Hermit Park Open Space

Southeast of Estes Park

The 1,362 acres of Hermit Park Open Space nestle into the hills at 7,880-8,964 feet elevation. Ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows characterize this beautiful property and its abundant habitat for an impressive variety of mountain wildlife. Features include cabins, RV and tent camping, group campground, reservable group pavilion, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

The preservation of this stunning area was a joint effort between Larimer County, Agilent Technologies, Town of Estes Park, Estes Valley Land Trust, Great Outdoors Colorado, City of Loveland, Erion Foundation, City of Fort Collins, McWhinney Foundation, Town of Berthoud, and many more contributors.

The group pavilion features stone wrapped columns, picnic benches, a gas fire pit and improved lighting and utilities. There is a catering area with a charcoal grill. The pavilion can accommodate 150 guests. Make a reservation today at www.larimercamping.com or 1-800-397-7795. It is open to walk through so people can check out the amenities it offers, or visit our Group Pavilion web page for more information. 

Hermit Park Open Space requires entrance and camping permits, and is open March through mid December. It is located 2 miles southeast of Estes Park, Colorado.

Brochure Brochure (Spanish) Trail Map Entrance Permits Reserve a Campsite Regulations

Features

Accessible
Biking
Camping
Drinking
Hiking
Horse
Permit
Picnic
Reservable
Restroom

Map & Directions

  • From I-25 and US Hwy 34 (passing through Loveland): Drive west on Highway 34 toward Estes Park. Turn left (south) onto Mall Road (CR63) for .6 miles. Turn left (east) onto U.S. Highway 36 for 2.1 miles. The entrance to Hermit Park will be on the right.
  • From I-25 and State Hwy 66 (passing through Longmont): Drive west on Highway 66 to Lyons, Colorado. Turn right onto US-36 W/5th Ave/W Main Street. Continue to follow US-36 W for ~16.5 miles. The entrance to Hermit Park will be on the left
  • From downtown Estes Park: Drive southeast on N St Vrain Ave/Highway 36 for ~4 miles. The entrance to Hermit Park will be on the right.

Trails & Weather

Trails Report

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Weather

Air Quality

Updates every half hour.

Hunting

No hunting is allowed within the property boundaries of Hermit Park Open Space. The only authorized access to National Forest property to Game Management Unit 20 for the purpose of hunting is from the Moose Meadows Trailhead at the southern end of Hermit Park Road.  Hunters are allowed to access National Forest Service property with an unloaded firearm following all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations on the Moose Meadow Trail only. No access with a firearm is allowed on the any other trail within Hermit Park Open Space. 

Hunters accessing the Forest Service Property through Hermit Park Open Space are required to check in at the front desk. 

Camping

  • Cabins, non-electrical RV and tent campsites.
  • Campground hosts on duty during the summer.
  • March 1 - October 31: Sites can be reserved from 180 days to 1 day in advance the arrival date at www.larimercamping.com or by calling the reservation call center at 1-800-397-7795.
  • November 1 - February 28/29 same day reservations can be made online at Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, and Pinewood Reservoir. Campers MUST make a reservation and purchase a park entrance permit BEFORE setting up at any campsite.
  • November 1 - February 28/29 same day reservations at Horsetooth Reservoir and Hermit Park must still be done at the park. (Hermit Park closes for the season Dec 20 - March 1)
  • A camping permit is required for each campsite for each night, in addition to entrance permits.
  • Maximum of 14 nights in any 30-day period anywhere in the Larimer County Natural Resources system.

Photos

Click a photo to enlarge.

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Image © Joel Schwab
Image © Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero
Image © Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero
Image © Harry Strharsky

Tips & Info

  • This is a very popular camping area; even on weekdays during the summer, reservations are recommended. It's a good idea to call ahead for availability if you don't have reservations.
  • On weekends during the summer, capacity is usually reached.

Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger or see a kiosk for a copy of the Regulations.

Entrance permits are required for all use at Hermit Park Open Space, whether you drive in, walk in, bike in or ride a horse.

  • Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Collection of firewood, including cutting of trees and branches, is not allowed.
  • Firearms or fireworks are prohibited.
  • Glass containers are not allowed.
  • Alcohol is only allowed in campsites. No alcohol in day use areas.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • Dogs must be on leashes not longer than 10 feet and must not be left unattended at any time.
  • Maximum of 6 people per campsite/cabin.

Management Plan

Hermit Park Open Space Management Plan