First Forest Point Hike
This 2.1-mile round-trip hike takes visitors from the Jasper Forest overlook parking lot south along the bluffs.
Plan Around First Forest Point Hike
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First Forest Point Hike Details
A brochure is available at the park's visitor's center for off-the-beaten-path hikes. This 2.1-mile round-trip hike takes visitors from the Jasper Forest overlook parking lot south along the bluffs, and then west through a portion of the Jasper Forest petrified wood deposit. Hikers next will cross a branch of Dry Wash, as well as a dirt road and a buried waterline that provides Rainbow Forest with water before arriving at the wash. On the other side of the wash, the trail climbs a gentle slope onto the mesa directly west of Jasper Forest, which offers a good view of the surrounding countryside. Here there are some petrified logs eroding out on the mesa top. Hikers should park in the Jasper Forest overlook parking lot and start at the south end of the parking lot, walking south along the top of the steep bluffs, where they'll come to a grassy slope that provides access down to the basin below. Hikers are free to choose their own route across the basin; heading slightly north at the bottom of the bluff will lead hikers past petrified wood for almost the entirety of the walk. After crossing the wash, hikers should stay south of the smaller formation to keep their route in alignment with the gentle slope to the mesa top. As you climb the mesa, turn slightly north for the best views. Retrace your route to exit. Although the walk is not difficult or steep, it does require sturdy shoes. Footing can be difficult, and this walk should not be attempted in wet conditions.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2.1 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around First Forest Point Hike
Compare nearby parks around First Forest Point Hike when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around First Forest Point Hike
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond First Forest Point Hike while the map context is still fresh.
0.5 mi away
Jasper Forest
In the southern portion of the park, about 10 miles north of the south entrance station and along the park's main road, is Jasper Forest.
0.5 mi away
Jasper Forest Hike
The Jasper Forest Hike offers an easy 2.5-mile round trip hike along a 1930's road into Jasper Forest, a well-preserved garden of petrified wood.
1.1 mi away
Agate Bridge
Spanning a gully like a bridge, Agate Bridge is in fact a large petrified log.
1.5 mi away
Dry Wash
Dry Wash connects to the Puerco River west of the ghost town of Adamana and runs south towards Agate Bridge and Jasper Forest.
2.4 mi away
Crystal Forest Trail
This .75-mile loop trail begins in the Crystal Forest parking area.
