Hermit's Peak Photoset • rwstorm • 2018-08-15 • HikeArizona.COM

Hermit's Peak, NM

	2018-08-15
	30 by rwstorm

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Hermit's Peak

Northeast, NM

Hermit's Peak

Northeast, NM

Hiking		Aug 15 2018
		rwstorm

Hiking	6.04 Miles	2,393 AEG

Hiking	6.04 Miles	6 Hrs 3 Mns	1.26 mph

	2,393 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break

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I spent several days in Las Vegas and this hike was to be the focal point of my middle day there. I had been up to the peak four other times and was hoping for a fifth, but it was not to be. This was a real test for me, since my right knee and leg issues have become worse in recent years. I knew that there was a good chance I wouldn't be able to make it, as this is a pretty tough hike on a terribly rocky trail. But I decided to give it a go and see what happened.

Summer thunderstorm season was in full swing and there had been some heavy rain overnight. I knew that I might have to contend with storms by early afternoon. I didn't get an early start, which didn't help. I made good progress heading up, hiking a lot slower than in the past, but was surprised at how well I was doing. I had a knee sleeve on and used both trekking poles, to give myself as much help as possible. I last hiked this trail in 2012, and that big rain/flood event of 2014 made this already nasty trail even more gnarly.

As I neared the top of the switchbacks heading up the cut between two peaks, I started to get tired and had to take a break. At this point I had about another mile and about 500 feet to go. I was almost to the payoff for doing this hike: the ridge with views and a more gradual, nicer tread on to the peak. I looked at the time and realized that if I continued, I would be up on the broad top when thunderstorms might be starting up. Knowing this, and given my inability to move fast anymore coupled with the tough trail conditions in the middle of the hike, I decided I had to turn back. It really wasn't a total disappointment, as I already had done better than I expected.

As I left the steep rocky area between the towering cliffs and started getting into better trail conditions lower down, it began thundering up on the peaks. As it turned out, no widespread monster storms developed, but there was no way to know that ahead of time.

Light showers were encountered as I neared the end of the hike, otherwise it was pretty uneventful. I made all the right decisions on the trail this day.

For the most part this isn't a fun or scenic hike, as you are down in the trees and between cliffs with limited views. What makes it worthwhile is getting to broad top and heading over to those killer views on the east side. This trail, and others in the area, go way past the peak and deep into the Pecos Wilderness, making it a draw for backpackers especially. But beware, though the part to the peak is short, it is one tough little devil.

Culture

Informational/Interpretive Trail Sign

Named place

Beaver Creek Hermit Peak

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

No more mister gneiss guy.

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