There are many places that we don’t know much about. The Fly Geyser, Nevada is one of those places. However, detailed information will provide you with proper knowledge about this place.
In the middle of the Nevada desert, there are geysers that are six feet tall and colorful that shoot scorching water five feet into the air.
The Fly Geyser in Nevada is an unintentional man-made wonder that has produced a beautifully formed and great-colored desert wonder that is a must-see for both locals and tourists.
1. About Fly Geyser Nevada
In 2016, the Burning Man Project gained the 3,800-acre Fly Ranch in Northern Nevada, which is home to the Fly Geyser.
It is a breathtaking location on the edge of the Nevada Black Rock Desert, roughly two hours away from the north of Reno.
As locals drilled a well to get irrigation water in 1916, the first geyser on the property started to form. The first geyser was created when this well was hastily abandoned once it was noticed that the water within was too hot.
A geothermal power firm dug a test well at the location in 1964, which led to the unintentional creation of the main geyser.
Later on, the press said that the well had either been poorly blocked or left open. In either event, the good hole erupted with scalding hot water, and calcium carbonate deposits started to build. These deposits grew by several inches every year.
A few decades later, the deposits evolved into three sizable mounds that protrude from a field of thick reeds and grasses.
The sediments are now multicolored green and red and nearly 6 feet tall. Three travertine cones that make up the geyser still shoot scorching hot water four to five feet into the air.
Experts who are familiar with the geyser point out that thermophilic algae, which thrives in humid, warm settings, is responsible for the coloration on the exterior of the mounds.
According to Muoz Saez, the mounds even include quartz, and this quartz is growing far more quickly than any other geysers.
The Fly Geyser is also amazing because, ordinarily, quartz doesn’t start to develop within geysers until it has been there for roughly 10,000 years.
2. Formation of Fly Geyser
The Fly Geyser was created by accident, although there are more geysers on the grounds as well. Over 100 years ago, the first geyser was discovered.
In an effort to make the desert suitable for farming, a well was dug. However, as it was being dug, the drilling crew encountered geothermal boiling water, which was unsuitable for cultivation.
A calcium carbonate cone developed over time. A nearby test site was drilled in 1964 by a geothermal energy business that was hunting for hot water.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t hot enough, so they re-sealed the well. Fortunately, the seal failed, allowing the new geyser now known as Fly Geyser to wind up taking the water pressure from the first geyser.
The second has substantially expanded over the past 50 years, while the first still trickles but is now mostly dry.
Three district spouts were once present at Fly Geyser. In reality, it was known as Three Sisters. The geyser was used as target practice at one point because someone felt it would be a good idea.
However, it modified the geyser’s shape after being shot up, giving it its current appearance.
3. Experiences in Fly Geyser
If you are planning on going on a road trip to the geyser, you should know that the tour begins at the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock Visitor Center Shop and lasts for three hours.
They are one of the best resources for the area and are in charge of 1.3 million acres of land. You should stop by even if you don’t have any plans to visit Fly Geyser in order to learn more about the Playa or any other areas of the desert.
Use the final flushing toilet at the FBRHR Visitor Center. At the start or finish of the tour, there is a toilet close to Fly Geyser that you can use as well.
You will also be provided hand sanitizer but not toilet paper. However, you will still need to pack these items just in case. You won’t have much cell phone reception, so use the FBRHR Visitor Center’s Wi-Fi once.
You and your friends or family can all gather and ride together over to the Fly Ranch. Driving there take about 30 minutes.
You will learn more about the 3,800-acre property, the surroundings, and how the Burning Man Project intends to use it during the tour.
You will also gain knowledge about the local flora, animals, and natural resources while taking a tour of the magnificent Fly Geyser.
Before you reach the tent close to Fly Geyser, you will pass through some high grass. Although, you might discover ticks crawling on your clothing or inside of your shoes.
This geothermal geyser continuously spouts water five feet into the air, depositing minerals that cause multicolored algae to flourish on the terraces. That implies that it will continue to alter even if you visit more than once.
4. Can You Visit the Fly Geyser?
The Fly Ranch Geyser is located in Northern Nevada, about 20 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada (a notable stop along the Burner Byway) via State Road 34.
This place can be seen clearly from the side of the road, and its hot water plumes are visible kilometers around.
Fly Ranch is on private property and is not currently open to the public. Nevertheless, Fly Ranch has partnered with Friends of Nevada Black Rock High Rock, who provide three-hour guided tours of Fly Ranch if you’d want to see Fly Geyser up close.
Also, Fly geysers and hot springs are among the many features of the site that are explored during nature excursions.
Don’t forget to visit Bruno’s Country Club in Gerlach after your pit stop at Fly Geyser. Delicious ravioli are available at Bruno’s and are well worth the journey.
Keep a watch out for the massive steam plumes emanating from the Fly Geyser, one of Nevada’s many distinctive and stunning attractions, if you ever find yourself traveling that way.
5. Where Can You Stay When You Visit Fly Geyser?
From Reno, a day’s journey to Fly Ranch is simple. Also, it’s part of the Burner Byway, which follows the route taken by yearly burners in August for Burning Man.
You can make a few stops along this route, if you’d want to plan a trip entirely around it, check out their suggested three-day itinerary below.
- Reno’s Peppermill Resort & Casino – A car is required, but it’s really pleasant. Little to be seen nearby.
- Silver Legacy, Reno- Budget-friendly and convenient.
- Camping on BLM property- This map is a useful tool.
The greatest option if you don’t want to tent but yet want to be close to Fly Ranch is to stay in Bruno’s Country Hotel in Gerlach. More so, luxury and upscale lodgings are farther away.
6. What to Pack Before Visiting
Rain or sunny season, the tour can still go on. Keep in mind that you are in a desert as well. It can get very hot during the day and get very cold at night.
Be hydrated and wear suitable attire. The FBRHR advises wearing slacks and closed-toe shoes because you will be traversing through taller grass.
- A full water bottle that can be reused. You should go with a preferred insulated and packable model.
- Decent closed-toed footwear. You should get a favorite hiking boot because they appear like regular boots yet perform like hiking boots. Ticks are also present as you go through some high grass.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Layers of Clothes with AfterBite and Bug Repellant (These give you an extra layer of protection from bugs)
- A raincoat if it rains
- Snacks
Even while the FBRHR Visitor Center sells various supplies (drinks, snacks, emergency kits, etc.), it is advisable to bring your own supplies.
7. Things to Know Before You Go
1. Fly Ranch Nature Walks cost $43 for adults and are free for children under the age of 12. You can reserve a spot on the picturesque Fly Ranch Nature Walk with Ticket Leap.
2. Despite the fact that natural hot spring runoff water surrounds Fly Geyser, tour guests won’t be able to soak in the hot spring pools due to insurance and liability concerns.
3. The Burning Man Project requests that all electronics be put away during the walks so that participants can fully experience the environment. After the trek, when you arrive at the geysers, you will be able to take pictures.
4. It’s possible for walks to take place in no so good perfect weather, so prepare ahead of time.
5. Pets, including dogs, are not permitted on the tours.
6. Fly Ranch is not open to the public without a pre-arranged tour. The Fly Geyser is located on private land and is constantly watched over by year-round caretakers.
8. Final Thoughts
Fly Geyser is currently only accessible to visitors with reservations. Book a nature walk with Friends of Black Rock-High Rock to view Fly Geyser and the other geothermal wonders of the area if you’re fascinated by this bizarre phenomenon.
As a result, if you’re wondering how else Burning Man Project intends to use Fly Geyser, you should know that, according to their mission statement, “soaking” is not permitted while participating in nature walks.
Also, they do intend to permit small groups to use some of the hot springs as part of other scheduled activities. Its mission is to “preserve the geyser’s natural integrity and make enjoying the hot springs sustainable,”.
Drop-in visits are not allowed, although from April to October, Friends of Black Rock-High Rock offers weekly nature walks on the grounds.
Devices are not allowed on these nature hikes and taking photos is not allowed. You will have time to grab your camera and take some pictures at the end of the stroll.
