A Desert Dweller’s Paradise: The Burner Byway
In the heart of Nevada is a route best known for one of the largest gatherings in the world: Burning Man. But the lesser-known attractions along this byway can be every bit as entertaining. There are striking landscapes to hike, roadside attractions to explore, and camping beneath a sky so brilliant that it will leave you starstruck. Buckle your seatbelt, because it’s about to be a wild ride!
The Nevada desert is rich with many hidden gems and out-of-this-world landscapes, including the otherworldly playa, vast canyons, and plentiful hot springs.
The Burner Byway is roughly 110 to 250 miles (depending how far off the beaten path you’d like to go)! It starts in Reno and ends in the Black Rock Desert, known for its playa (where 70,000+ burners come to celebrate every August/September). Plus, Nevada has more hot springs than any other state—many of which happen to be along this route.
Reno
Before embarking on your journey up the Burner Byway, take some time to explore Reno. The Biggest Little City is more than just a starting point; it’s a destination, brimming with culinary delights, artistic treasures, and recreational opportunities. Allow time to savor the flavors, explore the art, and immerse yourself in this dynamic city before venturing into the untamed beauty of the desert.
Two Chicks
Fuel up for your journey with a breakfast at Two Chicks, known for its diverse menu that also caters to gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Located downtown, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a satisfying meal before hitting the road.
Reno’s Riverwalk
Start your exploration at Idlewild Park and stroll along Reno’s Riverwalk, a scenic path adorned with captivating art installations. As you wind your way towards downtown Reno, you’ll come across charming boutiques, local businesses, and inviting restaurants perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Hub Coffee Roasters
Dive into Reno’s coffee culture at Hub Coffee Roasters, located conveniently across from Reno’s Riverwalk. Sip on expertly crafted coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this local favorite.
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake beckons adventurers with its pristine waters, world-class fishing, and serene camping spots. Reminiscent of Lake Tahoe—but without the crowds—its crystal-clear blue waters are a sight to behold set against the backdrop of Nevada’s rugged beauty. Note that the lake is part of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation, and you’ll need to purchase recreation permits before enjoying the waters.
Gerlach
With its small population of approximately 130 residents, Gerlach is the final bastion of civilization before plunging into the vastness of the Black Rock Desert. But Gerlach is more than just a pit stop: The town and surrounding area offer tons of activities, including the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock visitor center—your go-to hub for discovering epic excursions across the Black Rock Desert and beyond.
E-Bike Tours on the Playa
Hosted by Friends of Black Rock-High Rock, these tours offer a unique way to experience the surreal beauty of the playa. It’s the perfect blend of mobility and immersion, allowing you to discover the playa’s intriguing features and history at your own pace.
Planet X Pottery is a charming off-grid studio run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team. Here, they create ceramic pieces and paintings inspired by the surrounding desert.
The Black Rock Desert
Before venturing into the vast and wild expanse of the Black Rock Desert, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. This remote landscape offers minimal service and few fellow travelers, so a satellite phone or Starlink for communication is essential. A spare tire and patch kit are also advisable given the rugged terrain, as well as extra food and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Now, onto the adventure!
The Black Rock Desert is nothing short of mesmerizing, captivating travelers with its stark beauty and untouched wilderness. Our chosen route was 50 miles north of Gerlach, which promised both hot springs and the allure of wild camping. However, with countless stunning areas to explore, a stop at Gerlach’s visitor center is highly recommended to tailor your route perfectly to your interests.
The route to Soldier Meadows proved to be a rugged and remote path, challenging us with sharp rocks, potholes, and plenty of bumps along its 50+ miles. This road took us roughly 3 hours in our truck camper, yet the rewards were immense as we discovered some of the most primitive camping in the entire state.
One unexpected gem along our journey was the free BLM-managed cabin. Despite a group already settled in, they graciously allowed us a peek inside. The cabin offers a welcome retreat equipped with a wood-burning stove, a vault toilet, and shelter from the elements—a true oasis in this remote landscape.
Soldier Meadows in Nevada is not just a haven for adventurers, it’s also home to unique wildlife adapted to the harsh desert conditions. You might spot pronghorn antelope gracefully navigating the landscape or catch a glimpse of a jackrabbit darting between creosote bushes.
In the springs, the area supports a variety of aquatic life, including the critically endangered desert dace. This small fish species has adapted to survive in the area’s thermal waters and is found nowhere else in the world. Additionally, Soldier Meadows is home to unique spring snails, which are adapted to live in the geothermal waters.
Each encounter with the local wildlife added a deeper appreciation for the resilience and beauty of the natural world thriving in this challenging yet breathtaking environment. Exploring Soldier Meadows isn’t just an adventure: It’s an opportunity to connect with nature in its rawest and most enchanting form, where even the smallest creatures contribute to the rich tapestry of life in this remote corner of Nevada.
In addition to the awe-inspiring landscapes and rugged adventures, it’s crucial to uphold the principles of Leave No Trace and hot spring etiquette. This pristine environment requires careful stewardship to preserve its natural beauty and ecological balance. As visitors, we made sure to pack out all trash, minimize our impact on vegetation, and respect wildlife habitats. This commitment ensures that future generations can also enjoy the unspoiled splendor of this remote wilderness.
Here, the landscape shifts from expansive playa flats to rugged mountains, offering endless opportunities for exploration and solitude. Whether you seek the thrill of off-grid camping, the serenity of natural hot springs, or simply the chance to immerse yourself in pristine nature, the Black Rock Desert delivers an unforgettable experience.
As an active outdoors woman and full-time traveler, Shelby Burns considers herself a “Professional Fun-Haver.” Born with a passion to share her adventures, Shelby has been experimenting with photography and making vlogs from a very young age. One of her goals as a kid was to become a Youtuber. After graduating college in 2019, Shelby moved 3,000 miles across the country to become a ski instructor before moving to a city to get her first “real” job. Soon after, at the start of the pandemic, Shelby lost her job. Without realizing what was to come, she accidentally made her dream of becoming a content creator come true when she downloaded TikTok and started to document her life. Now, through connecting with others on social media, she aims to inspire her viewers to discover the same joy that she has found through travel and outdoor spaces. Follow @shelbssays on Instagram and TikTok.
