Description

Mount Garfield is "the high point of the Book Cliffs, north of Grand Junction, and overlooking the town of Palisade,” according to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Garfield_(Colorado)).

Though the mountain is relatively short in the grand scheme of Colorado peaks, this visible outcropping still serves as a popular objective for hikers and trail runners in the region. The standard route to the top measures 3.4 miles round-trip and climbs a steep 2,000 vertical feet in the first half of that distance.

Despite being such a short route, it takes most hikers about 2-4 hours to complete, with many trail runners posting much faster speeds.

Still, the steep grades and loose, steep trail make this a more challenging, strenuous ascent than you’d think.

Along the way to the summit, the trail passes a series of impressive boulder formations, an abandoned coal mine, and even some Native American petroglyphs.

The views of the valley throughout the run are also remarkable and are only topped by the views from the summit. Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of “valleys, orchards, and farmland,” and even "Mt.

Sneffels over 100 miles to the south” on a clear day, according to [GJHikes.com](https://www.gjhikes.com/2009/08/date-august-23-2009-round-trip-distance.html). Sources: [GJHikes.com](https://www.gjhikes.com/2009/08/date-august-23-2009-round-trip-distance.html) [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Garfield_(Colorado))