Trip report
Oct 3, 2016 — This hike down the Rattlesnake Creek Trail through Ashdown Gorge is a great two-car-required hike with great views and gorgeous narrows. The first car should be dropped off at these coordinates (37.6317168,-112.9402732), while the second car then goes up the mountain through Cedar Breaks National Monument to the coordinates listed under the "trailhead" button. Alternatively, parking at the base of Ashdown Gorge and hiking up to Lake Creek False, skipping the shuttle, would still be a great day.
From the Rattlesnake Creek Trailhead, we followed a trail through a forested section that gave way to great views of the Cedar Breaks hoodoos and colorful eroded cliffs. The trail continued through meadows and forests, eventually making it into Rattlesnake Creek. This section of the creek isn't particularly interesting, but the trail eventually leaves Rattlesnake Creek (in order to avoid getting cliffed out on top of Rattlesnake Creek Falls), heading south over a ridge and down into Ashdown Creek. The trail continues south from here, but we entered Ashdown Creek, which soon narrows into a colorful canyon and heads west. The narrows last much longer than I thought they would. There are gorgeous alcoves and a natural arch high above, Flanigan Arch. I also highly recommend heading up Rattlesnake Creek to check out Lake Creek Falls and Rattlesnake Creek Falls.
From the mouth of Ashdown Gorge, we followed Coal Creek downstream until a reasonable-looking social trail led us up the steep bank to our car.