Coxcomb Gulch

A smaller catchment than nearby Roostertail and Wetterhorn Creeks, Coxcomb Gulch descends through the harder volcanic ash layer which defines the canyons on the east side of Cow Creek. This canyon has a long approach through beautiful but steep terrain and is a more brushy descent than neighboring canyons.

Start from the end of CR12 (Cow Creek Road) at the Cow Creek trailhead. Hike 5 miles total on the trail. Split off to the east before the final saddle between the Roostertail and Wetterhorn drainages, crossing a talus slope to gain the top of the Coxcomb Gulch catchment. Continue downhill through the forest (no trails) on canyon left until joining the low flowing creek.

R1: 80ft from a tree CR, around bushes at the top of the waterfall Downclimb the next waterfall R2: 195ft from a large tree CL to the next anchor on a flat ledge R3: 200ft from a small tree CL to the bottom of this big headwall. 200ft just reaches the bottom. R4: 110ft from a tree CL over several lower angle waterfalls. Downclimb the next waterfall through the tributary on CR. R5: 50ft from a tree CL. R6: 250ft from a large tree CL. The final rappel is a huge headwall and most of this rappel is free-hanging. The rappel path is next to the waterfall.

From the bottom of the final waterfall, descend the talus to Cow Creek and streamwalk Cow Creek 2.5 miles to the trailhead. Estimate one mile/hour in Cow Creek.