There's no water or shelter, and the sun is merciless. There are dude ranches, an opal mine, hot springs, natural geysers and miles of dirt roads to travel, including some of the original covered wagon trails of the 1800s.īlack Rock is a harsh desert environment, and it can kick the uninitiated in the tush. In fact there's 1,000 square miles of Black Rock Desert to explore, at the base of the Jackson Mountains to the east and the Calico Mountains to the west. The other Black Rockīut there's a whole other Black Rock beyond Burning Man's 9-mile perimeter fence. It's the perfect backdrop to showcase their sculptures, light things on fire and dance semi-clothed 'til the breaka breaka dawn without waking any neighbors. Every year since 1990, thousands of revelers descend on Black Rock for a weeklong festival of fire and art. 'For people who like to be alone, this is the place to do it,' he said.Įxcept for next week, when Burning Man cometh.