Soap Creek

Soap Creek Road (FS #721) starts as a maintained gravel road, but transitions to a rocky but easy out-and-back trail for any high-clearance 4x4. Once gates open (often by mid-May or June depending on conditions), the first 7 miles are maintained well enough for passenger vehicles and trailers. It follows Soap Creek most of the way, ending at a trailhead into the West Elk Wilderness.

Canyon walls give way to rolling hills as you climb. A few narrow, rocky sections keep things interesting without adding real difficulty. There are a few steep climbs and descents with loose gravel and rocks. During the wetter months, there could be slick mud and shallow water crossings. Plenty of pull-offs make it worth stopping just to take in the view.

Ample dispersed campsites, both big and small, line the creek along the entire route. There is a variety of wooded, overlook, and wide-open meadow campsites. Ponderosa Campground and Soap Creek Campground (Gunnison Ranger District) sit near the start if you'd rather have a designated site.