Fly Ranch (Wards) Hot Springs
Fly Ranch Hot Springs erupts at 180°F on private land in Pershing County, creating the continuously growing travertine geyser cone known as Fly Geyser that rises approximately 5 feet high and 12 feet wide. The feature emerges 125.2°F above ambient temperature at 4,030 feet elevation near Fly Reservoir in the Hualapai Geothermal Flats. The spring flows 472 meters from the nearest road, accessed by short walk across private property owned by the Burning Man Project since 2016.
Fly Geyser sits on the edge of Fly Reservoir within the Black Rock Desert's vast playa system, where geothermal activity manifests across a broad area of subsurface heat and mineral-rich groundwater. The cone's brilliant reds, greens, and oranges result from thermophilic algae and mineral deposits accumulating since the 1960s. At this elevation, the high desert receives 8.5 inches annual precipitation and 18 inches of snow, with temperatures averaging 54.8°F yearly. The surrounding landscape consists of alkali flats, sagebrush plains, and distant mountain ranges defining the Black Rock Desert basin. Multiple smaller geothermal features and pools dot the immediate area.
Fly Geyser formed accidentally in 1964 when a geothermal test well was improperly sealed, allowing pressurized hot water to escape and begin building the mineral cone. The feature grew continuously for decades on private Fly Ranch property, becoming internationally known through photographs despite limited public access. In June 2016, the nonprofit Burning Man Project purchased the 3,800-acre ranch for $6.5 million to preserve the geyser and surrounding land for environmental and cultural programming. The organization has since initiated limited public tours while developing long-term stewardship and access plans.
Fly Geyser is on private property with no public access except through scheduled tours operated by the Burning Man Project; reservations required months in advance and often sell out immediately. Tours run April through October when weather permits safe access. Visitors must join guided walks; independent access is prohibited and trespassing is actively monitored. The remote location requires reliable vehicles and preparation for desert conditions. Gerlach provides nearest services. Photography is encouraged during tours. The intense colors and unique geomorphology make this Nevada's most photographed thermal feature despite access restrictions.
Is Fly Ranch (Wards) Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking