Soldier Creek Wilderness

Soldier Creek Wilderness was created by an act of Congress in 1986 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It covers an area of 7,794 acres within the Pine Ridge section of the Nebraska National Forest bordering Fort Robinson State Park, other Forest Service and private lands. Soldier Creek is the larger of two federally designated wilderness areas in Nebraska.

Soldier Creek was originally established as a timber reservation and horse and mule pasture for nearby Fort Robinson. This area has been grazed by livestock ever since Fort Robinson first used it as a horse and mule pasture beginning in 1879. After the Fort was decommissioned, the Agricultural Research Service used it for beef research from 1949-1971. The Forest Service acquired the 9,642-acre Wood Reserve in 1966, and in 1973 took over management of the grazing.

It has now become a popular destination for horseback riding and other recreational activities. The area provides habitat for elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, turkeys, coyotes, bobcats, eagles, hawks, and numerous other wildlife species. Prior to the Fort Robinson Fire of 1989, much of the wilderness was covered with a ponderosa pine forest. Now the majority of that former forest is grassland. The Middle and South Forks of Soldier Creek flow through the wilderness.

The Trooper and Boots and Saddle Trails marked with trail posts provide access into and through the wilderness. Trailheads are located adjacent to the campground area.  

Please always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine.

Key access points:

•  Soldier Creek Camping area and corral - the Wilderness can be accessed from 3 trailheads in the campground including:
  • Boots & Saddle Trail: approximately 7 miles, accessed from the North Fork Trailhead, and ties into the Trooper Trail.
  • Trooper Trail Loop: approximately 10.5 miles access from Middle and South Fork Trailheads.