Trail Overview
County Road A19A to Hermits Peak is a scenic, beginner-friendly dirt road that offers stunning canyon views, mountain vistas, and direct access to the Santa Fe National Forest near Las Vegas, New Mexico. It begins at an elevation of 6,729 feet and winds steadily upward alongside a picturesque creek, passing through charming local villages before reaching its high point at 9,506 feet. The route gains approximately 3,202 feet of cumulative elevation, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Hermits Peak and the surrounding high-desert wilderness.
Traveling along this well-maintained unpaved road, drivers will experience minimal traffic, making it a peaceful escape into the New Mexico high country. The road's gradual slope has an average gradient of just 2.5 degrees, though a few steeper pitches reach up to 17.8 degrees near the national forest boundary. To reach the trailhead, visitors can take scenic back roads heading northwest from Las Vegas, New Mexico. Best traveled from late spring through autumn when roads are clear of winter snow, this route offers a perfect introduction to mountainous backcountry without the need for high clearance or four-wheel drive.
History
Hermits Peak is named after Giovanni Maria de Agostini, an Italian ascetic who lived as a hermit in a cave near the summit in the 1860s. He became a beloved and legendary figure among local residents, carving a trail to the summit and building stone-walled shelters that transformed the peak into a historic site of religious pilgrimage.
Access Description
The route travels through public land within the Santa Fe National Forest. While no permits or fees are required to drive County Road A19A, all vehicles must comply with New Mexico state motor vehicle regulations. Drivers should monitor local weather conditions and contact the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District for seasonal road closures or active fire restrictions.
