2019 Map of Big Soap Park

About this map

Gunnison National Forest dominates this high-altitude landscape in the West Elk Mountains, where the drainage patterns of Soap Creek and Curecanti divide the terrain. The central namesake meadow, Big Soap Park, sits at the convergence of several major creek systems, including Coffeepot Creek and Kaufman Cr. The map reveals a complex vertical geography of ridges and basins, such as Kaufman Ridge and the broad Coal Basin to the north. Distinctive landmarks like Porcupine Cone and Bonfisk Peak serve as primary navigational anchors for the area. The prevalence of named gulches and basins, including Jackass Gulch and Elk Basin, points to a long history of seasonal grazing and wildlife movement through this part of Gunnison County. Access is marked by the rugged Trail Creek and the high-elevation crossing at Curecanti Pass.