Curecanti National Recreation Area · Colorado

Hermits Rest Trail

2.5 mi of trail, end to end · 1,800 ft of descent · 7,175 ft–8,963 ft · soil surface · trail class Developed · hiking

Picnic areas

8,958 ft 7,175 ft · 2.5 mi high 8,963 ft

Along the way Hermits Rest Picnic Area

Trailhead Hermit's Rest Trail 8,960 ft Drive there

Hike Hermits Rest Trail the Park Service's write-up

2-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Hermit's Rest Trailhead

A trail with a view of mountains and overlooking a dam in the distance
A view from Hermit's Rest Trail of Morrow Point Dam Photo: NPS Photo

Zigzagging through oak, pine, juniper, and fir, hikers descend 1750 ft (531 m) to wooded camp and picnic sites on the shores of Morrow Point Reservoir. One backcountry campsite , as well as picnic tables, fire grate, and a toilet, are provided at the end of the trail.

Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person. Check for ticks frequently during the hot summer months.

Distance (one-way): 2.6 mi (4.2 km)

Difficulty: Very strenuous and little shade. Elevation change is 1750 ft (531 m).

Accessibility This trail has uneven terrain, steep decents, and is not wheelchair accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 19 trails in Curecanti National Recreation AreaFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.