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
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
List of All LC Trails
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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
Camping Options & Facilities
Hermit Park offers over 90 designated camping sites across several campground loops (such as Bobcat, Granite Gulch, and Hermit's Hollow):
- Non-Electric Campsites: Accommodates tents, camper vans, small trailers, and RVs. There are no electrical or water hookups at individual sites.
- Camper Cabins: Rustic, basic wooden cabins equipped with bunk/bed frames with mattresses, electricity/lighting, and an exterior picnic table and fire ring. Linens/bedding are not provided.
- Equestrian Campsites: Dedicated sites equipped with horse corrals for visitors camping with stock.
- Group Pavilion: A reservable large group event pavilion accommodating up to 150 people with stone columns, a gas fire pit, and a catering prep area.
Campground Amenities
- Restrooms: Vault toilets located throughout the campground loops and near cabins. There are no showers on-site.
- Water: Potable water is available seasonally only at the entrance station and near the Bobcat pavilion. Campers and RVs are strongly advised to fill their freshwater tanks prior to arrival.
- RV Dump Station: Available seasonally ($15 per use at the electronic kiosk).
More Info
- Requires both a camping fee and a separate daily/annual vehicle entrance permit.
- Open Dates: March 1 through December 20 (closed for winter from December 21 to end of February, weather permitting).
- Check-In / Check-Out:
- Campsites: Check-in at 12:00 PM; check-out at 11:00 AM
- Cabins: Check-in at 3:00 PM; check-out at 11:00 AM
More Info: Campgrounds, cabins, group pavilions, permits & pricing
Photos
Click a photo to enlarge.
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.
