Last couple days I was up on the ice with the other guides training. What a kick. I haven’t done technical climbing much less on a glacier. It was quite the rush rappelling into a crevasse. Was cool beyond words.
Since my main job is to lead the day hikes I spent the second half of yesterday scoping out the Harding Ice Field Trail. When people ask, I describe the “HIT” as a ‘life hike’…simply you’re not likely to do anything like it in your entire life. It climbs 3000 feet roughly paralleling Exit Glacier up the valley. The views are intense and, really, are hard to describe. I’ve taken families up the trail, and although it is a strenuous hike, once they crest the switch backs half way through the trek and they see Exit Glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield…well, there’s no stopping them.
This year is especially sweet. Normally the HIT is snow covered until mid-June. But early visitors this year are in for a treat…I found the lower half of the trail to be snow free and the vegetation exploding. This is a result of a low snow winter and a hot spring.
While I was climbing up the trail, I heard something big and heavy in the alders not far off the trail. Could’ve been a moose or bear. Never did get to see it and I figured that weasingly through the brush to get a glimpse was probably not the best idea. Wildlife sightings are common on this trail. I often see goats, marmots, and ptarmigan on the trail…not to mention a regular garden of wildflowers come mid-summer. Yeah, it’s a great hike.
There’s a number of ways of doing the Harding Icefield Trail. First, you can do it on your own (just leave right out of the Nature Center at Exit Glacier.) But by going with a guide you can also get insight into the science of the glaciers and the wildlife. The park service provides ranger lead hikes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However if this doesn’t meet your schedule or you’d like a more intimate group tailored to your pace and needs, why not give us a call. We’ll take you on the hike of your life!
