Geothermal Grandeur in the Nevada Desert: Fly Geyser

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

Fly Geyser at sunset

Fly Geyser is a small geothermal geyser, located roughly 20 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada. The location is near the home of the annual Burning Man festival in the Black Rock desert, and the land the geyser sits on (including the 3,800 acres that surrounds it) was purchased by Burning Man Project in June 2016. This article covers how the geyser originated, how to view/photograph it, and the significance of the land purchase.  

How Fly Geyser Came To Be

Origins

Fly Geyser is one of several geysers on the property, and formed as a result of Western Geothermal drilling a well in hopes of producing energy in 1964. The well was capped and abandoned because the temperature was not hot enough to produce energy. It is believed that the cap failed and the calcium carbonate and silica in the water accumulated around the geyser forming the cones and travertine pools. Because the water continuously sprays and flows out of the geyser, it continues to grow and take new shapes. 

Name

Fly Geyser is named so because it is within Fly Ranch. Fly Ranch reported got it's name because there was a biplane training facility on the site in the 1930's. 

Physical Attributes

Although Fly Geyer is constantly growing and changing, it currently stands about 5 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The red, orange, yellow, and green colors that contribute to the geyser's interest are due to the thermophilic algae that grows on the geyser from the temperature (roughly 200 degrees) and minerals in the water. 

Fly Geyser Terraces

How To View The Geyser

Fly Ranch, where Fly Geyser is located, is owned by Burning Man Project. This is private, gated land and you cannot just stroll up to the geyser. Why? The short answer is liabilities and vandalism concerns. Friends of Black Rock-High Rock offers  2.5 to 3-hour walks in partnership with the Burning Man Project. You can view details on their website. 

On these docent led walks, you cover the southern portion first, where you can view some Burning Man art, and learn about the area and land use. The northern section of the ranch is second, and reached by a short drive. This section of the land contains wetlands, wildlife, and the several geothermal features, including Fly Geyser. You cover about 3 miles on foot of easy, level terrain. 

If you are a photographer, you should be aware of the limited photo rules. Participants are asked to keep cameras, recorders, and phones put away for the majority of the tour, bringing them out only after you cross through the final gate at the base of Fly Geyser. It is for this reason I have not included more photos of the ranch in this post. 

I can tell you that the Burning Man Art is pretty cool and despite not being able to photograph the works, it was still a great experience. The docents are very knowledgeable and provide a lot of information about the Burning Man Project. 

Boardwalk leading to Fly Geyser

The Burning Man Project Land Purchase 

Although the Burning Man event occurs one week each year, Burning Man’s culture has evolved into a global movement. The nonprofit, Burning Man Project, wanted to create a dedicated space for Burning Man culture that showcases collaborative and interactive arts, culture, and community participation. The purchase of Fly Ranch will enable those goals to become a reality.

It's been five years since they purchased the land which was made possible by several donors. The group hosts events on the property including campouts, work weekends, and the nature walk highlighted here. 

The long term goal is to establish a permanent home for Burning Man. As a year-round site, Fly Ranch has the potential to expand Burning Man Project’s activities and programs. The economic impact to Northern Nevada during the annual event is positive but short term and comes with increased highway congestion. Having a year round location will allow for a more steady flow of people, economic benefit, and reduced inconvenience. 

Fly Geyser with terraces and algae

If you have an opportunity to visit Fly Geyser and Fly Ranch, I highly recommend it. It provides a welcome break from the fast pace world most of us are used to and a opportunity to connect with the natural environment, amazing art, and insights into the Burning Man principles that are focused on respecting the land and improving our world.