Mount Garfield is a steep, sun-baked climb above the Grand Valley

Mount Garfield is the big, layered cliff face that stares down at the Grand Valley near Palisade. The trail to the top is short on the map but tough on the legs.

It climbs roughly 2,000 feet in about two miles, so it is steep the whole way, on a BLM-managed trail. The footing can be loose, and trekking poles help on the way down. The biggest issue, though, is the sun. This is desert and rock with almost no shade, and the cliffs can hold heat. On a warm day the climb gets dangerous for people who underestimate it.

Why this matters: newcomers often pick Mount Garfield because it is close and “only two miles.” The distance hides the difficulty. Carry far more water than feels necessary, start early to beat the heat, wear real shoes, and turn around if the day gets too hot. Watch for rattlesnakes in warm weather, and skip the climb if storms or mud are in play.

For the trailhead directions and current trail status, check the BLM’s official Mount Garfield page before you head out.