Hermit Lake Dispersed Camping

Hermit Lake sits in a remote alpine bowl accessible only by serious 4WD vehicles, offering pristine lakeside camping for those willing to make the technical drive. A handful of primitive sites ring the small lake at 11,400 feet elevation, surrounded by towering peaks and talus slopes. The lake provides water (filter required) and sites have minimal impact—pack out all trash. Afternoon thunderstorms frequent in summer months.

Access requires navigating a rough, rocky mining road from Silverton with steep grades, loose rock, and narrow shelf sections. Not recommended for beginners or wide rigs. Snow blocks access until July most years, and early fall storms can strand vehicles. No cell service and rescue would be extremely difficult—inform others of travel plans.

Technical alpine lake access near Silverton