Incredible location with breathtaking views sitting at about 9,000' above sea level. Hermits Rest provides views of Morrow Point Reservoir, Cimarron Mountain, and at least nine mountain peaks beyond Cimarron Mountain, with the tallest being Storm King Peak at 13,752ft. This is a national recreation area with shaded picnic spots and seven trails for hikers.

Images and location summary by Jack Cooksey

Trail Difficulty - Easy

I took this photograph just a few steps off the Hermits Rest Trail, which leads down to the Morrow Point Reservoir on the Gunnison River. The distance from the trailhead to the photo spot was approximately 250 feet down the mostly level, smooth, and easy-to-traverse trail.

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

38°27'48.8"N 107°31'11.1"W

8,965 ft Elevation

Photography Tips

Walk down the trail 300ft or so and see how you want to frame the shot. There are multiple possibilities. I did take a few shots at 24mm as pictured here, but that was not what I was looking for. I wanted to focus on the water and its reflection, the majestic mountains in the back with just a small view of the other side at the top for depth, AND the brilliant Fall colors. With a little more time and starting a little earlier with the light lower, one could come home with a nice collection of great images. Far more than the just "one great shot."

The sun's position at 11:41 am significantly increased the glare on the water. A circular polarizing filter is a must! Without it, this would have been a lost shot. This was a three-shot bracketed image merged into its final form.

Directions

CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Hermit’s Rest

From Gunnison, CO - drive west on US-50 for 26 miles (after crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir for the second time), turn right at the fork (with US-50 and CO 92) on CO 92. Travel on CO 92 for 18 miles (much of the road is winding through the mountains) until you see a parking area for Hermit's Rest on the left.

From Montrose, CO - drive on US-50 for 37 miles and turn left on CO 92. Travel on CO 92 for 18 miles (much of the road is winding through the mountains) until you see a parking area for Hermit's Rest on the left.

The location of the shot is an easy 100 yards from the parking area.

View In Google earth

EXIF Data

Focal Length – 53 mm
Exposure – 30th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 26th
Time – 11:24 AM

Best Time of Day to Shoot

Early morning

This shot faces south. With the sun rising to the left, the better lighting of the mountains and the reservoir, and the changing vegetation color are most likely in the early to late morning. Because this was an unknown location and not a planned stop, as I was headed to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this photograph was taken at 11:41 am local time. I would love to see how the light falls at an earlier time.

Best Time of Year

Hands down, the best time for this kind of color is the last week in September.

The shot above was take on Sept 26th.

Lens(es) Needed

At least a range of 24 to 70mm. I always have 4 lenses available for landscapes. 15mm f/2.4, 21mm f2.4, 24-70mm f2.8, and 70-200mm f2.8.

Birds-Eye View

Permits

No permit is required at this location.

Direction of the Shot

The direction of your shot is south at 173°.

Equipment Needed

Tripod for a more precise composition and a circular polarizing filter

Number of Other Photographers to Expect

There were most likely very few. I was the only one there during my visit. It's an out-of-the-way location that I'm sure many discover by accident! I know I did.

Weather

Current Weather

The Colorado weather is usually mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20s) in the spring and fall. Having never been to this location in the winter, I don't know whether the road is open or maintained at that time of year.

Cell Service

There is no cell service at this location.

Area Guides and Workshops

None