Trail Overview
Poverty Gulch is a fun, relatively easy trail that climbs close to treeline and offers some great scenery along the way. There is parking near the end of the trail where you can continue on foot and hike farther toward the top.
The trail is mostly straightforward, and I completed the entire route in 2WD. There are a few rutted sections, some water crossings, and one off-camber section, but stock vehicles were making it through without any issues. The beginning of the trail can be a little confusing because it looks like you may be entering private property. Just stay on the established trail and keep left. Along the route, there are seven designated camping spots, making this a good option for an overnight trip as well. Overall, Poverty Gulch is a great trail for someone looking for an easy and scenic drive with a little bit of off-road terrain and the option to continue hiking toward the top.
Difficulty
Poverty Gulch is an easy trail suitable for stock 4WD vehicles and capable 2WD vehicles in good conditions. The trail has some ruts, water crossings, and one off-camber section, but nothing particularly difficult when conditions are dry. I completed the entire trail in 2WD, and stock vehicles were also making it through the more challenging sections without trouble. Conditions could change after heavy rain or snow, so the ruts, water crossings, and off-camber section may become more challenging in wet conditions.
