On the east side of the Grand Valley, take exit 42 off I-70 (US-6/Palisade), and head south off the interstate on 37 3/10 Rd/Elberta Ave.

Take the first right onto G 7/10 Road. Follow this as it heads west for about 1.5 miles, makes a hard right turn, and goes under the freeway. The trailhead is just after going under the freeway and up a small hill at a large dirt parking.

From the trailhead, locate the trail heading up the steep ridge just west of the trailhead. A marking post was near the base of the ridge on my hike. Do any warm up needed at the parking lot because about a 1 minute from the trailhead begins the steep ascent up the dirt ridge. Stay on the most used trail as you head up, particularly higher up, it branches a bit.

After about a 1,000 feet of gain, a flat area is reached. This is a good spot for a break and to take in the views. The trail heads north and a touch west across the flat and begins climbing again up a boulder covered slope. As you work up the slope, stay on the most used trail heading up, then west to flatter ground.

The trail heads west, across a second flat area, before climbing again along the edge of the cliff. This section is quite dramatic and leads to the top of the Mancos Shale layer.

Continue on the most used trail. It heads north briefly, then circles back and up to the top of Mt. Garfield. There is a flag and benchmark on top, as well as excellent views of the Grand Valley and Colorado National Monument to the south. Return the same way.