Mount Garfield
Conquer Mount Garfield for stunning Grand Valley views. This challenging hike offers unique landscapes and a rewarding summit experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Mount Garfield
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Mount Garfield for stunning Grand Valley views. This challenging hike offers unique landscapes and a rewarding summit experience.
"The views from the top are absolutely worth the pain. I love hiking Mount Garfield!"
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this strenuous hike! Stay hydrated to conquer the elevation gain.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for the steep and sometimes loose terrain, especially on the descent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Grand Valley Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Grand Valley, Palisade, and surrounding mesas.
The Challenging Ascent
Garfield Trail
A strenuous 3.5-mile round trip hike with nearly 2,000 ft of elevation gain.
Mars-like Landscapes
Lower Trail Sections
Experience unique, arid terrain that some visitors compare to the surface of Mars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this strenuous hike! Stay hydrated to conquer the elevation gain.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for the steep and sometimes loose terrain, especially on the descent.
🌅 Avoid Sunrise Hikes
Attempting a pre-dawn hike can be a 'big mistake' due to darkness and potential disorientation.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of the Grand Valley.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this strenuous hike! Stay hydrated to conquer the elevation gain.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for the steep and sometimes loose terrain, especially on the descent.
🌅 Avoid Sunrise Hikes
Attempting a pre-dawn hike can be a 'big mistake' due to darkness and potential disorientation.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of the Grand Valley.
🗺️ Trail Markings
Some hikers note sparse markings; stick to the main Garfield Trail if unsure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Garfield offers breathtaking views and a challenging, rewarding hike that many find unforgettable. While the ascent is strenuous and the descent can be tricky, the unique landscapes and panoramic vistas are consistently praised. Visitors recommend starting early to avoid heat and crowds, and being well-prepared with water.
"The views are beautiful. Start early to avoid the heat."
Tyler Becker
"The hike is not too grueling but difficult enough for 10-12 year olds to have a memorable time. My boys still talk about how fun it was to this day 7 years later."
Richard Huffaker
"Fun and somewhat strenuous going up, a little scary going down. We stayed on the Garfield Trail (I think) I wish there had been more markings. We thought the trails connected and we could take the easier route down, but we went the same way we went up- which was very steep. 3 1/2 hours round trip because we went quite slow. Beautiful views from the top!"
Robin Nasby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessible via a road that leads to a parking area. Many visitors use Google Maps for directions to the trailhead, which is noted as being a bit 'weird' to find but navigable.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can get busy with hikers.
Mount Garfield is located near Palisade, Colorado. While you can see it from Palisade, the trailhead is typically accessed from the Grand Junction side.
The main Garfield Trail is the most popular. Some hikers suggest sticking to this path for a clearer route, as trail markings can be sparse in certain areas.
Yes, the Mount Garfield Trail offers views of abandoned mines along the route, adding a historical element to the hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Garfield is a public land area, and there is no entrance fee to access the trails or the summit.
Mount Garfield is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. It's advisable to start your hike well before sunset to ensure a safe return.
No, tickets are not required for Mount Garfield. It's a natural attraction that can be visited freely.
Mount Garfield is typically open year-round, but conditions can vary with weather. Winter hikes may require special gear due to snow and ice.
While generally open, always check local advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions, especially due to weather or fire danger.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered strenuous, with a significant elevation gain of about 1,889 ft over 3.5 miles. It's challenging but rewarding.
Most hikers take around 1.5 to 3.5 hours round trip, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the summit.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the Grand Valley, including Palisade, the Colorado River, and surrounding mesas. 
Restroom facilities are typically not available at the trailhead or on the trail itself. Plan accordingly.
Some visitors have reported seeing wild horses in the area, though sightings are not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the Grand Valley.
You can capture sweeping landscape shots of the valley, unique rock formations, and the challenging trail itself.
While sunrise hikes are discouraged due to safety, sunset views from the summit can be spectacular, offering a vibrant sky over the valley.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
The summit provides the most expansive views. Along the trail, various points offer unique perspectives of the arid landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to prepare for the hike with families in mind. Ensure everyone has plenty of water and snacks, and consider the pace of the youngest hikers. While the trail is manageable, the steepness requires attention, so keeping a close eye on children, especially during the descent, is advised. Starting early in the morning is also a good strategy to keep kids from overheating.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs involved would be transportation to the trailhead and any personal gear you might need, such as water bottles or snacks. The challenging hike itself provides a full day's activity without any financial outlay, making it a prime choice for those looking to explore the Grand Junction area affordably.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Garfield Hike Experience
Many visitors compare the lower sections of the trail to a Martian landscape due to the arid, rocky terrain. This unique environment, combined with the dramatic climb, makes for a memorable hiking experience. While the trail is generally well-trodden, some hikers have noted that trail markings can be sparse, leading to a preference for ascending and descending the same path to ensure familiarity and safety.
Beyond the physical challenge, the hike offers glimpses of historical elements, including abandoned mines. The summit provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Grand Valley, the Colorado River, and the surrounding mesas, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking an active adventure with incredible scenery.
+1Navigating the Trails and Safety
Safety is paramount on Mount Garfield. The intense Colorado sun can be a significant factor, making early morning hikes highly recommended to avoid the peak heat of the day. Visitors are strongly advised to carry ample water, snacks, and electrolytes like Gatorade to stay hydrated and energized throughout the strenuous climb.
For those considering a sunrise hike, community feedback suggests this is a 'big mistake' due to potential visibility issues and the added challenge of navigating a steep trail in the dark. It's generally safer and more enjoyable to tackle the hike during daylight hours, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and focus on your footing.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit