Fly Ranch Geyser — Attraction in Lovelock

Fly Ranch Geyser, located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, is a man-made geothermal wonder that originated in the 1960s due to an accidental drilling mishap by a geothermal energy company. While attempting to access a power source, the workers struck water that was too cool for energy use and failed to seal the opening properly. Over time, the geyser began spewing hot water and steam, forming the vibrant and colorful travertine mounds seen today. The brilliant hues of green, red, and turquoise are the result of algae thriving on the mineral-rich deposits.

Access to Fly Ranch Geyser is limited to guided tours, which must be reserved well in advance. Visitors can purchase tickets for $50 plus a $3.50 service fee, or $40 depending on the type of tour. The tours are conducted by the Friends of Black Rock and Burning Man volunteers, who provide insights into the geyser's history, the surrounding desert ecosystem, and future conservation projects.

Guests are guided on a 3-mile nature hike to view the geyser and learn about desert plants, animals, and local artifacts. While the hike is relatively easy, visitors are advised to wear hats and sneakers as there is no shade along the trail. Photography is prohibited during the hike except at designated points near the geysers, and strict entry protocols include reading liability information, filling out contact forms, and signing waivers.

For those unable to hike, a guided caravan option is available to reach the geysers directly. During the tour, visitors can explore Burning Man art installations and gain a deeper understanding of Fly Ranch's conservation efforts. The volunteer guides, described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhance the experience with their expertise and enthusiasm.

While some visitors note delays during entry and restrictions on photography, the overall experience is highly praised for its unique sights and educational value. Fly Ranch Geyser remains a testament to how unintended human intervention can create a breathtaking...

The geysers are spectacular. The two volunteer guides were nice, accommodating, and seemed to be working under differing (and conflicting) rules and conditions. To get in to see the geysers, first you have to make reservations well in advance, then pay $40, then wait for 15-20 minutes at a bottleneck at the gate while they make you read a page of tiny dense text full of warnings and liabilities. Then you have to sign away your rights, plus fill out a form that lists all kinds of contact information that they obviously already have, plus list emergency contact info. Then you get in one-by-one and wait in a holding area for another 45 minutes until everyone is assembled. Then they take you on a roundabout “nature” hike where they point out common desert flora, fauna, and artifacts - but you are not allowed to take any photos. (Because they are worried that someone will sneak back in and steal stuff. I asked if I could take a photo of a Bullock’s Oriole nest, and was told no.) If you are disabled, or can’t/don’t walk for other reasons, you can drive in a guided caravan directly to the geysers. You are allowed to point your phones at the geysers. If you are not familiar with Burning-man art they have a few examples there, which you can closely inspect - but don’t take...

ACCESS BY TOUR ONLY

Unfortunately, this land was bought by Burning Man. You will go on a tour from 10:30am-2:30pm. The tour is given by burning man volunteers. This means they will talk your ear off about all how burning man is so great.

You start the tour by walking around a loop and observing old burning man art pieces that range from really uninteresting to pretty cool. They do not allow photos so you’ll have to sneak any that you like.

Finally, only once you reach the main geyser will they allow photos. The geyser looks small from the distance but don’t let it set expectations. It is fairly large up close and beautiful with greens, reds, and oranges pouring down its side. There are three geysers in total, the main Fly Geyser, the Wizard geyser which doesn’t spew anymore, and the Little Pot geyser which can sometime shoot 12ft in the air.

Overall I wish it wasn’t locked from the public and run by hippys but it was a...