fill up before you start and carry enough for a long hike. Black bears are regularly seen along the route, especially through the salmonberry thickets.