Nevada’s ‘Burner Byway’ road trip takes inspiration for its name from Burning Man, the annual festival and cultural phenomenon that has beckoned artistic souls and free spirits to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert since 1986.
Burning Man takes place in the week leading up to Labour Day, but for the remainder of the year, this remote section of Nevada is a gateway to off-the-grid adventure.
Take a look …
RENO
Reno’s colourful Midtown neighbourhood is home to lively nightlife, one-of-a-kind boutiques and a sizzling culinary scene. Coffee shops and gastropubs are plentiful here. The Nevada Museum of Art, in the heart of Reno, is the only art museum in Nevada accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (just like The Met in NYC, and San Francisco’s MoMA).
Burning Man (credit Travel Nevada – Sydney Martinez)
PYRAMID LAKE
Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of the mega-lake that once filled much of the Great Basin. The Paiute People have called these shores home for more than 600 years. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Centre in Nixon is the perfect spot to learn more about Paiute history and culture. Come sundown, a night at Pyramid Lake means camping near the beach, with sweeping desert scenery and lake views for days.
Nevada’s Fly Geyser (credit Travel Nevada – Sydney Martinez)
GERLACH
Fortify yourself for Black Rock Desert and beyond with a stop at local favourite Bruno’s in Gerlach, serving up good old fashioned Americana cuisine and cold brews. Another must-do: a stop at the Friends of Black Rock High Rock Visitor Center, for maps, hiking information and more. Traveller tip: call ahead to arrange a tour of the famous Fly Geyser.
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- The hot springs at Soldier Meadows, NV (credit Travel Nevada – Sydney Martinez)
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- Hot springs at Soldier Meadows, NV (credit Travel Nevada – Mac Holt Photography)
BLACK ROCK DESERT
This is known as some of the wildest territory in the West, and with good reason. Plan ahead with a full tank of gas and ample provisions and be sure to brush up on Nevada’s Dirt Road Code. Don’t miss the incredible hot springs at Soldiers Meadows, High Rock Canyon and the International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Massacre Rim.
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