Hermit's Peak Summit Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Parking at El Porvenir Campground costs $3, but if you are just hiking the trail, make use of the first parking area that has trail information and a trail registry. Cross the bridge and the small stream as you make your way to Hermit Peak's "official" trailhead.

Hermit's Peak is a mountain in San Miguel County near Las Vegas, New Mexico, and is part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is named after Italian monk Giovanni Maria de Agostini, who made his home in a cave on a narrow ledge a hundred or so feet beneath the summit. He traded with the villagers, offering crucifixes and religious symbols that he carved in exchange for food. Having resided in several locations across South America, Agostini made his final home in New Mexico. He lived in the cave at Hermit's Peak from 1863 to 1867 before moving to the Organ Mountains (near Las Cruces, New Mexico), where he was discovered murdered in 1869. There are still remnants of religious artifacts at Hermit's Peak that should not be disturbed.

This short spur trail heads up to the summit branching off the Hermit's Peak Trail #223.

I have seen chipmunks, squirrels, deer, several species of bird, and most notably, two cinnamon black bears very near the summit! I've seen reports of two other hikers seeing a cinnamon black bear on the trail as well.