This ancient lakebed stretches for miles in every direction, a flat expanse of cracked alkaline clay that feels like another planet. The playa is famous as the home of Burning Man, but most of the year it’s empty desert where you can drive for miles without seeing another soul. The surface is hard-packed when dry, creating natural racetracks where land speed records are still set today.
Access is via several dirt roads from Highway 34 or Gerlach. Avoid the playa when wet — the clay becomes impassable mud that will strand you for days. Bring eye protection for the alkali dust and plenty of water. No facilities, no shade, just you and the biggest piece of flat earth in North America.
Ancient lakebed where land speed dreams come true
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 325 El Tren Street, Gerlach, Nevada 89412 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Gerlach, Nevada |
| Miles from pavement | 12.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 0 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 0 nights |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |