Mount Garfield - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery by hiking or biking through the many trails. The area is also home to a number of archaeological sites, so be sure to visit them if you're interested in history. If you're looking for a real adventure, you can even go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fishing licenses are required for anyone wishing to fish in the lakes or streams.

In 1883, a man named Elias Garfield discovered a rich vein of gold on the top of what is now known as Mount Garfield. He staked a claim and started mining the gold, which drew the attention of other prospectors. Soon, a small village had sprung up at the base of the mountain, and the population continued to grow as more and more people came in search of gold. However, the gold veins eventually ran dry, and by the early 1900s, most of the villagers had left in search of greener pastures. Today, Mount Garfield is a popular hiking spot, and its rich history continues to draw visitors from all over.

The best time to visit Mount Garfield is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry.  Hiking and camping are popular activities during this time of year.

1. Get there early. The best time to visit Mount Garfield is early in the morning, when the air is still and the views are unobstructed.
2. Dress in layers. The temperature can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the weather conditions. 
3. Wear comfortable shoes. There's a lot of walking involved in exploring Mount Garfield, so make sure you wear shoes that won't rub or blister.
4. Pack a lunch. There are no food facilities at Mount Garfield, so you'll need to bring your own food and snacks.
5.  Be aware of your surroundings. The trail can be narrow in places, and there are drop-offs on both sides. Pay attention to where you are walking and don’t get too close to the edge.
6. pack out what you pack in. There are no garbage cans on the trail, so whatever you bring with you will need to be carried back out again. Make sure to pack out all of your trash and recyclables.

1.  Mount Garfield has been a site of human habitation for at least 10,000 years. 
2. The first recorded exploration of the mesa was conducted by members of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition in 1776.
3.  The Mesa Verde branch of the Anasazi Indians lived on Mount Garfield from around 1200 CE to 1300 CE.
4. The name "Garfield" was given to the mountain by polled cattlemen in 1883, after United States President James A. Garfield. 
5. Mount Garfield has a number of interesting features, including a large number of fossils, petroglyphs, and pottery shards that have been found in the area.

The maximum time that you are allowed to spend in Mount Garfield is three days. After that, you must leave the area for at least 24 hours. This rule is in place to protect the natural beauty of the mesa and to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy it.

There are two ways to get to the trailhead. The official way is to exit I-70 in the town of Palisade onto 37 3/10 Rd (I love the road naming convention in the Grand Valley). About one hundred yards south of I-70 you will cross over an irrigation ditch. Make an immediate right (west) on G 7/10 Rd. Go about a mile or so west on G 7/10 Rd until you are forced to make a right (north). Head north to a tunnel that leads under I-70. The trailhead is just on the north side of I-70.

There is no entrance fee to visit Mount Garfield in Mesa County, Colorado. However, there are certain areas that require a permit for access, such as the backcountry or overnight camping.

Mount Garfield is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season. In the summer, the mountain is open from 6am to 10pm, while in the winter it is open from 8am to 6pm.