Recap: 3-Day Pemi Loop
I’ve seen several posts about options for a summer 2026 Pemi Loop (given the temporary Lincoln Woods closure) so I thought I’d share my experience from this past weekend.
I completed a 3-day loop from July 2-4. This was the second time I’ve completed the Pemi Loop (the last time was in 2018, also a 3-day loop), and overall this trip was harder.
Details: Clockwise loop starting and ending at Mount Garfield Trailhead.
Day 1: Mount Garfield Trailhead to Guyot Campsite
Day 2: Guyot Campsite to Liberty Springs Campsite.
Day 3: Liberty Springs Campsite to Mount Garfield Trailhead
Compared to a my first loop (which started at Lincoln Woods and ended at the Garfield Ridge campsite on Day 1), the trip up Garfield over to Guyot was much easier. As others have pointed out, the Mount Garfield trail is not that challenging, relatively speaking. I know some other trails might make the loop a little shorter, but logistically this worked best for me in terms of camping options. I also included another trip up Galehead, given that I was already up there.
Day 2 is where the Loop really showed its teeth. The hike over the Bonds was beautiful, and I was very fortunate to have clear skies (even if it was very windy). The decent from Bondcliff and the trek over to Osseo was also fine, but closing the day climbing Flume and Liberty was brutal. I was also pushing the pace a little to ensure a platform spot at Liberty Springs, and I probably didn’t keep enough in the tank for the final climb. Thankfully I was able to get there in time to grab one of the final few platform spots. (In 2018 the second day of the loop was from Garfield Ridge campsite to Guyot campsite…which is considerably shorter and much less elevation gain).
The final leg of my 2026 trip was also noticeably more difficult than my first trip eight years ago. The ascent up and over Franconia Ridge, followed by the the decent from Lafayette before summiting Garfield is challenging, but not necessarily that hard, but the mental fatigue of reaching the junction of Mount Garfield trail to find myself with a 4.8 mile descent back to my car was deflating. This is especially compared to the Lincoln Woods ending (which is how I wrapped it up 8 years ago).
Overall, though it was more challenging, it was still a great trip. I’m glad I did it, and I’d encourage others who feel ready for this type of trip to keep it on their list despite the Lincoln Woods closure.
And for all of you who can do the loop in one day…congrats. I ran into a bunch this weekend, and I have to say it was inspiring and motivating.
Happy hiking!