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13,311 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Hermit Peak

Hermit Peak is a 13,311 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Hermit Peak North Ridge: 3 mi, 1,300 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Hermit Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Hermit Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,311 ft4,057 m
  • RouteHermit Peak North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance3 mi1,300 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Hermit Peak North Ridge

Hermit Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Hermit Peak North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 3 miles round-trip with roughly 1,300 ft of gain from about 11,970 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Hermit Peak

Peaks near Hermit Peak

  1. Rito Alto Peak

    Rito Alto Peak

    13,801 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Eureka Mtn

    Eureka Mtn

    13,505 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Peak of the Clouds

    Peak of the Clouds

    13,495 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Alto Peak

    Alto Peak

    13,059 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hermit Peak?

Hermit Peak is 13,311 feet (4,057 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Hermit Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,311 feet, Hermit Peak is the 335th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hermit Peak?

The Hermit Peak North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hermit Peak?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Hermit Peak North Ridge, covering 3 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hermit Peak?

The Hermit Peak North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Hermit Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hermit Peak reaches 13,311 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Hermit Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Hermit Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Hermit Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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