"Cox Beak"

Cimarron Trail: The trail travels south following the Middle Fork of Cimarron River at gentle grade. In approximately 0.3 miles the trail enters Uncompahgre Wilderness. It continues through spruce /fir and aspen where at about 2. 2 miles it intersects the Porphyry Basin Trail # 243 and it crosses a small drainage. After the crossing, it becomes steep for about 1/4 mile then levels off again. At approximately 4.1 miles, the trail leaves the river and begins to ascend the ridge between the Middle Fork drainage and the East Fork drainage.

I chose to follow a signed Coxcomb Trail #132 since my objective was Unnamed 13206, unofficially called "Cox Beak" (name obtained from the summit register). I took this trail all the way up to the saddle between Coxcomb and UN 13206. Coxcomb looked incredible from this view, like a long spire. There is a shorter way to go up to head directly for the saddle between UN 13377 and UN 13206 (I went this way down), but the Coxcomb trail was nicer and I did not mind exploring. The way up UN 13206 was easy, mostly grassy with some stable talus. From the summit of UN 13206 I continued on a very straightforward ridge to UN 13377. The descent from Cox Beak was a little bit steep at places and going up UN 13377 was very easy, there was a small trail and it was easy to follow. One of the best views one can get in Cimmaron's along this hike. 

The summit of Cox Beak is large. There was a summit register (2018).

The Middle Fork of Cimarron Trail #227 is located within Uncompahgre Wilderness.

Uncompahgre Wilderness was designated in 1980. The name comes from a Ute Indian word with one of the translations being "dirty water". There are two fourteeners and at least twenty five 13,000 foot peaks.

Wilderness rules apply here: ALL VISITORS PROHIBITIONS:

1. Entering or being in the restricted area with more than 15 people per group, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 per group.2. Camping within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream, or National Forest System Trail. 3. Building, maintaining or using a fire, campfire, or wood-burning stove fire:a) within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream or National Forest System Trail.b) above treeline. 4. Storing equipment, personal property, or supplies for longer than seven (7) days. 5.Hitching, tethering, hobbling or otherwise confining a horse or other saddle or pack animal: 1) in violation of posted instructions, or 2) within 100 feet of all lakes, streams, and National Forest System Trails. 6. Possessing a dog which is not under control, or which is disturbing or damaging wildlife, people, or property. Note: the term "under control" is defined as the dog being leashed, and/or under direct verbal control by the dogs owner or handler at all times. 7. Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 

Wilderness backpacking is excellent and highly recommended. The upper Middle Fork basin has plentiful beautiful camping spots. 

You can sleep in the car right at the trailhead - comfortable flat parking. 

There are also many campsites on your drive in along the Middle Fork road, great for car camping. Silverjack reservoir has a developed campground, which is a popular destination with locals. You have to pay fee to camp at Silver Jack.