Gerlach NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gerlach, Nevada.
1. Burning Man
ICONIC DESERT FESTIVAL
Burning Man is an internationally renowned annual arts and culture festival held in the Black Rock Desert near Gerlach. Each summer, tens of thousands gather to build a temporary city dedicated to creativity, self-expression, and radical community. The event transforms the remote playa into a hub of massive art installations, themed camps, and unique performances.
2. Fly Geyser
VIBRANT GEOTHERMAL WONDER
Fly Geyser is a surreal geothermal feature located just outside Gerlach, celebrated for its vivid colors and constantly evolving mineral formations. Formed accidentally in the 20th century, the geyser continuously spouts steaming water, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape. It is accessible via guided tours and remains a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Guru Road (Dooby Lane)
ECCENTRIC ART ROAD
Guru Road, locally known as Dooby Lane, is a mile-long outdoor sculpture gallery lined with inspirational stone carvings and quirky art installations. Created by local DeWayne "Doobie" Williams, the road features tributes, artful objects, and oddities, making for a playful and reflective drive or walk. The route offers panoramic views of the Black Rock Desert and a memorable taste of Gerlach's offbeat culture.
4. Black Rock Desert
EXPANSIVE DESERT WILDERNESS
The Black Rock Desert is a vast, flat expanse of alkali playa and wilderness, serving as the dramatic backdrop for Burning Man and other outdoor adventures. This preserved desert is prized for its unique geological features, massive open spaces, and stargazing opportunities. Its sheer size and isolation make it a prime location for land sailing, camping, and photography.
5. Miner's Club
HISTORIC LOCAL BAR
Miner's Club is a historic and cozy bar that has long served as a social hub for residents and travelers in Gerlach. Known for its friendly atmosphere and rustic décor, it offers hearty food and drinks, often becoming a gathering spot before and after journeys into the wilderness. The establishment is a nod to the area's mining past and community spirit.
6. Gerlach Water Tower Park
QUAINT RESTFUL OASIS
Gerlach Water Tower Park offers a shady and inviting place for visitors to take a break while exploring the small town. The restored water tower and surrounding parkland provide historical context, picnic tables, and a peaceful atmosphere. It's an easy stop for travelers looking for a quiet rest or a scenic photo opportunity.
7. Planet X Pottery
ARTISAN POTTERY STUDIO
Planet X Pottery is a unique pottery gallery and studio nestled in the remote landscape between Gerlach and the Black Rock Desert. The studio showcases handcrafted pottery, sculptures, and paintings by resident artists, providing a colorful contrast to the stark desert surroundings. Visitors can browse the gallery, purchase fine ceramics, and tour the intricate desert garden.
8. Empire Store
ESSENTIAL SUPPLY STOP
Empire Store, located in the nearby company town of Empire, is the primary general store supplying travelers and locals with food, fuel, and camping essentials. Known as the last stop for provisions before entering the Black Rock Desert, it plays a crucial role for festival-goers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The store also stocks regional memorabilia and friendly advice.
9. Black Rock Saloon
LOCAL BAR & EATERY
The Black Rock Saloon is a popular gathering place in Gerlach, serving classic American fare and refreshments in a relaxed setting. With its welcoming staff and rustic charm, the saloon attracts both locals and the influx of visitors heading to the desert. It often features live music and events, making it a lively spot during festival season.
10. Bruno's Country Club
ICONIC BASQUE RESTAURANT
Bruno's Country Club is a storied restaurant and bar best known for its Basque-style food and legendary homemade raviolis. It has served as a welcoming watering hole for ranchers, travelers, and Burning Man attendees for decades. The club offers lodging, hearty meals, and a taste of classic Nevada hospitality.
11. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs
REMOTE NATURAL SOAK
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs, located north of Gerlach in the remote desert, offers visitors a series of natural pools amid scenic sagebrush hills. It's a perfect spot for soothing soaks after a day of exploring the backcountry. The area's tranquility and isolation make it a favorite for campers and wilderness lovers.
12. Pyramid Lake
STUNNING DESERT LAKE
Pyramid Lake, about an hour from Gerlach, is a saline lake renowned for its unique rock formations and rich Native American history. The lake is popular for fishing, boating, and photography, drawing visitors with its ethereal blue water and dramatic desert landscape. It is home to the Paiute Tribe and several important cultural sites.
13. Trego Hot Springs
RUGGED DESERT HOT SPRING
Trego Hot Springs is a rustic, open-air hot spring located on the edge of the Black Rock Desert playa. This undeveloped site is favored by adventurous visitors seeking a free, natural soak in a remote setting. With little light pollution, it's also a great spot for stargazing on clear nights.
14. Frog Pond Hot Springs
UNIQUE SOAKING POOLS
Frog Pond Hot Springs, located in the desert outside Gerlach, features several large soaking pools surrounded by wildlife and open vistas. The springs are popular with campers and those seeking relaxation in a serene, natural environment. The site is accessible by rough roads and maintains a quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
15. Eagleville Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING RUINS
Eagleville Ghost Town is located in the desolate hills south of Gerlach and offers a glimpse into Nevada's colorful mining past. Visitors can explore abandoned structures, weathered equipment, and scenic desert landscapes. The site is a testament to the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped the region's identity.