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| Early AM at the Garfield Summit |
Having had a fairly easy time running the "Caps" up Mt. Jefferson on the day before, we decided that we were due for a big day. Mulling around various possibilities, we finally decided on a 15-mile loop along the spine of the rugged Garfield Range. For me, the trip would net a pair of 4,000 footers; For my bro, it would provide a chance to take in the splendid views from Garfield summit which had eluded him on his last visit to the peak.
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| Garfield Ridge Trail, with Galehead Hut in Distance |
We hit the trail at 6:30, needing headlamps to negotiate the darkness along the lower reaches of the Garfield Trail. The early hour of departure kept us away from any hikers until we made elevation and reached the intersection of the Garfield Ridge Trail, where we encountered multiple parties leaving from the Garfield Tent site. Though perfect for providing some isolation in the woods, the early hour meant that we reached the summit before the cloud cover lifted. Summit Visibility? Zero.
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| Galehead Hut |
Next stop. Galehead Hut for lunch. The place was absolutely hopping with people, but we still managed to snag a bench by the window just as the clouds lifted and views began to open onto the massive Twin Range nearby. Two bowls of soup and gingerbread from the hut kroo augmented by our packed lunches provided the energy to make a quick run up Mt. Galehead. Having been up there before, APC decided to nap instead. I was up and back in 20.
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| Frost Trail near Galehead Sumit |
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Back at the hut, we took a longer than normal break enjoying the company of others and resting up for the long descent down the Gale River Trail. Steep at the start, it soon mellowed dramatically and the big day ended with an easy, but long, plod to the access road.
We finally reached the trail head and pressed on for the 1.6 mile road walk to complete the loop, which got us back to the car around 3:30... just in time to phone in a 4:30 waiting list request at the Common Man.
Gotta eat early on Columbus Day weekend in Lincoln.
Peaks: Mount Garfield and Mount Galehead
Elevation: 4,500 feet and 4,024 feet (Gain: 3,950 feet)
Distance: 15.3 miles
Route: Loop, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Gale River Trail
Conditions: Cloudy, becoming partly cloudy, 40 degrees F
