Garfield on a Clear Day, 3/19/2019

Sage and I alternate documenting our hikes each week.  Check out Sage's blog for more trip reports.

Garfield

3/19/2019

Gale River Road, Mt. Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail

12.4 Miles Roundtrip

Around 3200 Feet of Elevation Gain

It felt like an average winter morning when I stepped out of the car to hike Garfield.  It was pitch dark, so we took out our headlamps, and I started the hike wearing a couple of layers.

Since the road is closed due to all of the snow, we had a 1.2-mile roadwalk to the trailhead.  Like it usually does, the roadwalk seemed to go by quickly, at least for me.

This is Sage and me at the beginning of the roadwalk.

Photo by Trish Herr

When we got to the trailhead, it was still dark, so I continued leading the way in the blackness.  We were surprised to see that the first few tenths of a mile of the trail had little to no snow.  There were just ice patches here and there in the beginning.

As we kept going, the snow became more and more plentiful, and soon enough, it was everywhere.  Also, it was refreshing and a relief when we no longer needed our headlamps.

Looking through the trees...

Up, up, up...

After maintaining a decent pace up the mountain, we arrived at the intersection near the summit of Garfield.  It was a beautiful day up there.

Photo by Trish Herr

Sage on Garfield:

Photo by Trish Herr

I was close to the summit tower foundation:

Photo by Trish Herr

There were beautiful views from the top.  My hands were getting very cold and I had difficulty taking photos, so I am including Mom's pictures on here.

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Sage and me...

Photo by Trish Herr

The rest of the hike down the mountain was pleasant.  Soon enough, we arrived at the trailhead.  We just had the roadwalk to go from there!

Mom spotted a couple grouse on the roadwalk.  They seemed so content high up on those frail branches.

We had a great day!