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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sunset on playa at the Black Rock Desert, Nevada
The Black Rock Desert is located in northwestern Nevada and spans over 1.2 million acres of public land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. At its center is the playa—a massive, flat, dry lakebed covering about 200 square miles. Its surface is light-colored, alkaline, and incredibly flat, making it feel almost otherworldly.
This environment offers wide-open views, dramatic sunsets, and a sense of space that’s hard to find anywhere else. The silence, scale, and sky make it a powerful and surreal setting for creative gatherings and personal reflection.
The Black Rock Desert has been inhabited for thousands of years. It lies between the ancestral lands of the Summit Lake and Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribes, who have lived in and protected this region for generations.
In the 1800s, settlers crossed this desert along the Lassen-Applegate Trail, seeking new lives in the West. Old mining towns, such as Hardin City, came and went, leaving behind stories and ruins. In more recent history, the playa was the site where the land speed record was broken in 1997, when a jet-powered car surpassed the speed of sound.
The desert is known for its harsh and unpredictable conditions. In the summer, daytime temperatures can rise above 100°F (38°C), while nights can drop into the 40s°F (4–10°C). Sudden dust storms and high winds are common, and rain can turn the hard playa surface into sticky mud that traps vehicles.
There are no natural shelters, stores, or public services out here. Everything you need—shade, water, food, gear—you must bring with you. Because of its remoteness, preparation is critical for safety and comfort.
The Black Rock Desert is beautiful—but fragile. Driving on the wet playa can leave deep ruts that take years to fade. Dumping graywater or trash harms the land and wildlife. That’s why events like the Everywhen follow strict Leave No Trace practices to protect the ecosystem.
Visitors are expected to: