There’s simply no shortage of things to do in Southern Utah, especially if you’re an outdoorsy person. You can choose to head to either Bryce, Arches, or Zion national parks to hike and relax in nature. If you’re looking for more adrenaline-filled activities, there’s the Sand Hollow State Park or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Reserve to get your adrenaline fix.

We at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive regularly go on trail runs to get as much fun as possible. Our trail run events are a great way to explore trails away from the popular ones in Moab and to also test our rigs against the terrain.

Some of the lesser-known trails in St. George include those along the Kanab -North Rim section. There are plenty of trails for all off-roaders, making it easy to match them to your skill and preferences.

Poverty Flats Trail

If you want a fun day out with plenty of sand driving, then the Poverty Flats trail is for you. Located a few miles east of Zion National Park, this trail will have you meandering down a dirt road to Parunuweap Canyon and the Virgin River. It takes about 7.5 miles to get to the river, and all the while you’ll be mesmerized by the red and yellow-streaked canyon walls you’ll pass along the way.

For the best experience, you can take an ATV but a 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance can get the job done as well. Most of the trail surface comprises loose sand which may make the trip more challenging, especially if you get stuck.

Other than the fascinating canyon walls, keep an eye out for the petroglyph panel near the Virgin River. There’s also a short slot canyon to explore.

Trip Preparation

The Poverty Flats trail is located in a remote area so be sure to download a trail map from our online store to avoid getting lost. Our maps are in GPX format and can easily be downloaded into any GPS device of your choice.

The area also has poor to no cell reception so ensure you have an alternative means of communication before setting off on the trip. It’s also a good idea to go on this adventure as part of a group to minimize any mishaps. Remember to also carry enough water, food, and other supplies you may need because you’ll be heading into the desert.

Your vehicle should also be in good condition to make the trip. Bring it to our Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shop in St. George and we’ll be glad to do any service and maintenance checks both before and after your trip. You can also contact us with any questions on customizing or upgrading your 4WD and we’ll be glad to help out.