Outdoor Diversion: A Hike to Mount Garfield Before the Rain

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

A Hike to Mount Garfield Before the Rain

Summits: Mount Garfield (4,500')
Trail route: Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail
Trail conditions: Bare ground, mud, wet leaves to a gradual increase of snow up to several inches toward the summit
Weather: Cloud cover, cool and slightly windy at the summit
Total miles: 10
Total time: 5:55

I wanted to get one more hike in for the month of October. There was rain in the forecast but not expected to start until midday. I checked the latest weather radar. It looked like I could get up to the summit of Mount Garfield and back down before the rain moved in. I got an early start.

When I left the house it was still dark and there was a sky full of stars, off to a good start! I reached the trailhead just as it was starting to get light. I couldn't quite tell if the clouds had started to move in as I began my hike.

The Garfield Trail started out with wet leaves and sections of mud. At the first water crossing I carefully checked the rocks to make sure they were not ice coated, they were not and it was an easy crossing. Just over a mile into the hike I started seeing the first dusting of snow. As I got further up the trail the snow increased. There were several inches of snow as I got closer to the summit.

When I reached the Garfield Ridge Trail junction I put on my microspikes for the steep climb ahead. As I got to the steep section I was glad to have the microspikes on that provided some traction for the occasional ice underneath the several inches of snow. When I reached the summit I was rewarded with spectacular views that was provided by the snowy summits against the incoming clouds. I spent longer than expected on the summit capturing the views with my camera with both photos and video. I had the summit to myself.

I could have stayed longer on the summit but began my descent knowing that rain was on the way. About a mile down the trail I met hiker extraordinaire Georg on his way up. Georg, a hiker in his 70's has done the grid three times. We had met before on a previous hike. We talked for a few minutes then went our separate ways. I thought I was setting a good pace. I got back down to my car and Georg arrived a few minutes later after having continued on to the summit after we met then hiked back down. That was an amazing pace!

It was a combination of Fall hiking and Winter hiking today, I enjoyed both. As I was driving away a light rain started to fall. It was another well-timed hike!

Enjoy the photos and videos!