POVERTY TRAIL 
ROUTE INFORMATION & PHOTOS: 

Description:
Poverty Trail is an entry point that allows you to do the East Fork as a long painful day hike. Going east on Route 9 from the east entrance of the park, find the first dirt road south into BLM Land; "Poverty Trail" was originally created to allow cattle easy access to the river, but it is now a dirt route passable by hikers and high-clearance vehicles. This section of BLM land is designated as a WSA (wilderness study area), so vehicles must stick to the road. At the edge of the White Cliffs, the route loops around and descends several hundred feet into the canyon. The final stretch has a lot of deep sand which is a joy to hike back up in the summer heat. This is your quickest, but admittedly the least interesting route into "The Barracks."

Poverty Trail Map Poverty Trail Map:
Note: While viewing the map, click on the map
to return to this page.

South of the White Cliffs, a few hiking alternatives to the main road are to hike east via a dry wash into Mineral Gulch or to head west and descend Poverty Wash. Note: At the White Cliffs, the road gets quite sketchy and sandy for vehicles; proceed at your own risk. I would recommend doing this one by foot.
 

Poverty Trail photo (Zion National Park) -- Photo © 2003 Joe Braun Photography

Poverty Trail hits the edge of the White Cliffs. Though not the most beautiful or interesting route,
I could think of worse places to be.

Poverty Trail photo (Zion National Park) -- Photo © 2003 Joe Braun Photography

Deer leg, anyone? Looks like Mr. Mountain Lion had a good dinner a few days ago.

Poverty Trail photo (Zion National Park) -- Photo © 2003 Joe Braun Photography

The final descent into the East Fork of the Virgin River. Total hiking time from the main road
into the water: roughly three hours.

Return to the Upper East Canyon!