Glacier View Loop Trail

Glacier View Loop is a one-mile loop from the Exit Glacier Nature Center through cottonwood forest to a broad view of Exit Glacier descending from the Harding Icefield, then back to the parking area. The surface alternates between pavement and compacted gravel, and the loop is designated wheelchair accessible. Give yourself about 45 minutes to walk it and stop at the viewpoint. The current park description calls the loop one mile; the 2024 area map labels this same loop 1.2 miles, while the mapped circuit measures about 0.91 mile, so leave a little slack for the posted route.

Start by the nature center and follow the loop clockwise or counterclockwise. The trail moves through cottonwoods before opening onto the outwash plain at Glacier View. From there, you look across the gravel and braided water toward Exit Glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. A kiosk marks the separate Glacier Overlook Trail; that moderately strenuous continuation adds about 0.6 mile to reach a closer valley view, and is not part of this loop's mileage.

The glacier has been pulling back from the outwash plain, and markers along the route show past positions of its toe over roughly 120 years. The cottonwoods and other vegetation returning to exposed ground make the lower loop a good place to see how a glacier reshapes its surroundings. Exit Creek drains the glacier into the plain below the viewpoint.

Park at the Exit Glacier Nature Center at the end of Herman Leirer Road. Parking is limited and the park identifies 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as the busiest period. Restrooms are near the nature center; flush toilets operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with pit toilets available the rest of the year. Pets are prohibited on park trails. The access road is generally closed to cars from late October to mid-May, and spring snow can keep the trail inaccessible after the road opens.