Trail Overview
Outhouse is a lightly traveled, highly scenic connector trail that carries you up over the foothills before dropping you down into Outhouse Draw or connecting with Jerry Crab Spur A on the other side. As you crest the higher elevations, the trail provides amazing, sweeping views looking out and down through the surrounding canyons. One of the most striking features of this route is the evidence of a recent wildfire. The remnants of juniper trees, now burned down to bare sticks, create a hauntingly beautiful and stark landscape. Contrasting with this burn scar is a vibrant undergrowth of tall grasses and, if you catch it in season, brilliant wildflower blooms. While there are no notable camping spots along this specific route, it serves as an excellent, engaging connector trail that will test your vehicle's capability just enough to keep things interesting. Pay close attention to the trail surface, as there are plenty of deep washouts to navigate. Given the long, loose, steep climbs and rocky off-camber sections, airing down your tires is highly recommended for better traction and ride comfort. There is no cell service in this area; download offline maps.
Difficulty
This trail offers a fun, slightly technical challenge. Drivers will encounter steep, long, and loose climbs, along with deep washouts and occasional rock obstacles. You must also navigate both dirt and rocky off-camber sections. High-clearance 4x4 and aired-down all-terrain tires are highly recommended.
History
The hauntingly beautiful landscape of skeletal juniper trees you see along this trail tells a powerful story of the Great Basin’s ecological history. Wildfires have historically played a vital, albeit destructive, role in shaping the Nevada landscape. While older, established Juniper stands can be devastated by these blazes, the fires also clear the canopy and return rich nutrients to the soil. This natural cycle of destruction and rebirth is exactly why you now see vibrant tall grasses and seasonal wildflowers aggressively reclaiming the hillsides beneath the burned-out trees.
