02/08/2014 Mount Garfield

Saturday,  February 08, 2014

Mount Garfield

Gale River Loop Road / Garfield Trail

5 degrees at start of hike, patches of blue skies and sunshine, lots of fresh snow, summit windy with low visibility.

Saw lots of folks heading up on the way down, you could wear anything on the trail today and there was a lot of variety to include bare booting, snowshoes, micro spikes, and a skier skinning up and flying back down.  Saw a couple of small plastic sleds on a backpack or two also.  Great winter conditions.

Start of the hike at Gale River Loop Road (South Side)

The slog on the road

The trail begins!

One of several blow downs on the way

Plenty of snow on the trail

Another blow down

Getting close - Garfield Ridge Trail not broken in (yet)

Heading up the steep section to the summit

Summit dead ahead

Some protection from the wind!

Limited views from the summit

Limited views from the summit

Limited views from the summit

Limited views from the summit

Quick break, a couple of guys breaking trail on Garfield Ridge Trail towards the Twins

Bridge off trail near the trail head

Views from Summit of Mount Garfield

Views from Summit of Mount Garfield (in the box)