Trail Overview
Murphy's Camp Spur is a "short but spirited" out-and-back trail that ascends from the floor of Saulsbury Canyon into the shaded foothill elevations. This route is a fantastic choice for those looking to escape the blistering summer temperatures of the Nevada basins. The increased elevation and dense tree cover provide a much cooler environment. The driving experience is technical and keeps you focused on the track. Expect a series of rocky segments and technical wash crossings featuring steep, off-camber entry and exit angles. The trail is also punctuated by deep, water-eroded ruts and the "occasional sneaky boulder" situated directly in the center of the path. As you ascend, the trail narrows significantly. If you push toward the very end where the track splits into two overgrown spurs that eventually fade into the wilderness, paint scratches are guaranteed. For those looking for the ultimate "hidden" basecamp, keep a keen eye on the timber; the area is dotted with several high-quality dispersed campsites featuring established rock fire rings, some even boasting pre-cut wood piles left by previous woodsmen.
Expect zero cell service on this spur. The canyon walls and timber create a total signal dead zone. Download offline maps before leaving the Tonopah area.
Difficulty
Rated a 3 due to the combination of lopsided ruts, off-camber tilts, and moderate wash transitions. The upper section of the spur is very tight. Full-size vehicles will likely suffer paint scratches from encroaching branches. Short-wheelbase vehicles (like Jeeps) will find the tight turns and narrow gaps between trees much easier to manage than full-size trucks.
