This Trippy Nevada Geyser Exists Thanks to a Botched Drilling Job

Fly Geyser (Fly Ranch, Nevada)

You can’t visit Fly Geyser without booking a tour first. This man-made marvel sits on private land in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, where drilling mishaps in 1964 created something unplanned and beautiful.

Here’s how a drilling error became Nevada’s most colorful landmark.

The Failed Farm Well of 1916

Fly Geyser’s story begins with a mistake. Farmers drilled a well in 1916, hoping to irrigate the arid Black Rock Desert for agriculture.

Instead of finding usable groundwater, they struck geothermal water at approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This scorching water proved far too hot for crops.

The farmers abandoned the well, having no use for such extreme heat. Over time, minerals in the water built up around the hole.

These mineral deposits slowly formed a 10-12 foot calcium carbonate cone as the water continued to flow. Local people named this first geyser “The Wizard” for its magical appearance.

The Geothermal Test Well of 1964

The second chapter in Fly Geyser’s creation came in 1964. A geothermal energy company drilled a test well near the original site.

They found hot water, but not hot enough for their energy needs.

Workers reportedly capped the well before leaving. However, the seal either failed completely or was never properly secured.

This new well formed a few hundred feet north of the original 1916 geyser. When water began escaping the new hole, it pulled pressure away from the first geyser.

Water pressure changed across the entire area. The original “Wizard” geyser didn’t disappear but lost much of its flow as water found an easier path through the 1964 well.

This accidental second well became what we now know as Fly Geyser.

Formation of the Multi-Colored Mounds

Unlike typical geysers with single spouts, Fly Geyser developed multiple outlets where water escaped the ground. This created several cones rather than one large formation.

The mounds consist mainly of travertine, a type of limestone created when minerals in hot springs solidify upon reaching the surface.

Thermophilic Algae Creates Rainbow Colors

The rainbow-like appearance comes from thermophilic algae growing on the mound’s surface.

These specialized organisms thrive in temperatures between 45-80°C (113-176°F), conditions that would kill most living things.

Different species produce different pigments, resulting in the geyser’s reds, greens, and oranges in various shades.

Terrace Pools Around the Geyser

These pools form when minerals build up at the edges, creating natural containers for the hot water.

This unusual wetland in the desert contains various plant life, including duckweed floating on the water surface. The area features not just the main geyser but also hot springs, cold springs, and other geothermal features throughout the property.

The Remarkable Quartz Formation

The formation contains an unusually high amount of quartz, a crystal mineral common in the Earth’s crust but rare in young geothermal features.

What makes this discovery important is the formation speed.

Typically, quartz takes about 10,000 years to form in geothermal features. For the relatively young Fly Geyser to contain substantial quartz deposits breaks normal geological timelines.

A Third Geyser Joins the Landscape

In 2006, a third geyser appeared in the area, named Will’s Geyser. Unlike the two man-made predecessors, Will’s Geyser is believed to have formed naturally without human help.

Years of Private Ownership

For decades after its formation, Fly Geyser remained on private land with no public access.

Property owners installed a heavy-duty fence around the perimeter to prevent trespassing.

Unfortunately, these trespassers often left trash behind and damaged the delicate mineral formations. The most destructive visitors used the geyser for target practice with firearms, permanently altering its shape.

Burning Man’s 2016 Purchase

Everything changed in 2016 when the non-profit Burning Man Project purchased the entire property for $6.5 million. The acquisition included Fly Geyser and 3,800 surrounding acres.

The property includes wetlands, natural springs, sagebrush-grasslands, and a section of playa similar to where the famous Burning Man festival occurs annually.

Since acquiring the land, Burning Man has conducted thorough biological surveys. They’ve documented 144 plant species, 15 mammal species, 138 bird species, and 12 reptile species living on the property.

Opening to the Public in 2018

After careful planning, Fly Ranch opened to limited public tours in May 2018.

Visitors follow a 1.5-mile loop trail through the wetland ecosystem, learning about the region’s history, ecology, and viewing art installations from previous Burning Man festivals.

Visiting Fly Geyser

Anyone wishing to see Fly Geyser must begin at the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach, Nevada. All tours depart from this location.

Tours typically operate twice each Saturday, with morning sessions starting at 11 AM and afternoon tours at 5 PM. The schedule runs primarily from April through November when weather permits safe visits.

Groups never exceed 25 people to minimize environmental impact.

After meeting at the Visitor Center, participants carpool to Fly Ranch. A minimum donation of $40 per person supports conservation efforts.

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