Apparently the road to the Basalt Pass trailhead, which is where we started, has been cleared out, as we were able to drive the whole way. It did look like some trees had been cleared recently. The road was in pretty good condition. There is definitely VERY limited parking at this trailhead, room for a couple of cars at the pullout/turnaround nearby, but no lot and not enough space for parking along the side of the road. 

I was going to hike around Garland Peak, but found a few trees blocking the way a short distance past the Minnow Creek TH on FS Road 6210. 

We chose Garland Peak for our Father's Day hike because it is challenging, has stunning views, and we usually have the trail to ourselves. The powers that be have cut back some of the overgrowth on road 6210 with both sides cut back for a mile or two, but then only the downhill side was cut about 1/2 mile before the trailhead. The overgrowth that is there will scratch your vehicle's paint, no doubt. There is a washout on the road, which has since been marked with tape. The mosquitos were terrible from the moment we left the car and they only seemed to become more intense as we hiked with much-applied deet spray and net shirts only having limited effect. By the time we got to Basalt Pass we each had our own personal cloud of insects accompanying us along the trail. We encountered small patches of snow along the ridge, although the traverse was snow free. We were back into the snow along the last ridge push to the saddle and most of the way to the top. Poles and spikes were helpful, although some of our group just booted it through the soft snow. The mosquitos gradually disappeared past the traverse and the top was wonderful with simply amazing views into the Entiat and over toward Glacier that made it all worth it.

We hiked the Basalt Pass Trail to Garland Peak on this hazy day. The trail is is good condition with perhaps 10 blowdowns, all but one can be stepped over. 

Snow began to appear just beyond the first bump on the ridge, Point 6351, but is intermittent. The traverse on the west side of 6754 is 99.9% snow-free but once back up on the ridge beyond this point it is quite deep with a few cornices still hanging on. Snow is well-consolidated so it is easy walking up to the 7400' trail junction north of Garland Peak. Poles are helpful and microspikes could come in handy but we booted it to the summit without them. 

A word on the road (FR 6210): bring some loppers unless you don't mind scratching up your vehicle. Brush is encroaching on the road and there is a small section beginning to sluff off down a steep embankment about 1/2 mile before the trailhead. It is still passable without issue but will likely not be an easy or quick fix should it get worse. 

Mosquitoes were fierce below 6000' but were no problem above. 1000's of ladybugs having a lovefest on the summit. 

11 miles RT and 4500' gain.