HERMIT'S PEAK and It's Legend
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Hike the Peak

Two trails will take you to the top of Hermit's Peak, one is a moderate rated trail (#247) while the other is for more experienced hikers (#223).


They are both accessed from the El Porvenir,Santa Fe National Forest Campground. To reach the campground take Hot Springs Blvd north out of Las Vegas. Drive past Montezuma, Gallinas, and El Porvenir. Follow the road to the right and watch for signs to the campground.


The first trail follows for 18 miles with spectacular views of the sheer canyon walls and of Hermit's Peak.


The trail for more experienced hikers includes a 3,000 foot ascent to the top. There are beautiful views of Hermit's Peak and of the Las Vegas area. The top of the peak is flat with many areas for picnicing and camping.

About 10 miles from Las Vegas on Hwy 518 you will see Hermit's Peak.
From 1863 to 1867 this mountain was home to Juan Maria Agostini, an Italian penitent who lived there as a hermit carving crucifixes and religious emblems which he traded for food. Leaving this area, he moved to the Organ Mountains in Southern New Mexico where he was found murdered in 1869.