This is a strenuous hike and will take some time to do. The trail to the cache is either 2 miles or 2.5 miles. Depending on which route you take from the Mt Garfield Challenge #2 Which was placed by barondiver, who also placed the Mt Garfield Challenge #1.
Dogs Allowed Available year-round Dangerous area - use caution Some Climbing (No special equipment required) Off-trail Hiking Required Steep Hike Accessible in Winter Scenic View Cactus / Spiney Plants Nearby Weather Permitting Wear bug repellant!
It was because of barondiver's two caches that I decided to attempt placing one at the summit. Thanks to barondiver--there is now a Challenge #3. The total ascent is 2050.
There are two different trails leading to the top of Mt. Garfield (Mt Garfield Trail and Gearhart Mine Trail). The two mile long Mt. Garfield Trail is shorter but more strenuous. Gearhart Mine Trail is 2.5 miles, but it is slightly easier. Both trailheads are accessed from the same parking area, Mt. Garfield trailhead is located at the base of the gray hill (Mancos Shale) with the trail going up the middle of it (looks like a thin drainage runoff), on the north side of the parking area. Gearhart Mine trailhead is located on the east side of the parking area. CAUTION: These trails are extremely steep, rough and challenging. Footing is unstable and slippery, especially when wet.
If you have a fear of heights DO NOT ATTEMPT! It is quiet similiar to climbing a foot wide balance beam...and remember that once you go up, you will be coming down the same way. Water is a must on this trip. Suggest you carry as much as you can. I would take two containers and leave one where Challenge #2 so you will have plenty on the way down. Also, when I went up, the gnats were horrible. You hatted to stop for they would be all over you. Spray yourself before you leave for the hike and take some with you if you have the room. It will make the trip much more pleasant. By the way, I know a lot of us love to take our four legged friends along, but I strongly recommend not too. A lot of places they could lose footing and plus the fact you would not be able to carry enough water for them. This is the only one that Sheba dog was not able to go on so far. (she was upset to say the least).
At the end of the trail there's a spectacular view of the Grand Valley to the west, and the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area to the east. The wild horses of the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area can sometimes be seen from the top of Mt. Garfield, during the winter and early spring months. Historic and geologic sites can be explored in this unique part of the Book Cliffs.
This is a green 50 mm ammo box. Contents are:
Feedin the Birds paper back book, wind sock, Steve Warner CD, winter sports pac, Coleman illumistick, tape measure, Cheerios 2003 race car, tennis ball, mini tool kit, Alpo Chew-eez dog treat, 1998 Denver Bronco's conference champion cap, and log book with pen and mechanical pencil.
After enjoying Challenge #1 and #2, I hope you go to #3 Summit for the views are awesome at 1 and 2 but even more awesome at the summit. You will know you are at the summit for there is an American flag and a Colorado flag.
DIRECTIONS: From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the Palisade exit (#42), turn south on 37 3/10 Rd, travel to the first road on right (G 7/10 Road). This road will wind around private homes, stay to the right. Go through the small tunnel (I-70 underpass) to the trailhead. Park at coordinates N39 07.133 W108 23.325.The trail head starts there.
06/12/2019 By Amemptos864 This Cache was the first ever find, and my introduction into Geocaching. We just happened to come across this cache years ago (probably not long after it was first placed I guess, maybe a year or two after) I knew there was more, and finally thought to look geocaching up on the internet. I try to make it up every memorial day to hike, and check on the cache, each time I leave a little something. Last year was the first time again in a few years though, and I noticed a journal was in the box in it's place. I left a green disc craft Nuke at the time. This year; things were back to normal with treasures. The Journal is still there just outside of the box this time.
09/26/2018 By ColoradoKells Good Spot! Not much in this cache. Next time I'm up here I'll be sure to bring some treasures to leave inside.
06/04/2018 By bettybloodlust First time up to the summit. Amazing place! TFTC!
06/04/2018 By Lavalarae No log to sign. But found it with Nephew, Dad , BettyBloodLust
12/14/2017 By catroos I made it to the top. A couple of times on a lower flat, really wondered, "go on or go down". But really is there a choice? So i made this terrific hike all the way up. As my predecessors already mentioned, I found the hiding place but no logbook te sign. So will have to make due with a picture. Thank you for the cache. Happy caching and greetings from holland.
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10/28/2017 By Wonder Woman II Found it! No log to sign. There was only the metal book that others have described.Brutal Hike, but I did it!!!!
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10/22/2017 By Llamacamper2 Found this one "by accident!" The grandkids were looking and found this one and the other box mentioned. Thanks for placing it! We had a great hike up to the Mt. Garfield summit! Spectacular views! Not an easy hike, though! SL TNLN
09/17/2017 By agent014 Didn't bring a sharpie for the giant log book. Left a Mainwashed card. That's a helluva hole!
05/13/2017 By Investigator1! Absolutely the best one I've ever found!
04/15/2017 By tcbrad it was vary odd to jump down the hole so the end
04/08/2017 By daveandkathy I went back through the logs after getting home and decided that with a picture someone posted (with the number 9 or 6 depending on how you look at it) on the inside of the lid it has to be the cache. All contents were gone with a really thick hand written Testamony of how he found Jesus Christ. It had that same number on the inside of the lid it. Long, tough hike. Thank you for the cache.
Mt Garfield Challenge#3 THE SUMMIT
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| Terrain: 
Mt Garfield 12, 6-03.JPG
Dogs Allowed
Available year-round 
Dangerous area - use caution 
Some Climbing (No special equipment required)
Off-trail Hiking Required 
Steep Hike
Accessible in Winter
Scenic View 
Cactus / Spiney Plants Nearby 
Weather Permitting 
Wear bug repellant!
Parking Lat: 39.07.133 Long: 108.23.325 ~ 
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