Summits: Mount Garfield (4,500')
Trail route: Gale River Loop Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail
Trail conditions: Bare ground to hard packed snow and minimal ice, a few inches of new snow at upper elevations
Weather: Cloud cover cleared to all blue sky, cold and windy at the summit
Total miles: 12.4 RT
Total time: 6:47
With cold temps and high winds in the forecast it was a day for hiking something below treeline. I would be joining Scott, Lisa and Jill for a hike to Mount Garfield. Even with a cold wind chill it's only a few short steps to the open summit and then back down below the treeline sheltered away from the wind.
It was a later than usual start as we started the 1.2 mile road walk to the trailhead. The road was frozen and had a light dusting of snow on it as well as the trail up to the water crossings. Icy rocks had to be avoided in order to get across the water safely and dry.
There was some very wet and muddy sections along the way with a firm base of frozen solid snow further up. Recent snow was clinging to the trees. Just before the trail junction the crampons and warm layers were put on for the steep two tenths of a mile to the summit.
It was full on winter conditions at the summit with a very cold windchill blowing. Stayed up there just long enough to get a few photos, it was not a day for lingering and basking even with the clouds clearing and sun shining.
We started our descent and were soon out of the cold wind. We found a warm sunny spot to eat lunch before continuing down. There were a lot of hikers coming up as we were descending. Past the water crossings the recent fresh snow covering had melted in the warmer temps. The road had thawed out but was still solid enough to walk on without any significant mud.
Given the cold wind chill today this was the perfect hike. I need lots of summits this month and this was a good start for April!
Enjoy the photos and video!
A 1.2 mile road walk to the trailhead
Gale River
The hike starts here
Water crossing with icy rocks
Icicles
Fresh snow on a brook
Hiking up into winter
A steep 0.2 to the summit
The steep ascent starts here
More steep
Turning up to the summit
Summit up ahead
View from the summit
Owl's Head
Franconia Ridge in the clouds
Ice covered vegetation on the summit
Descending
Last of the clouds clearing
Clouds are gone leaving bright blue sky
Hiking in Winter conditions
Leaving Winter behind and hiking into Spring
Scott and Lisa water walking
Lisa and Jill looking for a safe place to cross
Lisa easily crossing
Back at the trailhead
The end of the road walk and the hike is done
White Presidential summits against a blue sky on the drive home
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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