In short
- Turn onto Herman Leirer Road at mile 3 of the Seward Highway.
- The drive takes 20 minutes from Seward, and parking is free.
- The access road closes to cars in winter and reopens in mid-May.
In this article
Most visitors drive to the glacier from Seward. The route is straightforward, but winter closures and peak summer crowds require some planning.
How do you drive to Exit Glacier from Seward?
You take the Seward Highway (AK-9) to mile 3, then turn onto Herman Leirer Road.
Drive 8.4 to 8.6 miles down Herman Leirer Road, which locals call Exit Glacier Road. This road ends directly at the nature center parking lot. The entire drive takes about 20 minutes from Seward.
| Starting Point | Route | Distance | Time | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | e | w | a | r | d | H | i | g | h | w | a | y | ( | M | i | l | e | 3 | ) | |||
| H | e | r | m | a | n | L | e | i | r | e | r | R | o | a | d | |||||||
| 8 | . | 6 | m | i | l | e | s | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 0 | m | i | n | u | t | e | s |
Do you need to pay for parking at Exit Glacier?
No, parking at the Exit Glacier Nature Center is completely free.
Kenai Fjords National Park does not charge an entrance fee or a parking fee. Keep in mind that parking is limited during the peak summer months of July and August.
Can you take a tour to get there?
Yes, several guided tours provide transportation to the glacier from Seward or Anchorage.
If you do not have a rental car, booking a guided day trip or combo tour is a practical alternative. Some tours pick you up at the Seward train station or cruise port.
Can you get to Exit Glacier in the winter?
You cannot drive to the trailhead in the winter.
The access road is not plowed in winter. It closes to cars from late fall until mid-May. If you visit during these months, you start at the closure gate. You must travel 8 or more miles using skis, a fat-tire bike, or snowshoes.
How do cruise passengers get to Exit Glacier?
Cruise passengers often book transfer tours from Anchorage to the Seward Cruise Port.
A transfer tour handles your luggage and includes a stop at the glacier along the way. This ensures you arrive at your cruise terminal on time while seeing the park.
Are pets allowed in the car or on the road?
Pets are allowed on the main road and in the parking lot, but not on trails.
If you drive to the park with a pet, you must keep them leashed at all times. They cannot join you on the lower trails or the Harding Icefield Trail.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Exit Glacier from Seward?
The parking lot is a 20-minute drive from Seward. It is located 8.6 miles down Herman Leirer Road, starting from mile 3 of the Seward Highway.
When does the road to Exit Glacier open?
The road typically reopens to cars in mid-May. It remains open through October before closing for the winter season.
Is there a fee to enter Kenai Fjords National Park?
No, there are no entrance or parking fees charged for Kenai Fjords National Park. Access to the glacier and trails is entirely free.
