| The Hermit | |
|---|---|
 North aspect, from Darwin Bench | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,328 ft (3,758 m)[1] |
| Prominence | 368 ft (112 m)[1] |
| Parent peak | Peak 12342[2] |
| Isolation | 0.52 mi (0.84 km)[2] |
| Listing | Sierra Peaks Section |
| Coordinates | 37°09′46″N118°43′07″W / 37.1628967°N 118.7184869°W /37.1628967; -118.7184869[3] |
| Geography | |
  The Hermit Location in California Show map of California The Hermit The Hermit (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Fresno |
| Protected area | Kings Canyon National Park |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada[1] |
| Topo map | USGSMount Darwin |
| Geology | |
| Rock type | granite |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1924 |
| Easiest route | class 5.5[2] |
The Hermit is a 12,328-foot-elevation (3,758-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of theSierra Nevada mountain range, inFresno County of centralCalifornia, United States.[3] It is situated in northernKings Canyon National Park, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east ofEmerald Peak, and 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west ofMount Darwin.Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 2,500 feet (760 meters) above Evolution Valley in less than one mile. TheJohn Muir Trail passes to the east and north of this landmark, providing an approach. This geographical feature was named bySierra Club explorerTheodore Solomons in 1895 as he wrote:"The traveler will be greatly attracted by a very sharp peak or butte that rises on the south wall. From its isolated position as viewed from the valley we called it the Hermit."[4]
According to theKöppen climate classification system, The Hermit is located in analpine climate zone.[5] Mostweather fronts originate in thePacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift). Precipitationrunoff from this mountain drains to Evolution Creek which is aSan Joaquin River tributary.
Thefirst ascent of the mountain is credited to Leonard Keeler, Ralph Brandt, Marion Avery, and Margaret Avery on July 2, 1924.[6] George R. Bunn climbed it July 28, 1924, declaring the final 20-foot summit slab as unclimbable, and Sierra Club mountaineers James Rennie andNorman Clyde climbed it on August 2, 1925.[7][8] Due toexposure, rope is recommended for the finalclass 5.5 summit block, although one source claims that the south side of the summit block can be climbed by employing a "shaky shoulder stand."[9]
Established routes on The Hermit:[10]
