Poverty Gulch Overlook

Poverty Gulch Overlook sits on Bureau of Land Management ground east of Zion National Park, reached by a rough dirt road that branches south from Highway 9 a few miles past the park's east entrance. The route follows Poverty Wash into the White Cliffs above Parunuweap Canyon, ending at a series of rim overlooks with views down into the canyon toward Poverty Flats, the East Fork of the Virgin River, and the high cliffs along Zion's eastern boundary.

This isn't a maintained park trail — it's a backcountry route best suited to high-clearance 4WD vehicles, with short walks out to the overlook points themselves. The road turns to deep clay mud in wet weather and isn't passable in a standard car. Beyond the first overlooks, the route continues toward the bottom of Parunuweap Canyon, a remote, unmarked approach that isn't recommended for casual visitors.

Good to know

• Access is via a dirt road off Highway 9 near Zion's east entrance; high-clearance 4WD is recommended
• Overlooks show Parunuweap Canyon, Poverty Flats, and the White Cliffs
• Not a maintained hiking trail — expect rough, sometimes muddy road conditions