Sights

Black Rock

Get set for beauty beyond your wildest expectations. The hills are alive with layers of color that change with the time of day. The untouched beauty of this desert landscape will stay with you long after you leave. the Black Rock Desert first became known for its location on the Lassen-Applegate Trail, one of the main wagon routes used by settlers heading West. The desert continues to be the site of history-making feats. In fact, in 1983, Richard Noble se the world land speed record of more than 633 miles per hour in his rocket-like car.

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Planet X

The vast desolation of the Black Rock Desert is out of this world. Just ask John Bogard, owner and potter extraordinaire at Planet X Pottery. Located 8 miles northwest of Gerlach, Planet X is an artistic oasis. This solar-powered studio has earned a national reputation for producing innovative and strikingly beautiful handmade pots and dishes, many incorporating magnificent scenes from surrounding terrain. Take home a lasting reminder of your visit to the Black Rock Desert. And tell your friends you took a trip to Planet X. W*s:ater Tower Cool your heels under the shade of more..

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Pyramid Lake

This spectacular desert lake is unlike any other body of water in the world. As the largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, a giant inland sea that once covered more than 8,000 square miles, Pyramid Lake is an astonishing reminder of the history of our earth. Archaeologists have discovered evidence that Pyramid Lake was home to cultures that existed more than 9,000 years ago. Petroglyphs depicting prehistoric Indian life still line the hillsides around the lake.

Pyramid is also famous for its fish. Ancient Cui-ui fish still swim in its azure waters. These exotic fish more..

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Hot Springs

Discovered by John C. Fremont in 1843, these natural hot springs are one of many geological wonders. With temperatures ranging from 190 degrees at the source to 104 degrees in the soaking pool, Gerlach Hot Springs have soothed many weary traveler. Fed by and Artesian well, the springs are legendary for their healing and magical powers. Today, visitors can enjoy the New Gerlach Hot Springs, featuring a tiled pool, picnic area, showers, restrooms and changing rooms with heated floors. This new facility, located ¹ mile south of the original hot springs, has been nine years in the more..

Doobie Road

Looking for a little wisdom along the way? Check out Doobie Road, appropriately billed as "a story with no beginning and no end." In this wonderfully strange and inspiring outdoor art display created by Dwayne Williams, a dirt road takes you among some of the most interesting and entertaining works you'll ever see. Explore creative scenes and sculptures as well as entertaining proverbs from "gurus" who have traveled the road. Like all the best things in life, admission is free.

Empire

Down the road from Gerlach is Empire, home of U.S. Gypsum, supplier of an extraordinary 90 percent of all drywall used in construction in America. If golf is your game, go a few rounds at Burning Sands, an NCGA approved nine-hole golf course. And you thought Pebble Beach was special!

Dry Lake

Named for Chief Winnemucca, an honored friend of early settlers and chief of the Pyramid lake Paiutes, Winnemucca Lake was once filled to the brim. Today, it is a dry lake bed. Large rock formations jut from its surface, many decorated with storytelling petroglyphs. The area is home to owls, horned toads, and other desert wildlife.

Wadsworth

A small Indian town that lets you know you're headed in the right direction. You'll want to stop at the I-80 Smokeshop, your last chance for snacks, drinks and gas for 70 miles.

Off-Road

Above the desolate desert floor, the hills contain off-road wonders. Discover beautiful groves of quaking aspen surrounding desert streams with deer, jack rabbit and a multitude of desert wildlife. You'll also find camping sites from years gone by, with old Basque ovens, shepherd's stacks and more. Desert exploring is not for the unprepared. Be sure to drive a properly equipped off road vehicle with the necessary emergency equipment: water, shovel, jack, chains and emergency supplies.