Nevada’s Psychedelic Geyser Came from a Drilling Accident in 1964 — And It’s Still Growing

The Fly Geyser in Nevada

That awesome technicolor mound in Washoe County is what happens when a geothermal well drilling goes interestingly wrong. In 1964, a geothermal power company drilled a test well at the site, which was either improperly sealed or left unplugged.

This mistake allowed hot water from deep underground to burst through to the surface. Over time, minerals in the hot water built up to create colorful mounds that grow about six inches every year. Here’s the story.

How Fly Geyser Got Its Name

Fly Geyser is named after its location, Fly Ranch, which is situated near the small town of Gerlach in Washoe County, Nevada. Gerlach, known for its remote location and sparse population, was named in honor of the Gerlach family who settled in the region in the late 1800s.

The town serves as the gateway for visitors to Fly Geyser, and its proximity to the Black Rock Desert adds to the area’s allure.

Three Connected Geysers Form the Main Structure

The Fly Geyser isn’t just one spout but three separate geysers close together. The first one appeared in 1916 when someone drilled a farming well, while the main 6-foot geyser emerged in 1964 during a search for geothermal energy. A third geyser formed naturally in the late 1980s.

Each geyser looks different – the main one resembles a giant anthill, while the others are more rounded. Hot water shoots about four to five feet high from several spots in the main geyser. The minerals in the water create small pools and terraces around the base, making the formation bigger each year.

How Special Bacteria Create the Geyser’s Colors

Heat-loving bacteria that can survive in very hot water create the geyser’s striking colors. Different types of these tiny organisms make their own colors – some produce deep reds, while others create bright greens. The hot water, rich in minerals like silica and iron, gives these bacteria the perfect home.

As seasons change from summer to winter, different bacteria become more active, changing the geyser’s colors. White crusty layers form when calcium settles out of the water, and iron turns into rusty orange streaks. These natural processes keep changing the geyser’s appearance throughout the year.

It Created a Rare Wetland in the Desert

In the dry Black Rock Desert, the Fly Geyser turns a small patch of land into a thriving wetland. The constant flow of hot water forms pools that support surprising amounts of life.

Special grasses that can handle salty soil grow around the warm pools. Large birds like herons and ibis often visit these waters, and tiny water creatures live in areas where the water has cooled down enough.

How the Geyser’s Temperature Affects Life Around It

Water coming out of the geyser is dangerously hot at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause severe burns instantly. As the water flows away from the source, it creates pools of different temperatures.

Different kinds of heat-loving organisms live in specific temperature zones, from the hottest areas near the spout to the cooler outer pools. The heat comes from an underground reservoir of water thousands of feet deep, warmed by volcanic activity.

Even in freezing winter weather, the geyser stays active, creating impressive steam clouds that rise up in the cold air.

Minerals Build Up to Form the Geyser’s Shape

The cone-shaped mounds grow when dissolved limestone in the water hardens as it flows down the sides. This process adds about half an inch of new material every month, creating distinct layers that look like steps. The main cone has grown to 12 feet tall and just as wide at the bottom.

Newer parts of the geyser are starting to form similar step-like patterns. The formation gains roughly a hundred pounds of new mineral material yearly, with each layer of hardened minerals creating small dams that form cascading pools.

The Long Journey of the Geyser’s Water

The water spurting from the geyser today fell as rain or snow during the last ice age. This water slowly filtered through layers of volcanic and sedimentary rock, picking up minerals and heat along the way.

When workers drilled the well in 1964, they created a shortcut for this ancient water to reach the surface. The water carries minerals from many rock layers deep underground.

Taking Photos Throughout the Day

Morning and evening sunlight bring out the best colors in the geyser, while steam adds a mysterious quality to photographs. The mineral terraces create natural lines that guide the eye through pictures. Different times of day highlight various features – morning sun shows off the eastern side, while afternoon light makes the western textures stand out.

The symmetrical shape of the geyser stands out beautifully against the flat desert background. Throughout the day, changing light and steam patterns create new opportunities for unique photographs.

Perfect Location for Viewing the Night Sky

Being far from city lights in the Black Rock Desert makes the Fly Geyser an excellent spot for stargazing. The area has such dark skies that you can see thousands of stars and a clear view of the Milky Way.

Moonlight shining through the steam creates ghostly shapes, while the still pools mirror the stars above. During the Perseid meteor shower in August, visitors can see several shooting stars. The steam from the geyser looks particularly magical at night as it catches the starlight.

Protecting the Geyser for Future Generations

A careful preservation plan protects the geyser and the surrounding acres of land. Visitors must stay at least 100 feet away to avoid damaging the delicate mineral formations and the bacteria that live there.

Every month, scientists check the water chemistry, how much water flows out, and how fast the geyser is growing. They limit the number of daily visitors to prevent damage to the environment. Regular surveys track changes in the bacterial communities and how quickly new mineral layers form.