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Black Rock Desert Wilderness – Image Gallery

#mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend!
The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers.
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA.
Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country.

Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM
#mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend!
The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers.
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA.
Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country.

Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM
The Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is the federal land in northwestern Nevada, under the Bureau of Land Management-BLM management and protection, and the ten Wilderness Areas within it.
The long name has led people to often shorten it to the Black Rock–High Rock NCA, when not needing the official name. The protected areas were created by the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000.
The Black Rock–High Rock Conservation Area allows recreational uses, and motorized vehicle travel on trails and playas only, while managing the area to preserve the natural habitats, historic emigrant trails, and the natural landmarks of the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon. Many activities, such as with a large group of people, require a BLM permit. The Wilderness Areas have no motorized vehicle travel, to support all the animal and plant community ecosystems within them. Walking and hiking are encouraged.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rock_Desert-High_Rock_Canyon_...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
At the fence removal site, volunteers removed about a quarter mile of trespass fence that was causing livestock and cattle access problems to a stream. After five hours, the group finished the job and the area was restored to its natural state.
BLM Winnemucca District

Photo: Richie Bednarski, Friends of NV Wilderness
View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California,  camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. 
For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California,  camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. 
For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California, camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Photo by Terah Malsam, BLM. 

The Bureau of Land Management's recreation resources and visitor services support strong local economies and public land conservation. As we work to enhance recreational opportunities for the American family, we strive to remain a good neighbor. This means respecting how communities use the public lands, as well as including their voices in our management decisions.
View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Photo credit: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Black Rock Desert Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/was.html
black rock desert
black rock desert


Black Rock Desert Wilderness

The Black Rock Desert Wilderness is a remote and rugged landscape in Nevada known for its vast playa and unique geologic features.


Details

Black Rock Desert Wilderness

The Black Rock Desert Wilderness is located in northwestern Nevada and covers approximately 315,000 acres of remote and rugged desert terrain. It is known for its vast open spaces, unique geologic formations, and diverse flora and fauna. One of the most prominent features of the Black Rock Desert Wilderness is the Black Rock Playa, a dry lake bed that stretches for over 200 square miles. This playa is famous for hosting the annual Burning Man festival, a week-long event that attracts thousands of people from around the world to participate in art installations, music performances, and community building activities. The wilderness area also includes the Black Rock Range, a series of rugged mountains that rise up to 5,000 feet above the desert floor. These mountains are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including sagebrush, juniper trees, mule deer, and mountain lions. The Black Rock Desert Wilderness is ecologically significant because it provides critical habitat for a number of rare and endangered species, such as the greater sage-grouse and the Lahontan cutthroat trout. It also serves as an important migration corridor for wildlife moving between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Basin. Visitors to the Black Rock Desert Wilderness can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and stargazing. The area is known for its dark skies and stunning sunsets, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Overall, the Black Rock Desert Wilderness is a unique and valuable natural resource that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and solitude of the Nevada desert in its most pristine form.



Black Rock Desert Wilderness


Points of Interest

1. Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert is a vast expanse of wilderness located in northwestern Nevada. It is known for its unique landscape of flat, dry lakebeds and rugged mountains. The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can explore the desert by hiking, camping, and off-roading.

2. Fly Geyser

Fly Geyser is a unique geothermal feature located in the Black Rock Desert. It was accidentally created in the 1960s during a drilling operation, and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The geyser constantly releases hot water and minerals, creating colorful formations that resemble a miniature volcano.

3. High Rock Canyon

High Rock Canyon is a rugged canyon located in the Black Rock Desert Wilderness. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and golden eagles. The canyon is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching.

4. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs

Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Black Rock Desert. The hot springs are surrounded by stunning mountain views and are a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can soak in the hot springs while taking in the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.

5. Black Rock Point

Black Rock Point is a scenic overlook located in the Black Rock Desert Wilderness. From the point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape, including the playa and surrounding mountains. It is a popular spot for photography and stargazing.



Black Rock Desert Wilderness – Images

#mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend!
The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers.
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA.
Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country.

Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM

Description: #mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend! The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers. The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA. Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country. Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

#mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend!
The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers.
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA.
Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country.

Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM

Description: #mypubliclandsroadtrip explores the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this weekend! The Black Rock-High Rock region of Northwestern Nevada includes the longest intact segments of the historic emigrant trails to California and Oregon in the western U.S. – including wagon ruts, historic inscriptions and a wilderness landscape largely unchanged since the days of the pioneers. The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000 protected about 120 miles of the emigrant trails, from Rye Patch Reservoir north through the vast Black Rock Desert and then the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon. The Act also established the 800,000 acre national conservation area and the wilderness within the NCA. Also within the NCA, the Black Rock Desert Playa covers the large dry lakebed of ancient Lake Lahontan. The playa has grown in popularity during the past decade as a place for recreation events that need a lot of room. The world land speed record was set here in 1997. Amateur rocketry clubs use the playa to set world altitude records. And the playa is the location of the annual Burning Man Festival, the largest Leave No Trace event in the country. Photos and Burning Man timelapse by Bob Wick, BLM

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

The Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is the federal land in northwestern Nevada, under the Bureau of Land Management-BLM management and protection, and the ten Wilderness Areas within it.
The long name has led people to often shorten it to the Black Rock–High Rock NCA, when not needing the official name. The protected areas were created by the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000.
The Black Rock–High Rock Conservation Area allows recreational uses, and motorized vehicle travel on trails and playas only, while managing the area to preserve the natural habitats, historic emigrant trails, and the natural landmarks of the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon. Many activities, such as with a large group of people, require a BLM permit. The Wilderness Areas have no motorized vehicle travel, to support all the animal and plant community ecosystems within them. Walking and hiking are encouraged.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rock_Desert-High_Rock_Canyon_...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...

Description: The Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is the federal land in northwestern Nevada, under the Bureau of Land Management-BLM management and protection, and the ten Wilderness Areas within it. The long name has led people to often shorten it to the Black Rock–High Rock NCA, when not needing the official name. The protected areas were created by the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000. The Black Rock–High Rock Conservation Area allows recreational uses, and motorized vehicle travel on trails and playas only, while managing the area to preserve the natural habitats, historic emigrant trails, and the natural landmarks of the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon. Many activities, such as with a large group of people, require a BLM permit. The Wilderness Areas have no motorized vehicle travel, to support all the animal and plant community ecosystems within them. Walking and hiking are encouraged. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rock_Desert-High_Rock_Canyon_... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...

Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia

At the fence removal site, volunteers removed about a quarter mile of trespass fence that was causing livestock and cattle access problems to a stream. After five hours, the group finished the job and the area was restored to its natural state.
BLM Winnemucca District

Photo: Richie Bednarski, Friends of NV Wilderness

Description: At the fence removal site, volunteers removed about a quarter mile of trespass fence that was causing livestock and cattle access problems to a stream. After five hours, the group finished the job and the area was restored to its natural state. BLM Winnemucca District Photo: Richie Bednarski, Friends of NV Wilderness

Image by BLM Nevada – Public domain – Wikimedia

View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California,  camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. 
For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada. Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California, camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent. Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California,  camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. 
For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada. Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California, camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent. Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. For more information visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_programs/planning/Black_R... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California, camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent.
Photo by Terah Malsam, BLM. 

The Bureau of Land Management's recreation resources and visitor services support strong local economies and public land conservation. As we work to enhance recreational opportunities for the American family, we strive to remain a good neighbor. This means respecting how communities use the public lands, as well as including their voices in our management decisions.

Description: Come immerse yourself in the areas that make Nevada wild! The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected set of lands surrounded by wilderness areas. These areas are protected for their historical significance, scenic beauty and fragile ecosystems. This area is what adventure seekers wish for. Known for its solitude and primitive lands, people come from all over the world to experience the Black Rock Desert. You can follow the wagon trails that emigrants used to cross over to California, camp-out and not see another person, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the playa (an ancient dried lake bed) where the curvature of the earth is readily apparent. Photo by Terah Malsam, BLM. The Bureau of Land Management's recreation resources and visitor services support strong local economies and public land conservation. As we work to enhance recreational opportunities for the American family, we strive to remain a good neighbor. This means respecting how communities use the public lands, as well as including their voices in our management decisions.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada.
Photo credit: Bob Wick, BLM

For more information about the Black Rock Desert Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/was.html

Description: View of High Rock Canyon Wilderness Area, within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, north of Gerlach, Nevada. Photo credit: Bob Wick, BLM For more information about the Black Rock Desert Wilderness, visit: www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/was.html

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

black rock desert

Description: black rock desert

Image by Patrick Nouhailler's… – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

black rock desert

Description: black rock desert

Image by Patrick Nouhailler's… – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

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