Northern Nevada High Desert
Fly Geyser: Nevada's Accidental Technicolor Geothermal Marvel
Gerlach, Nevada, United States
This accidental masterpiece in the Black Rock Desert was born from botched well-drilling projects. Today, thermophilic algae paint its growing mineral mounds in brilliant shades of red and green, creating a surreal landscape that feels entirely extraterrestrial.
Rising from the edge of the Black Rock Desert, Fly Geyser is a vivid testament to the unexpected consequences of human intervention. Though the surrounding landscape is rugged and dry, this corner of the Hualapai Geothermal Flats hides a pressurized world of boiling water and minerals that has spent the last century sculpting a psychedelic oasis.
Why It Stands Out
The site actually hosts three distinct formations, each with its own origin story. The oldest, known as The Wizard, appeared over a century ago when pioneers attempted to drill a well for irrigation.
They struck 200-degree water that was useless for crops, leaving behind a 12-foot calcium carbonate cone. In 1964, history repeated itself when a geothermal energy company drilled a test well nearby.
When the seal on their borehole failed, a new geyser erupted, siphoning off the pressure from the original well and creating what we now recognize as Fly Geyser. This central formation is a collection of several six-foot spouts perched atop a massive mineral mound.
Its striking appearance comes from thermophilic algae, which thrive in the scalding, moist environment, painting the rocks in brilliant streaks of emerald green and rust red. A third, smaller formation called Will’s Geyser was discovered in 2006; unlike its neighbors, this one is believed to be entirely natural, growing roughly six inches every year.
In 2016, the Burning Man Project acquired the 3,800-acre ranch to ensure the preservation of these unique geothermal features and the surrounding wetlands.
Before You Go
Access to the geyser is strictly controlled to protect the fragile ecosystem of Fly Ranch. While you can spot the colorful mounds from State Route 34, you cannot simply pull over and walk onto the property.
Instead, visitors must book a guided nature walk through the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock. These tours typically run from April through October.
To encourage a deeper connection with the environment, the walks are conducted as device-free experiences. You will be asked to keep your phone and camera stowed during the trek, though time is set aside at the end of the tour for photography.
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