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wildernet
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Soap Creek Trail
| Beginning Elevation: |
8,480 Feet
(2643.4 Meters)
Soap Creek Trailhead
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| Difficulty: |
Easy to Moderate
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| Elevation Gain: |
1,320 Feet
(411.5 Meters)
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| Ending Elevation: |
9,600 Feet
(2992.5 Meters)
junction with Soap Basin Trail
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| High Point: |
9,800 Feet
(3054.9 Meters)
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| Length: |
9 Miles
(15.0 Kilometers)
from Soap Creek Trailhead to junction with Soap Basin Trail
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| Other Maps: |
Trails Illustrated 133, 134
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| Recommended Season: |
Summer
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| Trail Number: |
443
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| Usage: |
Moderate
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| USGS Maps: |
Anthracite Range, Big Soap Park
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Soap Creek Trail, 443, leads north from Soap Creek Road, 721, into the West Elk Wilderness. It begins at the Soap Creek Trailhead, which lies at approximately 8,480 feet. The trail parallels Soap Creek for one and a half miles before it forks. East Soap Creek Trail, 535, lies to the right at this fork, following East Soap Creek. Soap Creek Trail and Soap Basin Trail, 442, follow the left fork climbing steeply for one mile before they split.At this second fork in the trail, 443 is the left side of the fork. It leads north along a ridge east of Soap Creek. After approximately one mile the trail begins to descend into the valley floor. It crosses the creek and leads along its western shore for almost two miles until the trail splits. The left side of the fork leads north as Kaufman Creek Trail, 852. The right side of the fork is Soap Creek Trail. It continues to follow Soap Creek two more miles, with little elevation gain or loss, to the trail ending at Soap Basin Trail.
Directions from Gunnison: Travel west from Gunnison on Highway 50. Continue past Blue Mesa Reservoir toward Sapinero. Approximately 2.25 miles west of Sapinero turn north on to Highway 92. Travel about 1.5 miles on 92 and make a right turn on to Forest Road 721. Follow this along the western lake shore and passed Ponderosa and Soap Creek Campgrounds. Travel 11.5 miles north on Soap Creek Road to the trailhead.
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Commissary Campground - Anglers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, hikers, equestrians and backpackers will enjoy the challenging terrain that surrounds Commissary Campground.
Soap Basin Trail - Soap Basin Trail is a good trail to incorporate into your route for extended pack trips. It connects with several other trails within the West Elk Wilderness.
Soap Creek - An inlet of the Reservoir allows both Reservoir and creek fishing for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout. The fishing is rated as good.
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.
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Disclaimer and User Agreement
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Calendar
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