Hermits Rest ~ Curecanti National Recreation Area

​Flickr album link: Hermits Rest

The most popular travel route to the north rim of Black Canyon begins on Highway 50 and this pathway goes through the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which offers the same Gunnison River landscape as the neighboring national park. There are several scenic overlooks along Colorado State Road 92 that are well worth checking out and Hermits Rest is the last picnic area to be found before the road heads through the mountains to the Black Canyon North Rim Campground. Hermits Rest offers magnificent views of the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison landscape to the west, as well as the river way down below, so this definitely is a good spot for pitching a picnic blanket. Basic facilities are located onsite and there is a challenging five mile foot trail that meanders down through the steep canyon to a campsite next to the water's edge. What goes down, must come back up, so this trail is only recommended for those who are physically fit. 

From Hermits Rest, SR 92 turns north through the green lush mountain canyon landscape and this area abounds with wildlife. Mule Deer are everywhere in this area, so it pays to take it slow. Keeping binoculars or a telephoto camera handy will present an opportunity to capture unique memories to take home and even more adventures await along the north rim just up ahead. Hermits Rest certainly is a peaceful place to spend some quality time, so be sure to chalk this spot up high on the list when touring Crurecanti and Black Canyon! 
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