I only have 11 more peaks that I am interested in and Hermit Peak is not one of them, but the peak has such a dynamic look, that it looks like I should have it. I hiked the peak with my friend Brian and his son Nathan and two other peakbagging friends Fred and Jeremy. I left my house with Brian and his son at 5:15 AM, June 15, 2019. From Los Vegas, New Mexico we took NM 65 northwest for about 15 miles to Porvenir Campground and were hiking by 8:00 AM. The starting elevation was 7500 feet. I always carry about 18 pounds in a daypack for conditioning and if there ever is an emergency I am very prepared. I have hiked so many peaks the last few years that have not had trails; this peak was very refreshing having a nice trail the entire time. Brian and Nathan zoomed up ahead as the 3 of us stayed behind. This was my first peak of the year so I felt like I was chugging a bit, especially trying to play catch-up. It was a beautiful morning with clear skies. The trail switch-backed to the ridgeline, then it is an easy hike to the top. The actual top is in the thick of trees with no view, but hiking a little further to the east beautiful, expansive views open up. We arrived at the top after hiking 2 hours and 50 minutes. The distance on my GPS said 5.3 miles and the total elevation gain was 2750 feet. We stayed on the top about 40 minutes, admiring the views and eating lunch. We started hiking back at 11:30. It is a nice trail back but there are lots of small rocks on the trail so especially hiking down you have to watch your footing. Brian and Nathan zoomed to the bottom and were down about a half hour ahead of us. The clouds were coming in and we heard a couple distant rumbles of thunder. At the bottom we crossed a stream and were back at the cars. It took us 2 hours to hike back. The total hiking time was 4 hours and 50 minutes. The total distance was 9.9 miles and the total up-down elevation gain was 2854 feet. It is a beautiful forested drive back to Los Vegas and from there we returned home. This peak was my 250th New Mexico peak counting repeats with 4 others out of state.