Climb to the Exit Glacier lookout in Kenai NP, Alaska

Easy hike to the Exit Glacier lookout in Kenai National Park

Starting point

We start the hike at the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Visitor Center. Restrooms are included. Admission, parking and restrooms are free.
 

Description of the hike

We start our pilgrimage at the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, where you can buy bear spray, souvenirs, water, etc. Restrooms are also included. Admission, parking and toilets are free. The trail is nicely marked and there is nowhere to get lost.

One way up, same way down. Basically, from the start at 100m above sea level you climb to the end at 1,050 m above sea level on a paved rocky path in the forest, then in open countryside where there are nice views of the Exit Glacier.

There were a few snow fields along the way where you could see the so-called red snow and no, it really isn't blood from hikers being handed to you by a bear. It has a much simpler explanation = the red coloration of the snow in mountain and polar regions is caused by a massive proliferation of microscopic algae. Snow algae are photosynthetic microorganisms that thrive in the extreme environment of snowfields.

You can then turn down to the 'lower lookout' below the glacier and then return to the car park, this path is lined with a series of benches where you can relax looking at the mass of ice above you. The hike up is definitely not suitable for strollers, and I would recommend trekking boots and mountain gear (it was raining, windy and cold up there). I would also not underestimate mosquito repellent.
 

Difficulty

The trek up is definitely not suitable for strollers, I would recommend trekking boots and equipment for hiking in the mountains (it was raining, windy and cold up there). I would also not underestimate mosquito repellent.
 

Water availability

Water can be purchased at the visitor centre. There is no possibility to refill the water on the way.
 

Sleeping options

There is nowhere to hide along the way, only just below the summit is an emergency shelter, in case the weather suddenly gets really bad. We have tried accommodation outside of town at the nearby Nauti Otter Yurt Village, where you can have an unforgettable experience in the morning.
 

Mountain peaks

The only peak on this route is the Exit Glacier, Phoenix peak 1 565 m above sea level.
 

Danger

On the way down we met a black bear, he didn't notice us...
 

Food

There is no possibility to buy supplies along the way. For us, a 0.5 l bottle of water, a candy bar was enough.
 

Attractions

Bears - caution is definitely in order, I will leave it up to everyone, I will just write our experience and it was basically valid in all the locations we visited. Bears are not primarily interested in humans and if you have at least one person in your group who can talk now and then, the bear will know about you and everything is fine.

You must not surprise/threaten him. If you have already met him, you are to get out of his way/not run away. If your group doesn't talk, just put a bell on your pack. If you want to feel safe, you can buy a spray to scare the bear away. Instructional materials say do a wind check, arm and fire, range was I think within 10 yards.

If you're attacked by a black bear, you're supposed to actively defend yourself. If a brown bear, you are to make a dead run and protect your vital organs, if it continues to attack anyway, active defense is to follow on your part (untested). Park rangers will give you a briefing if requested. Ironically, more people are injured by moose than bears. 

In nearby Seward you can take a boat trip to Holgate Glacier, watching whales, killer whales, seals and other animals along the way (the cruise takes 6+ hours and we have tried Major Marine Tours). You can also visit one of the local stylish bars (I recommend Tonny's Irish Bar) or restaurants. There's also a great store in town where we ran into Vietnam veteran Mr. Emperor at the liquor store.