We decided to tackle it in different conditions this time, and an overcast and snowy April day is certainly a stark contrast.
We parked at the gate of there Gale River loop road and enjoyed the 1-ish mile walk in. We love road walks (we do)
The first 2.5 miles of trail were full Spring conditions. some good trail, plenty of wet trail, some mud, the usual. The river crossings were rock hoppable despite the pretty significant rain that had fallen during the week.
Right at mile 2.5 winter began to arrive in more ways than one. The snow on the ground quite suddenly became significant (although no sign of a monorail on this trail either- perhaps just not enough snowfall this year.) Also, snow began to fall from the sky in a steady manner.
We had encountered rain on the drive, and clearly, it had snowed in the higher elevations as we discovered about an inch of fresh snow.
Ellie loves snow, so she had no issue with this!
Garfield Ridge trail is a nice one. It is undoubtedly long (10 miles without the road walk) but it is not too steep until the very final stretch. There are even a few switchbacks to make your day a little easier.
The final stretch is undeniably steep- and while we got away with micros there would be a real need for crampons in colder/icier weather (the rocks are fully snow/ice covered and it could be tricky to self arrest if you slipped here.)
Anyway, on to the crazy windy freezing summit.
This vantage point boasts one of the best views in the Pemi, believe it or not. Not so much today, but that's alright. We remember how nice it was from last time. Here's a pic from last time, haha.
We scooted right down. Fucking cold and stupid windy. (for April anyway!)
Took a pic. It was instantly better weather off the summit.
Got off the hill lickedy split.
We like Garfield even in the snow. Always a good time.
Miles: 12
Elevation gain: 3523
Time: 4:26:44 (like an hour PR even with 2 miles road walk!)
Fun: 8
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