Cockscomb Butte - 4.25.2013
Directions to the trailhead for Cockscomb Butte.
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A google earth look at the terrain around Cockscomb Butte... 3 miles roundtrip, gaining ~450 feet of elevation.
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The final turn to the trailhead does not mention Cockscomb Butte... but you will want to turn right here and park at the Aerie Trailhead.
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Shared trailhead for Cockscomb Butte and Aerie.
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Bear Mountain from the Cockscomb Butte Trailhead.
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The south side of Doe Mountain from the Cockscomb Butte Trailhead.
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From the parking lot... go left for the Aerie Trail and right for Cockscomb Butte.
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You can't see Cockscomb Butte from the parking area... but it doesn't take long for it to appear.
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Pretty purple on the red rock... but no idea what it is.
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Mariposa Tulip.
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Looks like daisies.
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Indian Paintbrush trapped by a Prickly Pear Cactus.
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Not sure what this innocent looking flower/schrub is... but the thorns on it will keep a person honest.
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Looking back along the Cockscomb Butte Trail at Bear Mountain on the left and Doe Mountain on the right.
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We have hiked ~1 mile... and Denali Girl is standing at a cairn that signals the spot to leave the official Cockscomb Butte Trail and head for the summit on a less traveled path.
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Heading up now... the trail has been mostly flat so far... but now we will gain 400 feet fairly quickly up to the summit.
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Gaining elevation now... looking back across Doe Mountain to Bear Mountain.
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Denali Girl ascending... with Capitol Butte in the distance on the right.
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Clouds forming over Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain.
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The gully on the right is the first of two Class 2 sections near the Cockscomb summit.
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ragman working on the Class 2 section.
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Denali Girl coming up the first Class 2 section.
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Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain as we gain elevation.
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Denali Girl takes a break after the first Class 2 section.
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I just like the photo... taken near the second Class 2 section.
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ragman works on the second of two Class 2 sections near the summit.
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An easy walk over to the high point.
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Red rock cliffs... with Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in the distance.
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Summit flower... no idea what it is.
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That is one big Agave Cactus.
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Looking down on the red rock cliffs near the Cockscomb summit.
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ragman and Denali Girl on the Cockscomb summit (5009')... with Capitol Butte in the distance.
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Most of the comb... we aren't good enough to go any further.
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Denali Girl has found a nice perch... Capitol Butte in the distance.
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Mountains, desert, red rock and Prickly Pear Cacti... Cockscomb Butte is a gorgeous place to hang out... and it doesn't see a lot of traffic.
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