Hiking poles an absolute must. Extra food and water. Take lots of breaks and go up slowly.
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States
time : Aug 8, 2022 9:24 AM
duration : 7h 7m 25s
distance : 14.9 km
total_ascent : 969 m
highest_point : 1076 m
avg_speed : 2.3 km/h
user_id : quinnpenny
user_firstname : Penny
user_lastname : Quinn
HARD hike broken in to 3 sections. First 1/3 through the forest and trees with lots of switchbacks and many many rock staircases to climb. View of Wxit Glacier. Second 1/3 is out in the meadows with lots of flowers and more switchbacks - this time where you can see others on the path in front and behind you. Ends at view of Harding Glacier. Final 1/3 is killer! Above the tree line it feels like walking on the moon. Lots of snow spots and lots of small waterfalls and creeks to cross. A few snow crossings were a bit scary because you can hear water moving beneath you. Finally see the emergency shelter house. Last push is brutal. No switchbacks on this section, just straight up 1,500 feet. Beyond the house another 5-10 minutes is the summit with the brass plate. I walked another 200 yards further looking for it. Views of the Icefield are to infinity and beyond. Basically left, front and right as far as you can see is white ice. The return hike felt soooo long. It was drizzle rain all day, so hands got wet, face was wet, camera was wet. Everything else was dry.