Old Fort Point

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Old Fort Point

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	52.86914°N / 118.05541°W
Elevation:	3839 ft / 1170 m
	Sign the Climber's Log!

Overview

Looking east toward Old Fort Point summit

Old Fort Point is a 3839' (1170m) high point located just 1.2 miles (2km) southeast of Jasper, AB. While only 430' (130m) higher than the surrounding Athabasca River Valley, its bare summit provides a nice 360 degree panorama of the Jasper area for a modest amount of effort. The steep trail up to Old Fort Point is often frequented by locals looking for some exercise, but also provides a good orientation view to those who are visiting the area for the first time. Old Fort Point takes its name from the Henry House, which was built nearby in 1811 by William Henry. Apparently, this was the first fur trading post built in the Rocky Mountains.

I do realize that the creation of this page may offend the sensibilities of local SPers, as Old Fort Point barely qualifies for foothill status. My real motivation for the creation of this page was to help out visiting Yankees, who almost always have a wife and/or kids in tow. Old Fort Point is easy and quick enough to a. Enjoy with the wife and/or kids b. Hike up while the wife shops for cheap Chinese trinkets in the local gift shops, or c. Provide a nice view of Jasper for those too cheap to pay for a $37 gondola ticket up Whistlers Peak.

Note: As I do not live anywhere near Jasper, AB, I will gladly give up ownership of this page to someone more local or more familiar, if they desire to have it.

Getting There

Jasper, AB and vicinity

From downtown Jasper, follow Highway 93A (Hazel Avenue) 0.6 mies (1km) southeast, and turn left on to Old Fort Point/Lac Beauvert Road. Follow this road for 0.6 miles (1km) to the Old Fort Point trailhead. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road, immediately after crossing the Athabasca River on a one lane bridge.

Bridge over Athabasca River near Old Fort Point trailhead

Route

I will only describe the quickest and most direct route up Old Fort Point. There are several trails in the area, and a coupe of options for approaching the 'summit'. If you would like to do something different, please consult the map on the reader board at the trailhead.

A portion of the Old Fort Point trailhead map

Upon pulling into the trailhead, you will notice a large wood staircase leading steeply up a rock bluff. This marks the start of the trail.

Start of Old Fort Point trail

At the top of the staircase, the trail turns E/SE, and heads directly toward Old Fort Point. After a short distance, the trail will split. Ignore trail '9a', which leads off to the right, and stay on the main trail to the left, labeled as '1'.

Trail 1/Trail 9a split on the way up Old Fort Point

The trail will climb steeply for the next several hundred yards, with concrete steps on the steepest sections. At the top of the steep section, the trail will level off, and the 'summit' will come into view.

Looking east toward Old Fort Point summit

While it would be possible to hike directly to the top from this point, it is much easier to stay on the trail, and approach from the east.

Looking west toward the summit of Old Fort Point

Total distance to the top will be about 0.5 miles (0.8km), and the hiking time will be 10 to 20 minutes. As you approach the summit, use caution (particularly if hiking with small children), as there are substantial cliffs on the northeast side of the hill.

Cliffs near the summit of Old Fort Point

Old Fort Point yields great views of the Jasper area, as well as a number of prominent peaks in the distance. Peaks will be identified to the best of my abilities - please feel free to correct any errors I may have made.