Mt. Garfield Trailhead — Attraction in Four Corners States

This trail has become one of my favourites. The view on the valley is simply astounding! Will be bringing my kids here. I would say it is 5+ years old safe. The trail itself can be split in to a few segments consisting of apptoximately 4 ascends and 4 descends which is very nice for people with limited physical abilities and kids, you will have time to catch your breath and enjoy views. Bear in mind that grounds are sort of clayish and if wet, will become slippery and will stick to your boots/shoes making them heavy. The highest point is 6765Ft(2062M) and total gain is approximately 2000Ft. The lengh of the trail is about 2-2.5 miles one way, but its worth of every step you will make. The "summit" will greet you with a American Flag and gorgeous views all the way around! If you decide to go be sure to take some water with you, according to my experience, an average person will consume 1x0.33 bottle of water per mile of hike in CO on sunny day. Also, its not that easy to find an entrance of the trail/parking area, but there is only one road that goes there and it passes under the highway from paliside side, beware of a really deep puddle at the end of the tunnel, sometimes it gets as deep as you! So be sure to check before entering tunnel. Hope this helps,...

The mount Garfield Trail is by far one of the most aggressive Trails out there with an average pitch of over 20% going up the spine; your legs and calves are sure to feel the burn. Most of the time if I'm not willing to go all the way to the top or don't have the time to I just go to the halfway point which is described by a 2-inch steel pipe or if you find it -a yellow brick. I've seen little kids and small dogs on here but let it be known this trail is not for the faint of heart. One can expect for a average person to reach the top which is designated by a flagpole in about an hour and a half to two hours giving yourself breaks along the way. I think there is a way to get to the Stagecoach Trail which is the flagpole you see at Exit 42 and Elberta Road. The way to get there is taking Exit 42 into Palisade and then quickly making a right on G and 7/10 Road following that all the way to a curve which takes you under I-70 and into the gravel parking lot you can see from the highway. The attached picture is the Classic route...

The trail starts going the only direction you can expect - UP! The first quarter of a mile is steep and sure to make your calf muscles sore for the next day to come. We likened it to a stair stepper excercise machine.

After making it up the single file trail, you will come to a false summit. This will offer a nice section to rest before climbing the next section.

There are not any cairns or good trail markers, so take your time and follow the path that is heavily followed.

After the cleared area, you are at the half way marker. Be prepared to do some minor bouldering and scrambles. At the summit, you will have amazing views of the valley around.

This would be a tough trail for those afraid of heights, or when the weather is raining.

If you are lucky, you might spot some of the wild horses.

Views are amazing - you can even see the San Juan Mountain Range.

Have fun and wear sunscreen. Took us three hours round trip. Definitely a must hike...