Above 9,100', the Hermit Road requires 4WD, slow driving and good-clearance. There are several large pull-offs and camp spots along the road, including an excellent spot on the left, near 10,960'.
From your parking spot, start walking up the road. Pass the trail to Hermit Lake (left) near 11,400' and exit the trees near 11,900'. Zigzag north up a broad slope to reach an overlook with beautiful views of Horseshoe Lake and Eureka Mountain -
1. Continue on the road (
2 and
3) for another mile to reach Hermit Pass, at 13,000' -
4.
If you'd like to add Rito Alto Peak to your route, it's approx. 1.5 miles round-trip to summit Rito Alto from the pass (refer to the
Rito Alto Peak: South Ridge route). For Hermit Peak, hike south across the pass, toward Hermit's south slopes -
5 and
6. After 0.2 mile from the pass, ascend the Class 2 north slopes (
7 and
8) to reach the rocky summit -
9. Hermit has two summit bumps and
10 looks back at the true summit from the eastern one.
11 looks north over Hermit Pass.
(WINTER) HOLD ON! If you don't have much high-elevation, winter climbing experience, be careful in your planning and take a partner. All 14er routes are more difficult and more dangerous in winter.
