Fordyce Peak (Blowout Mountain) / HSNP

Hot Springs National Park

Fordyce Peak, more commonly known as "Blowout Mountain", is perhaps the least used trail in Hot Springs National Park. The spur trail takes off from Sunset Trail, in the extreme northeast section of the park. The spur itself is only 1.5 miles long, but is over a mile from any trailhead, making a minimum round trip of 5.5 miles. The long, steep climb up Blowout Mountain is invigorating, ending at the top of the mountain. Nice view during leaf-off.

Planning notes:

This hike can be started at either the Cedar Glades Road trailhead of sunset Trail, or at DeSoto Park (hwy 7) trailhead of Sunset Trail.

From Cedar Glades TH on Sunset Trail, go west along the ridge top to the marked spur. Sunset Trail continues downhill to the right, Fordyce spur straight ahead. About a half mile later, the steep climb starts. This is a half-mile longer than the route below, but eliminates one of the two steep climbs.

From DeSoto Park trailhead, proceed up the road, past the water wheel, dam, and lake. Pick up the trail going into the woods to the right and as it levels out on the ridgetop look for the spur to the right. This route has two steep climbs -- one on Sunset Trail going up to spur; one going up Blowout Mt., but is about half mile shorter.

Good in spring (flowers), fall (color), or winter (view).

This is a good local hike during overnights.

About 3 hour round trip; no car pools needed.

Access Notes:

National Park trail signs now identify this as "Fordyce Mountain".

DeSoto Park is on Park Ave (hwy 7 north) just past Gulpha Gorge Road leaving town. Cross the road and enter Stonebridge area. Trail is about half mile up this road from hwy 7, on right.

Cedar Glades TH is north of town. Take Whittington Ave at Majestic Hotel, turn right on Cedar, then take right fork on Cedar Glades. It is just at top of hill, on right.

For additional info:

Rex Greer and Mike Moriarty have led this hike recently.

Jim Gifford and McMillen's maintained this trail for HSNP for a couple of years.

Information available at HSNP Visitor's center.

Recent Hikes:

Dec 31, 2005 Leader: Glenn Wortham 17 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: DeSoto Park past Stonebridge, up Sunset Trail to spur intersection, to Fordyce Peak and return.

5.5 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

sss: 360 degree view from top of Blowout Mt.

Trail conditions were excellent, but difficult because of steepness of trail.

Scenery was beautiful on top, with 360 deg panorama. Saw Fordyce home and Stonebridge; a white heron was spotted at pond. Holly and Magnolia trees were green and stood out.

Lunch at Mickie's after the hike.

Dec 9, 2004 Leader: Rex Greer 9 Hikers OMH Thursday

Route: Desoto Park to Fordyce Peak and return.

5.5 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

sss: View from peak at leaf-off

Local hike in lieu of overnight.

May 4, 2002 Leader: Mike Moriarty ?? Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: Desoto Park up Sunset Trail to Blowout Mt. spur and return.

5.5 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

Two steep climbs. This is an invigoratiing hike.