Soap Canyon
Vital Statistics
Mileages
4 miles (approximate distance)
Elevations
4220’ at rim to 3050’ at river
Maps
75 Minute Quadrants: Bitter Springs
15 Minute Quadrants: Tanner Wash
Trails Illustrated: Grand Canyon National Park
Trailhead Access
Soap Canyon is accessed either from the Colorado River or from a road 1 mile west of Cliff Dwellers Lodge, 0.1 mile west of mile marker 548, at the “Soap Canyon Trialhead” sign. Turn off of the highway and go through the gate (remember to close it) and drive left through a small cattle station. The trailhead parking area is ½ mile from the highway.
Trail Description
This route drops into the south fork of Soap Canyon. From the trailhead parking lot start walking down the sandy wash. This will shortly end at an easily climbed pouroff immediately above the actual south fork of Soap Canyon. Turn left and continue down canyon.
Soap Creek is filled with large boulders which make for slow travel. There is a cairned route to the left through the large landslide. Once past the boulder field, there is a pouroff which can be bypassed on a cairned route to the right. This traverse can be easily missed as it starts about 50 yards up canyon form the pouroff. The traverse leads to a steep decent. After this decent another section of huge boulders is entered. The route through these boulders is via a 15 foot downclimb. A fixed rope is often hanging at this downclimb. Do not rely or depend on old ropes. Continue boulder hopping until the north fork of Soap Canyon enters from the left. The remainder of the way to the river is generally easy walking on hardpacked soil.
Water Sources
Three is no flowing water in this canyon but often there are potholes. You should carry enough water to reach the river.
Campsites
At large camping is allowed between Cottonwood and Cremation Creeks. Hikers should follow Lave No Trace guidelines when selecting campsites to minimize group impact. Decent spots can usually be found where the Tonto Trail crosses the drainages and occasionally on Tonto Platform between the sidecanyons. Some regularly used campsites, especially near water, support a resident population of rodents, ravens and other Canyon residents, so take steps to protect your food and gear.
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