Passport Edition - Hermit Park Open Space - August 28, 2016

Where: Hermit Park Open Space, Larimer County
Distance: ~4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 9,355 ft
Destination: Kruger Rock

I bring you another Passport to Your Open Spaces - Larimer County hike.  This is a short 4 mile hike, but it does involve some elevation gain to the top of Kruger Rock at an elevation of 9,355 ft. So far I'd rank this hike as the most difficult of the passport hikes due to the elevation gain. You will also need to drive on a dirt road through the park to the trailhead and there is a small fee as well. When you get to the top of Kruger Rock, you will be blown away by the 360 degree view around you. This is also the second time I've done this hike. Jesse and I did this one last summer and camped in the campground here too. So second time around was mainly to get that passport sketch. :)

Approaching the entrance gate below, you'll then soon come to the visitor office where you can get a day pass if you don't already have a permit.

The signs weren't completely clear on where the trail started, but you'll drive through the park and up the dirt road, past the campground, until you get to the group pavilion area. There will be bathrooms here as well.

And here is the start of the trail.

Already we have some aspen turning.

You can see Kruger Rock in the distance from the start of the trail. It looks pretty high up, but soon you'll be standing on top of that.

The trail gradually climbs for a bit. You'll start to see some open views.

We're getting closer to the rock and the climbs will start to get steeper...

Here is a good place to stop and take in a nice view of Long's Peak in the distance.

Well the climb wasn't too bad; we're at the post. Can you see it in the distance?

One of the nicest views at this particular post.

Keep climbing and there's a short rock scramble to reach the very top of the rock.

 That's not THE rock, but a cool looking one gazing from the summit.

And now we're at the top! Here are a few shots from all around.

A fellow hiker offered to take this photo of me, though a bit blurry. This is what it's like to be on top of the rock you saw at the start of the trail for perspective.

I took a photo of the passport here too.

Now it's back down the way you came. 

When you reach the start of the trail again, take a right onto the road before crossing over to the pavilion and visit the Line Shack across the street for the easy passport.

I also recommend pencil over crayon for the passports. As you can see, these came out a bit nicer than my Fossil Creek Reservoir ones.

Heading back home I checked out the Colorado Cherry Company. Pick up a slice of pie or a whole pie for a nice treat after your hike. :)

And lastly, trip stats. I'm not sure why my gps only says 3.66 total miles, but it is 4 total. Time is accurate at 2 hours. As always, the way down on the altitude time profile is always a lot quicker.