Fly Geyser, also known as Rainbow Geyser, named after it's location on Fly Ranch,
is a little-known attraction described as one of the most beautiful sights in
Nevada. Located 20 miles north of Gerlach, in Washoe County, it was accidentally
created in 1916 during well drilling. The geothermically heated pack of water
found a weak spot in the wall in the 1960s and began escaping, creating a geyser.
Over the years, dissolved minerals created the mound that water now spews up to
five feet from.
Not a set from a science fiction movie, but an amazing phenomenon in the middle
of the Nevada Desert. The geyser contains several terraces discharging water
into 30 to 40 pools over an area of 74 acres. The multi-colored rainbow effect
is created by minerals in the water reacting with oxygen in the air. These
ponds are forming an ecosystem, with small fish and birds such as swans and
mallards enjoying the geyser.
Fly Geyser is located on private land, however, there are now private tours that
can be booked in order to see it from a close range. These tours were first
opened back in 2018. The Burning Man Project now owns the land and is actively
doing research to decide how they, too, can provide guided tours in a safe way
without infringing on the natural environment of the geyser. However, for those
who are comfortable with a roadside view, head to Gerlach via State Route 34 -
visitors should be able to observe this massive structure there.
Here's Photos Of This Strange Place. Enjoy! :)
David Jamison, who gives tours to the geyser said: 'I'd like to see more people
be able to enjoy it.'
'When I saw it for the first time it wasn't this big. This whole area's kind of
magic, there's no airplanes here or cars. It's just peaceful and quiet, all these
beautiful mountains around. And the sound of the water.'
Those visiting should keep in mind that this geyser is hot. The geothermal pools
alone could reach temperatures of 200 degrees.
All of these minerals, over time, have become stacked and created the intriguing
walls out of which the geyser's water stream shoots out of.
The geyser itself is roughly 30 feet tall, and its awesome coloring comes from
the thermophilic algae that live on its surface.
Geysers are fascinating since it's not every day someone has the chance to witness
scalding water exploding into the sky in a cloud of mist.
Fly Geyser is unique due to its structure and shape. It's been naturally constructed
over the last 50+ years.
Due to the minerals in the geyser's water stream, the moisture that rains back
down on the opening of the geyser has gradually created various tunnels and
tubes, each sporting a vibrant color.
The minerals and algae that live in and around the geyser require very specific
conditions to survive, therefore people need to not interfere by touching or
getting too close to the geyser or its natural mineral pools.
While not the most well-known, man-made natural wonder in Nevada, it's one that's
definitely worth getting a look at - especially since its wild hot springs can be
seen from miles away.
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