Trail Overview

The trail begins on a dirt road just off Highway 395 and quickly descends into a lush valley. In this valley, the path follows a creek, winding in and out of dense vegetation. At times, the vehicle feels like it's traveling through a tunnel formed by the overhanging trees and greenery. While the trail is not particularly challenging, drivers are rewarded with abundant greenery and the soothing presence of the running creek. To tackle this route, it is recommended to have vehicles equipped with 33-inch or larger tires, at least one locker, and to travel with a second 4x4 vehicle in case one gets stuck. To see a video of this trail, visit: https://youtu.be/yvb4SQ23f_s?si=kaYqaEudXLmqYP0s

Photos of Poison Creek

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Difficulty

The trail can be tight to squeeze through with your vehicle and pinstriping is almost guaranteed. 33" tires and a rear locker minimum is advised to clear and get over the rocks in the creek. A small lift would benefit the driver as well.

Technical Rating

Ty Adams

Oct 18, 2025

Open

Washouts above 7 feet to crawl through and once you are almost out of the valley water gets deeper then 4 feet, trail is long out of maintenance and can be easily rated at a 6-7 I have don’t the rubicon in my truck and this was impassable for me, I would stay out of poison creek

Charlie Carl

Sep 01, 2025

Open

Trail is very narrow and in some spots entirely overgrown so be ready to keep your windows up most of the time. Lots of creek crossings and marshy areas so it’s best to go with at least 2 vehicles. Beaver dams flooded many areas of the trail making it hard to navigate but it was still a very fun trail. We made it through on 33” tires and front and rear lockers. I wouldn’t try this trail with open differentials. We exited the trail before the hot springs on the Nevada side which was also a very fun route.

Andrew Connors

Apr 20, 2025

Open

Ran this trail solo down to the Hot Springs. I quickly realized after getting in the section that runs along the creek that the pinstriping would be severe, so I headed back up leviathan mine road and took the shortcut across to the poison Creek Trail, this way I avoided the hard-core pinstriping. thoroughly enjoyable trail. The locals in this area seem very protective of the trails, I’ve had more than one negative interaction with them, but overall most people are friendly, and our public lands are for everyone to enjoy! I am riding on 37s with a lift, so nothing was too difficult, but very scenic and fun. highly recommended trail, and the Hot Springs are a bonus! When I was there, the river was too high to cross and couple days later someone got stuck in the middle of it with their vehicle. Be careful!