Basics
- Location:
- 9 miles east of Grand Junction
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Length:
- 4 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 3 to 4 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 5740 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2000 feet
- Season:
- March - November
Description
There are two different trails leading to the top of Mt. Garfield (Mt Garfield Trail and Gearhart Mine Trail). The two mile long Mt. Garfield Trail is shorter but more strenuous. Gearhart Mine Trail is 2.5 miles, but it is slightly easier. Both trailheads are accessed from the same parking area, Mt. Garfield trailhead is located at the base of the gray hill (Mancos Shale) with the trail going up the middle of it (looks like a thin drainage runoff), on the north side of the parking area. Gearhart Mine trailhead is located on the east side of the parking area.
These trails are extremely steep, rough and challenging. Footing is unstable and slippery, especially when wet.
At the end of the trail there's a spectacular view of the Grand Valley to the west, and the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area to the east. The wild horses of the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area can sometimes be seen from the top of Mt. Garfield, during the winter and early spring months. Historic and geologic sites can be explored in this unique part of the Book Cliffs.
Old mine workings have historic interest but are dangerous. Please stay out of mines and diggings.
Details
Location:
Setting:
Length:
Difficulty:
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the Palisade exit (#42), turn south on 37 3/10 Rd, travel to the first road on right (G 7/10 Road). This road will wind around private homes, stay to the right. Go through the small tunnel (I-70 underpass) to the trailhead.
