Trail Overview

The trail is a portion of the Poverty Gulch trail that includes the descent on a slightly narrower, steeper, and much more windy section of the trail. For those who do not like heights, this can be a challenge as the drop-offs along one side of the trail are dramatic, so are the views. At the end of this trail section, you will have two opportunities for continuing the adventure. Most will want to take both if your vehicle can navigate the hazards. Many continue their descent to the bottom to the petroglyphs and travel the technical section on the way back.

Photos of Poverty Gulch Decent

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Difficulty

This section of the trail can support most high clearance vehicles. Longer vehicles may find the sharp turns a little challenging and there are rocky areas to navigate. Some of the switchbacks are tight and there is little room for doing two point turns for longer vehicles.

Technical Rating

Henry Asch

May 11, 2024

Open

This trail runs along a steep cliff with a 100+ foot drop, and there are almost no places to pass other vehicles. 1-2 foot ledges, loose rock/sand and steep

Doug Turnquist

Dec 26, 2023

Open

Good 3-rated trail true to the published rating. We did it with two vehicles, a Wrangler and a full-size Dodge pickup truck. A lift is required on the long wheelbase truck as well as 4x4. A stock Wrangler would likely be OK. The biggest challenges are the skinny trail, tight turns, and crossing numerous dry washes. However, there are a couple of good climbs requiring a 4x4 low. I would not attempt this "decent" section of the trail if the ground is wet.