Hermit Pass - tell me about it

[Jim]

A request came to me today via a motorcycler "Hey Jim, what can you tell me about Hermit Pass west of Westcliffe?" and I'd like to help out. I've never traveled this pass.

TrailsOffroad does not have any info on it (nobody has claimed the trail / contributed). Bushducks has it in their listing but no comment as to open/closed.

http://www.bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm

FunTreks has this:
https://funtreks.com/off-road-trails/hermit-pass/

If you have any info for it, please pipe up. I'll send'm the link to this page for info.

Thanks!

[Brian]

I drove it last year early September. It's not really a pass anymore, it's up to the summit, then back the way you came. It's very rocky/rough overall but nothing a stock Jeep/SUV couldn't do, and very scenic as well. It's my understanding that the top can stay blocked by snow like most higher elevation trails up until July-ish. The trail was easy to find and had a good mix of Jeeps and ATV types with people dispersed camped along the trail. It took about 2 hours to get to the top as I recall, and once there it's got plenty of space to spread out and walk, take pics, eat a lunch or whatever.

[Chris]

I agree with Doink, I liked to combine it with Medano and make a day out of it. Easy and scenic summit on Hermit albeit bumpy and a nice easy drive to the dunes on Medano.