Mount Garfield Hike

Demanding stamina and patience, the Mount Garfield Trail is a strenuous climb. Hike the scenic Seven Bridges Trail before entering the woodlands and climbing up the vertiginous terrain to an epic alpine overlook. Traveling through diverse topographies and into high elevations warrants ever-changing weather conditions, so we suggest wearing layers as insurance. Furthermore, it is important to reach the peak before noon to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm. Additionally, we highly recommended bringing along the trail GPS as sections of this route are primitive and unmarked. Lastly, as you venture deep into the wilderness, it is important to be mindful of wildlife.

Begin your journey along the Mount Garfield Hike from the Seven Bridges parking lot off Gold Camp Road. From here, track west along the Gold Camp Road, passing the metal gate and merging onto the Seven Bridges Trail (signposted as Forest Road 622). Travel over the seven bridges through the North Cheyenne Creek Canyon, and at the next intersection, veer right onto the Seven Bridges North Spur Trail. Soon you will confront another junction. Here, stay straight, and hike north along the Loud’s Cabin Trail. Travel this path up to the remains of the historic cabin, and from here up to the peak, the trail is unmarked and primitive, so use the trail GPS.

Continue north through the forested valley along a creek. Eventually, you will reach a clearing in the saddle between Mount Arthur and Mount Garfield. At this point, you will want to track west up to the summit of Mount Garfield. Revel in the expansive vistas of the mountainous wilderness, rest, and rehydrate. When you are ready, begin your return to the trailhead by backtracking along the route.