Poisonous Trail Map 1 Location and Treasure Guide

16 August 2026 | 37

Embarking on the hunt for hidden riches in Red Dead Redemption 2 frequently requires players to brave the most unforgiving environments on the map. The Poisonous Trail quest line stands out as one of the most lucrative pursuits in the game, yielding valuable gold bars for dedicated trackers. Kicking off this adventure requires finding the initial document, which drops you right into the scenic but frozen landscapes of the old world.

Locating Cairn Lake in the Snowy Peaks

To begin your treasure hunt, you must travel deep into the frosty mountains of Ambarino within the West Grizzlies region. Look closely for a remote body of water known as Cairn Lake, located just southeast of the abandoned settlement of Colter. Navigating this snowy terrain requires warm clothing to prevent your health core from draining too quickly during exploration.

Once you arrive at the frozen lake, scan the shoreline for a lonely, rustic wooden cabin sitting near the ice. Go inside this structure and search the small lockbox hidden underneath the bed frame to secure your prize. Inspecting this document immediately updates your satchel log and unveils the cryptic drawing needed for the next step.

Deciphering the Clues on the First Map

The freshly acquired illustration does not provide a standard waypoint marker, forcing adventurers to rely entirely on visual landmarks. The drawing depicts a distinct rocky outcrop that closely resembles a human face watching over the wilderness. Veterans will recognize this geologic formation as Face Rock, situated far to the south in the Lemoyne territory.

Travel to the Scarlett Meadows district just north of Rhodes to begin your physical search for this landmark. Positioning Arthur on the ridge directly opposite the stone structure will trigger a prompt to inspect the area. From this vantage point, you can easily trace the path leading down toward the base of the rock formation.

Finding the Next Destination

Walk carefully down the slope from the face-shaped cliff until you spot a hollow tree trunk rotting on the ground. Reach inside this decaying log to discover the second map document, which safely advances your progress in the Explorer Challenge series. Securing this item ensures you are halfway to collecting an incredible payout that can fund your camp upgrades indefinitely.