The Hermit Trail is one of the steepest trails in Glacier National Park, but it is only 3.2 km to the small backcountry campsite by a glacial meltwater stream. We have hiked (and run) this trail a few times. We have also gone up higher onto the shoulder of The Hermit (an outlier of Mt. Tupper), and to the snowfields between Tupper and Hermit Mountain, but these are off-trail steep explorations, best suited to experienced mountaineers. We also visited the historic Hermit Hut off a side trail. This was used by mountaineers, but has been removed. The trailhead is located to the east of the Rogers Pass Visitors Center. There is good parking and signage.
The steep trail starts at 1287m and winds up the slopes to the small bench area of the Hermit Meadows Camp at 2103 m. As the trail emerges from the forest, there are fine views across to McDonald Mountain. The railway goes under that mountain through the Connaught Tunnel (8 km). From farther up the trail we have views into the Asulkan Valley, the Sir Donald Range, and the peaks on the west wide of the Illecillewaet River Valley.
The official end of the trail is at the alpine campsite, but explorers can continue higher for additional views of the peaks to the north and for longer views of Glacier National Park. The campsite has tent pads, a food cache, an outhouse, and a meltwater stream. A National Park pass and a backcountry permit is required to camp overnight.
Shared here are some photos from a hike on the Hermit Trail. Click a link to go to the album (for captions) or scroll through the photos as a slideshow:
More Information: