Red Dead Redemption 2 offers players numerous secret quests and lucrative treasure hunts throughout its massive open-world environment. Among these, the Poisonous Trail treasure hunt provides a substantial financial reward for players willing to track down hidden parchment clues. Finding the very first map sets Arthur Morgan on a journey across the frontier that leads to valuable gold bars.
Locating the Poisonous Trail Map 1
The journey begins far to the north in the snowy region of Grizzlies West within Ambarino. Players need to make their way toward Cairn Lake, located just southeast of the abandoned settlement of Colter. On the edge of the frozen lake stands Cairn Lodge, a small wooden cabin.
Inside this cabin, players can find a lockbox tucked neatly underneath the bed near the door. Opening this lockbox rewards Arthur with the initial Poisonous Trail map. If you are completing the Gunslinger mission involving Flaco Hernandez, you will naturally visit this exact cabin during your journey.
Decoding the Clue for Map 2
Inspecting the first map reveals an illustration of a distinctive rock formation resembling a human face. This landmark is known as Face Rock and is located in the Scarlett Meadows region of Lemoyne. Players should travel northwest of Hill Haven Ranch, just west of Ringneck Creek, to reach this destination.
Once at Face Rock, look for a hollow, dead tree trunk sitting near the base of the hill. Reaching into the hole of the tree trunk reveals the second treasure map. This second clue immediately points players toward their next destination further east across the map.
Finding Map 3 and the Hidden Cave
The second map depicts a serpentine mound resembling a coiled snake. This site is located west of the Van Horn Trading Post in Roanoke Ridge. At the top of the serpentine hill, search the central pile of loose stones to secure the final map.
The third map directs players to a hidden cave system behind the waterfall at Elysian Pool. Traversing through the dark cavern requires careful navigation and jumping across deep chasms. At the end of the cave path, players will discover four solid gold bars tucked inside a pile of rocks.
Maximizing Your Treasure Hunting Rewards
Securing four gold bars awards players $2,000 when sold to any local fence. This massive cash influx early in the game helps unlock camp upgrades, buy top-tier horses, and customize weapons. Completing the Poisonous Trail quest remains one of the fastest ways to build your fortune in the Old West.
