Alerts
Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. Snow at higher elevations on the Harding Icefield trail can persist into mid-summer. It is always a good idea to check on current conditions before setting out.
This site is updated regularly to reflect the latest conditions, as is the Recorded Information Line at 907-422-0573. If needed, contact the park headquarters directly at (907) 422-0500, during normal business hours. Important Park Closures and Safety UpdatesDANGER: Closure of Exit Glacier Canyon Due to Risk of Outburst Flood
PARK CLOSURE: Toe of Exit Glacier Due to Ice Fall HazardAn ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice, as well as ice caves. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please do not continue past ice fall hazard zone signs.TRAIL SAFETY: Be Bear Aware
If you see a bear:
Park Road StatusHerman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) is the only road access into Kenai Fjords National Park. Current Access to Herman Leirer Road by Automobile Traffic: CLOSED
Current Access to the Exit Glacier Area by Snowmachine (Snowmobile): OPEN
Alaska 511: Only a small section of the road to Kenai Fjords National Park is within National Park Service boundaries. Alaska 511: Alaska's Department of Transportation website, will continuously update the driving conditions on the state's highways. The Seward Highway (AK-9) is the only road that provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park Parking in Summer: During the summer when the road is open there is limited parking at Exit Glacier, especially during the hours of 10:30 am - 3:30pm. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip. Trail ConditionsAll maintained trails begin in the Exit Glacier Area on the paved path adjacent to the Exit Glacier Nature Center just past the parking area. Bikes and pets are not allowed on trails past the parking lot. Current Exit Glacier View Loop and Overlook Trail Conditions
Current Harding Icefield Trail (HIT) Conditions
COVID-19 NoticeThe National Park Service follows CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.Kenai Peninsula and Burrough, which includes Kenai Fjords National Park, is in LOW community level transmission. Therefore, wearing a mask in federal buildings at Kenai Fjords National Park is not required. In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable. Mask requirements vary by park based on CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Weather
Are you ready to visit a coastal rainforest? The weather at Kenai Fjords is difficult to predict and can change rapidly. Backcountry
Being prepared can make the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a cold, wet, miserable experience you may not survive. Pets
The well-being of pets and park wildlife is of the utmost importance to us. For the safety of all, pets are only allowed in select areas. |
Last updated: April 22, 2024