17 Miles
(28.33 Kilometers)
to a dead end one mile north of Big Soap Park
Other Maps:
Trails Illustrated: 134 Black Mesa, Curecanti Pass
Recommended Season:
Summer
Road Number:
721
Usage:
Heavy
USGS Maps:
Little Soap Park, Big Soap Creek
General Description
The first eleven miles of the Soap Creek Road between Highway 92 and Commissary Campground is passable by two-wheel drive vehicles. The entire length of the road can be very slippery during wet weather. The road leaves Commissary Campground heading north parallel to Soap Creek. After driving one mile, you'll climb a very steep hill, and then drive through a narrow canyon. About two miles from the campground, the road goes through Little Soap Park. Four miles further the road will bring you to Big Soap Park. East Curecanti Trail, 454, leaves the road and heads west as you enter the park. About one mile further Trail 456 leaves the road and enters the West Elk Wilderness within two miles. Soap Creek Road continues approximately one and a half miles beyond Trail 456 to the Soap Creek Trailhead.
Directions from Gunnison: Travel 26 miles west on Highway 50 to the intersection with Highway 92. Travel one mile north on Highway 92 to Soap Creek Road, 721.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
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Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Camping
Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Campground, Commissary Gulch Campground
Yes
Automobile Travel
Soap Creek Road
Yes
Cold Water Fishing
Soap Creek
Yes
Four-Wheel Driving
Soap Creek Road # 721
Yes
Hiking & Walking
West Elk Wilderness
No
Horseback Riding
West Elk Wilderness
Yes
Hunting
West Elk Wilderness
Yes
Mountain Biking
Soap Creek Road
Yes
Motorcycle Riding
Soap Creek Road
No
Related Activities
Coal Mesa Trailhead - Coal Mesa Trailhead lies on Soap Creek Road and provides access to the southern arm of the West Elk Wilderness.
Commissary Campground - Anglers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, hikers, equestrians and backpackers will enjoy the challenging terrain that surrounds Commissary Campground.
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.
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