Hermit Park Open Space
Hermit Park Open Space nestles into the hills, approximately two miles southeast of Estes Park, at an elevation of 7880-8964 feet. The preservation of this stunning area is 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 . Recreation is managed by Larimer County Department of Natural Resources. Hermit Park Open Space's features include cabins, RV and tent camping, special events, reservable group use pavilion, hiking trails, wetlands, horseback riding, mountain biking, group campground, and much more! The park remains open year round, although some areas close seasonally. Entrance permits and camping fees are required.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
- 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.
- Public consumption of alcohol above 3.2% is prohibited (no kegs allowed).
- Dogs must be on leashes not longer than 10 feet and must not be left unattended at any time.
- Max of 8 people per campsite/cabin.
- Cabins, non-electrical RV, and tent campsites.
- Campground hosts on duty during the summer.
- April - October, you can reserve sites at www.larimercamping.com or 800-397-7795. November - March most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis - the lower loop of campground 1 is the only campground open year round. Cabins will be open and reservable year round.
- 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.
- Required of all visitors.
- Valid at Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Reservoir, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Pinewood Reservoir, and Ramsay-Shockey Open Space.
- Annual entrance permits (valid for the calendar year) are available at The Bison Visitor Center, at entrance stations prior to entering the parks, at the Citizen Information Center, at nearby retail outlets, and online.
- Daily park entrance permits (valid from day of purchase until noon the next day) are available at The Bison Visitor Center and at entrance stations and self-serve stations prior to entering the parks and open spaces.
- 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.
- Weekends during the summer - capacity is usually reached.
Homestead Meadows
Directions to Trailhead
- Access is past campground #4.
Trail Information
- Easy to moderate, ~1.5 miles within Hermit Park with access to ~12 miles of trails in the National Forest
- Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Kruger Rock
Directions to Trailhead
- Park at Pavilion and follow signs north to trailhead across main road. This newly-completed trail ends in a stupendous view of Longs Peak and Estes Valley.
Trail Information
- Moderate, 3.4 mile round trip
- Hiking only