Old Fort Point Trail

Posted February 22nd, 2008 by Chris
in

Distance:
4 km
Difficulty:
Easy
Elev. gain:
140 meters
Time required:
1 - 2 hours
Bikes permitted:
No
Dogs permitted:
Yes
Download GPX

Directions to trail head

From Connaught Drive turn south on Hazel Avenue (Highway 93A). Cross both the railway tracks and Highway #16. Turn left on the Old Fort Point/Lac Beauvert Road Junction. After driving approximately 1 kilometer you will cross a series of three steel bridges that cross the Athabasca River. After the last of the bridges there is a small parking lot immediately to the right. The trailhead is in this lot.

Hazards on trail

Stairs and descent are likely very slippery in the winter.

Hike Description

If you are only interested in the view of the Jasper town site and Mounts Hardisty, Kerkeslin and Edith Cavell leave the parking lot walking towards the steel bridge you just drove across. The staircase climbs the hill taking you in less than a kilometer to the site of the fur trade post that was situated on the hillside. From Old Fort Point Trail the view is pretty impressive as can be seen in the photo below taken by Carsten Haustein.


Old Fort Point Hiking Trail Jasper


If you want to enjoy the gradual climb to Old Fort Pointe follow the loop clockwise. The trail is well marked with trail indicators bearing the #1 and easy to follow. The trail passes below Signal Mountain and climbs through some rock bluffs to the summit. As you approach the summit you will see a couple of stone pyramids (depicted below). Turn left into some trees, follow the ridge and descend the staircase and proceed back to the parking lot.


Old Fort Point Trail Jasper Fur Post Marker


Steel Bridge over Athabasca River Jasper



Hike Photos

Elevation Profile Image

AttachmentSize
Old_Fort_Point_Trail_GPS_Track.gpx27.09 KB