Soda Butte Creek Trail

Soda Butte Creek Trail is about a 2.5-mile out-and-back east of Cooke City, following campground service roads and then an unpaved track toward Lulu Pass Trail Road. The mapped corridor is about 1.3 miles one way, which makes 2.5 miles the best-supported total return distance; the published figure does not label its convention. Allow around 1.5 hours. This is a modest walk through a forested creek valley and along part of the historic Bannock Trail, not a route to Lulu Pass itself.

Start at the west access near Soda Butte Campground and follow the service-road corridor east, then continue on the gravel track to its junction with Lulu Pass Trail Road. The route gains about 285 feet net on the outward leg. Turn around at that junction and retrace the same line. Much of the walk uses campground and service roads rather than a distinct footpath, and some stretches run close to US 212, so expect vehicle activity.

The mapped start is just off US 212, about a mile east of Cooke City, near Soda Butte Campground. A dedicated trailhead lot or day-use parking has not been confirmed; do not use the highway shoulder or block campsites. The nearby campground has vault toilets and potable water while operating, but those facilities are seasonal. The route appears on a winter trail map, and summer pedestrian access, maintenance and dog rules remain unclear. Confirm walking access and legal parking with the Forest Service before setting out.