Harding Icefield Trail
Climb above the treeline to a viewpoint over 700 sq miles of ice. Watch for bears.
- Difficulty
- hard
- Distance
- 8.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3500 ft
- Permit
- Not required
Climb above the treeline to a viewpoint over 700 sq miles of ice. Watch for bears.
State: Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska
Type: Out & Back
Must-use gear on Harding Icefield Trail
Field-tested picks matched to this terrain. Links are affiliate — they keep the field guide free at no extra cost to you.
Two-way satellite messaging and an SOS button the size of a key fob. If you hike alone, you want this.
The only sock with a true lifetime guarantee. Merino blend, perfect cushioning, zero blisters across hundreds of miles.
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 redefines what's possible in an ultralight, two-person trekking pole shelter, offering palatial space and storm-worthy performance at a staggeringly low weight. By utilizing Dyneema Composite Fabric and a brilliant offset pole design, it delivers exceptional livability without the typical compromises of minimalist shelters.
Recommended footwear for this terrain
The best all-around day-hiking boot we tested in 2026. Light, grippy Contagrip outsole, dialed lacing, waterproof without feeling like a sauna.
Born from the collaboration between legendary ultrarunner Kilian Jornet and footwear company Camper, the NNormal Kjerag is a do-it-all trail shoe built for high performance across any distance or terrain. It combines exceptional grip, surprising durability, and a featherlight feel to create a new benchmark for versatile trail footwear.
Best hydration for this trail
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 is the gold standard for ultralight power banks, packing a massive 10,000mAh capacity into a carbon fiber frame that weighs a mere 5.3 ounces. It's the go-to choice for thru-hikers and weekend warriors who need to keep essential electronics charged without adding punishing weight.
The Petzl Iko Core is a revolutionary rechargeable headlamp that challenges traditional design with its ultra-light, semi-rigid AIRFIT headband. It offers exceptional comfort and balanced weight distribution, making it nearly unnoticeable during high-output activities like trail running and fastpacking.