Fly Geyser, also known as Fly Ranch Geyser is a small geothermal geyser located on private land in Washoe County, Nevada, about 20 miles north of Gerlach, NV.
Fly Geyser is located near the edge of Fly Reservoir in the Hualapai Geothermal Flats and is approximately 5 feet high by 12 feet wide, counting the mound on which it sits.
The geyser contains thermophilic algae, which flourishes in moist, hot environments, resulting in multiple hues of green and red coloring the rocks.
Fly Geyser
Fly Geyser Overview
The source of the Fly Geyser field’s heat is attributed to a very deep pool of hot rock where tectonic rifting and faulting are common.
The first geyser at the site was formed in 1916 when a well was drilled seeking irrigation water. When geothermal water at close to the boiling point was found, the well was abandoned, and a 10–12-foot calcium carbonate cone formed.
In 1964 a geothermic energy company drilled a second well near the site of the first well. The water was not hot enough for energy purposes. They reportedly capped the well, but the seal failed. The discharge from the second well released sufficient pressure that the original geyser dried up. Dissolved minerals in the water, including calcium carbonate and silica, accumulated, creating the cones and travertine pools.
The geyser has multiple conic openings sitting on a mound: the cones are about 6 feet and the entire mound is 25 to 30 feet tall.
Visitors are not permitted to soak in the hot springs due to a lack of insurance coverage.
Hours Open
Fly Ranch is open to small, guided three-hour nature walks of 20 people or less on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The geyser is part of the nature walk.
Tours are managed and led by the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock.
There are two tours each day.
Permits and Fees
Tickets for the walk are available four weeks in advance.
Fees are considered a donation and are used to support Fly Ranch and the Friends organization.
How to Get to Fly Geyser Location
Easily visible from the side of the road and hot water plumes can be seen from miles away, Fly Geyser is located about 25 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada on the Fly Ranch in Hualapai Flat, about 0.3 miles from State Route 34.
It is due east of Black Rock Desert.
Fly Geyser References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_Geyser