The classic scramble up the highest peak in the Montana Absarokas, a rugged granite massif above Paradise Valley with satellite spires (Eenie, Meenie, Miney, and Moe) that draw technical climbers as well.
From the end of Forest Road 3280 (East Fork of Mill Creek Road, about 10 miles south of Livingston via Mill Creek Road), a trail follows the south side of the valley, crosses Mill Creek on a bridge, then climbs steadily -- gaining roughly 2,600 to 3,600 feet by different accounts -- over a ridge above Elbow Creek before dropping to Elbow Creek itself (uncrossed by any bridge; expect a log crossing or a calf-deep ford). From there the trail climbs the final stretch to Elbow Lake at about 8,600 feet, roughly 8 miles from the trailhead. Elbow Lake is the base camp for all routes on Cowen. From Elbow Lake, aim for the boulder- and grass-covered slopes between the massive Cowen Falls and the walls of the Eenie/Meenie spires, climbing north through a steep gully and more slopes (with occasional Class 3 moves and some exposed Class 5 ledges to work around) to a small, often-unmapped tarn at about 10,300 feet directly below the final summit pyramid. The final pitch to the true summit is a short, exposed 15-20 foot Class 5.6 chimney; most parties want a rope for this last piece even though the climbing below it is scrambling.
Most parties descend the same route; there is a sling anchor with rap rings at the top of the final chimney for those who prefer to rappel the last exposed section rather than down-climb it.