Coal Mesa Trailhead provides access to the southeastern West Elk Wilderness and several trails. Coal Mesa Trail is the most popular trail accessible from this trailhead. It winds 15 miles northeast to intersect with Rainbow Lake and Sun Park Trails. Soap Creek Campground is located next to the trailhead.
Directions from Gunnison: Drive 26 miles west on Highway 50 from Gunnison. Turn on to State Road 92 and drive .5 miles to Forest Road 721. Turn right on to 721 and drive 7.25 miles to Forest Road 824. Turn right on to 824 and travel .5 miles to Soap Creek Campground.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
Add your own trip Report!
Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others.
This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report
No trip reports filed to date. Please be the first one to do so!
Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Trailhead Parking
Coal Mesa Trailhead
Yes
Backpacking
West Elk Wilderness
Yes
Camping
Soap Creek Campground
Yes
Cold Water Fishing
Cow Creek
Yes
Four-Wheel Driving
Soap Creek Road
No
Hiking & Walking
Coal Mesa Trail
Yes
Horseback Riding
Coal Mesa Trail
Yes
Stock Packing
West Elk Wilderness
Yes
Hunting
West Elk Wilderness
No
Lakes & Reservoirs
Blue Mesa Reservoir
No
Related Activities
Coal Mesa Trail - The trail climbs from Soap Creek to West Elk Creek. It follows a ridge for a distance with excellent views.
Soap Creek Campground - Soap Creek Campground caters to equestrians using the West Elk Wilderness Area.
Soap Creek Road # 721 - Soap Creek Road leads north from Highway 92 and Curecanti National Recreation Area. It provides access to Soap Creek and the West Elk Wilderness.
More Information
Visitor Information:
Gunnison National Forest, 216 North Colorado
, Gunnison, CO, 81230, Phone: 970-641-0471
Add your own trip Report!
