Exit Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Exit Glacier |
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Exit Glacier
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 60°09′21″N 149°44′26″W / 60.1558765°N 149.7405723°W |
| Area | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
| Terminus | Moraine/river |
| Status | Receding |
Exit Glacier is a cool glacier in Alaska. It comes from the huge Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains. This glacier is one of the main attractions at Kenai Fjords National Park. It's super easy to visit, making it one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska.
Exit Glacier is also a clear sign of how much glaciers are shrinking. This shrinking is happening because of climate change. From 2013 to 2014, the glacier melted back about 187 feet (57 meters). Scientists at the park are still watching it closely. They record how fast it is melting.
The glacier got its name because it was the "exit" point. This was for the first group of people who crossed the Harding Icefield in 1968.
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The Story of Exit Glacier
In the spring of 1968, a group of ten mountain climbers made history. They were the first to successfully cross the huge Harding Icefield. They started their journey from Chernof Glacier. They headed east towards what was then called Resurrection Glacier. Later, this glacier was renamed Exit Glacier. This happened after a newspaper reported that the group would be coming down the "Exit Glacier."
The First Crossing Team
The expedition included people like Bill Babcock, Eric Barnes, and Bill Fox. Also on the team were Dave Johnston, Yule Kilcher and his son Otto. Dave Spencer, Helmut Tschaffert, and Vin and Grace Hoeman were also part of the group. Some of these climbers, like Yule Kilcher and Dave Johnston, had tried to cross the icefield before. Out of the ten, only four people hiked all the way across the icefield. These were Bill Babcock, Dave Johnston, Yule Kilcher, and Vin Hoeman.
The group left Homer, Alaska, on April 17. They were heading for Chernof Glacier. Eight days later, they came down Exit Glacier. They arrived safely in Seward, Alaska. On their journey, the team also climbed Truuli Peak for the very first time. This mountain is 6,612 feet (2,015 meters) tall. It sticks out from the northwest edge of the icefield.
A Presidential Visit
President Barack Obama visited Exit Glacier in 2015. This was during his important trip to Alaska. The fast melting of Exit Glacier shows how climate change is affecting Alaska's coastal glaciers. It helps people understand the impact of a warming planet.
How to Visit Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is special because you can drive right up to it. It's similar to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. A special road branches off the Seward Highway. This road leads to the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park you can reach by car.
Trails and Activities
There are many hiking trails around the glacier. Some trails lead right to the end of the glacier. Others go all the way up to the Harding Icefield itself. Even though Exit Glacier is one of the smaller glaciers in the Harding Icefield, it's very popular. This is because it's easy to get to. Plus, there are lots of trails to explore around and above it.
You can visit Exit Glacier all year round. When snow arrives, usually in mid-November, the road closes to cars. But it stays open for winter fun! You can use snow machines, dog sleds, fat-tire bicycles, and cross-country skis to explore.
Ranger Programs at the Glacier
Park rangers offer guided walks to Exit Glacier. These walks happen daily during the summer season. You can join a walk at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. They usually last about 1 to 2 hours.
Ranger Talks and Hikes
"Ranger Talks" are also held at the Exit Glacier Pavilion. These talks happen at 12:30 pm. They are shorter, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. There's also a guided hike to Marmot Meadows. This hike is along the Harding Icefield trail. It's available every day in the summer at 9 am. This longer hike takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Animals You Might See
Exit Glacier is home to many interesting animals. Keep your eyes open for these creatures when you visit:
