Looking for something fun to add to your To-Do List?
Guided by our core tenets of conservation, education, and responsible recreation, we offer a wide array of both free and ticketed events, sure to quench the thirsts of all who visit the Black Rock Desert and surrounding public lands. Some of these events include:
Site-Stewardship and Voluntourism Opportunities
Guided Hikes
Cultural Heritage Tours
Educational Programs
Off-Road Guided Expeditions
E-Bike Tours and Rentals
Overnight Community Camp-Outs
**And if you’re unable to make the drive yourself, check out our Rideshare form to see what carpooling opportunities there might be.
Upcoming Events:
Fly Ranch Nature Walk (11/16)
Fall 2024 Fly Ranch Nature Walks
Experience the beauty of Fly Ranch and the Black Rock Desert region.
Friends of Black Rock-High Rock offers this roughly 3-hour Nature Walk in partnership with the Burning Man Project. Explore two distinct portions of the stunning 3,800-acre property. To the south, we will visit an area of the ranch where Burning Man art can be seen and you'll learn about the area and land use. To the north, we visit wetlands, see wildlife, and several geothermal wonders. There are three geysers on the property including the stunning Fly Geyser, a unique and iconic geothermal geyser that constantly sprays, depositing minerals, and enabling the growth of multi-colored algae on its surrounding natural terraces.
The walks are an immersive experience in a changing and dynamic environment. It is not uncommon to see wild horses, jackrabbits, coyotes and other wildlife.
Fly Ranch Nature Walk (11/9)
Fall 2024 Fly Ranch Nature Walks
Experience the beauty of Fly Ranch and the Black Rock Desert region.
Friends of Black Rock-High Rock offers this roughly 3-hour Nature Walk in partnership with the Burning Man Project. Explore two distinct portions of the stunning 3,800-acre property. To the south, we will visit an area of the ranch where Burning Man art can be seen and you'll learn about the area and land use. To the north, we visit wetlands, see wildlife, and several geothermal wonders. There are three geysers on the property including the stunning Fly Geyser, a unique and iconic geothermal geyser that constantly sprays, depositing minerals, and enabling the growth of multi-colored algae on its surrounding natural terraces.
The walks are an immersive experience in a changing and dynamic environment. It is not uncommon to see wild horses, jackrabbits, coyotes and other wildlife.
Fly Ranch Campout Event
Friends of Black Rock, in partnership with Fly Ranch, is excited to announce an exciting new opportunity to see Fly Geyser like never before: at night! Due to quite a bit of interest from nighttime and astro-photographers, as well as folks who would appreciate the cooler temperatures and the opportunity to camp overnight, we are offering up to 15 people the chance to do just that! Activities will include a golden-hour Nature Walk as the sun sets behind the Granite Mountains, a Dark-Sky presentation, ample time to take night-time photographs and timelapses, with camping available at nearby Hualapai Flat (the site of the 1997 Burning Man). Tickets are limited so act fast!
Mystery, Murder, and Misery Vehicle Tour
Join Friends of Black Rock, alongside a knowledgeable guide, for a riveting vehicle tour of the most mysterious and infamous regions in the Black Rock National Conservation Area. Points of interest include: the Black Rock Desert Playa, the Calico Mountain Wilderness, Double-Hot Hot Springs, the Lassen-Clapper Murder Site, Casey Springs, Black Rock Point, and learn all the grisly stories associated with them.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Site Stewardship Project: Little High Rock Hilton
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at the Little High Rock Hilton, en route to High Rock Canyon. We’ll be meeting up with some members of Rides With Friends, a community bike-packing group to assist in our cleanup efforts.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 10:00am on Sunday, April 21st. At 10:30, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll kick things off at 12:00pm and remain until the project wraps up around 3:00pm. Pack a lunch and stick around afterwards for an onsite meal at the “Hilton.”
Rides with Friends #3: Potholes and High Rocks
Come Ride Potholes and High Rocks October 5-6. This out and back route highlights some key spots on the Applegate Emigrant Trail in the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA). We will ride into the NCA's canyonlands and enter the mouth of Fly Canyon to explore the oddities of the Potholes. From there we will climb High Rock Canyon, take in its unmatched natural beauty, as well as check out such features as Post Office Cave and the Garage before exiting mid-canyon to Bernards Corrals to camp.
The next day we will retrace our path but join Friends of Black Rock High Rock at the mouth of Little High Rock Canyon for a clean-up stewardship project of this high impact area. We will be rewarded with snacks and a ton of information about the area. This ride is an ideal primer to Exploring the NCA's canyonlands by bike.
Nitty-Gritty: Meet at 10 am, Oct. 5 at the start of the ride, https://maps.app.goo.gl/WzpPMDQrc4xkAtsk8, this is 41 miles past Gerlach, about a 1 hour drive through beautiful country. Group Lead, Kurstin, will be on a mountain bike with 2.8" wide tires. The terrain through High Rock Canyon is challenging. And wet! Kurstin recommends sandals. Be prepared for water crossings. As a Crown Jewel Ride expect your head will be on a swivel. There will be constant opportunities for photos.
Ride will loop back to the beginning by 4 pm Sunday, Oct. 6.
Guided Hike ~ Old Razorback
Join Friends of Black Rock, alongside a certified interpretive guide, for a hike up and around iconic Old Razorback near Gerlach, NV. Learn about its history, geology, flora, fauna, and cultural significance. Participants will receive a free copy of Sagebrush to Sandstone: A Humanities Guide to Outdoor Nevada, published by Nevada Humanities.
To learn more, and to purchase tickets for this event, click here.
National Public Lands Day Campout
Join us the final weekend in September for our annual NPLD Campout event in Soldier Meadows. This annual event, in partnership with the BLM, USGS, and Friends of Nevada Wilderness will include an all-day Stewardship event, a community cook-out, and a panel of evening speakers, all against the backdrop of one of the region's most pristine sagebrush steppes and alkali meadows. Stewardship projects will include Desert Dace (fish) monitoring led by USGS, an on-going fence removal project, as well as some cabin and trail maintenance. Camping will commence Friday night, with an early start Saturday morning, followed by a relaxing Sunday with no projects or activities planned.
Site-Stewardship Project: 12 Mile Cove
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at 12-Mile Cove. This area has been revisited over several years by Friends of Black Rock in an attempt to restore a former dump-site, and we believe that after this outing, we can finally be finished!
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 9:00am on Sunday, September 15th. At 9:30, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll kick things off at 10:00am and remain until the project wraps up around 1:00pm. Pack some food and stick around afterwards to join staff and other volunteers for lunch!
Gems and Geology Vehicle-Assisted Tour
Join Friends of Black Rock, alongside an experienced overland guide for a 4x4 adventure through Black Rock Country. Points of Interest include Soldier Meadows Road, Hualapai Flats, Steamboat Rock, the Calico Mountains Wilderness, and the Black Rock Desert Playa. Enjoy some incredible views and good company while learning about the regions history, geology, and overlanding opportunites.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Site-Stewardship Project #6
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at yet to be determined location.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 9:00am on Sunday, August 11th. At 9:30, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll kick things off at 10:00am and remain until the project wraps up around 12:30pm. Stick around afterwards to join staff and other volunteers for lunch!
Annual Perseids Meteor Shower Campout
Join us under some truly dark skies for this spectacular celestial wonder!
This annual event (more than a decade in the making!) has evolved over the years into a celebration of our members in recognition of their vital contributions to our organization. It is in this spirit of gratitude that we offer a free member’s dinner and a whole host of other activities, including: telescope viewing, educational programs, a community bike-ride, and a group stewardship project.
Site-Stewardship Project #4
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a Black Rock Playa Restoration and Stewardship Event.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 9:00am on Sunday, July 28th. At 9:30, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll kick things off at 10:00am and remain until the project wraps up around 12:30pm. Pack a lunch and join us afterwards for a Labyrinth Walk at Fly Ranch beginning at 2pm!
Friends of Black Rock will provide water, gloves, tools, and know-how. Please bring additional water for yourself and sun-protective clothing and a hat.
Site-Stewardship Project #4
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at Soldier Meadows.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 7:00am on Sunday, July 14th. At 7:30, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll kick things off at 9:30am and remain until the project wraps up around 12:30pm. Pack some food and join us for lunch with a view!
Guided Hike ~ Black Rock Point
Join Friends of Black Rock, alongside a certified interpretive guide, for a hike up and around the iconic Black Rock, for which this region is named. Learn about its history, geology, flora, fauna, and cultural significance. Participants will receive a free copy of Sagebrush to Sandstone: A Humanities Guide to Outdoor Nevada, published by Nevada Humanities.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Reno Aces Fundraiser
Join Friends of Black Rock for our annual summer fundraiser, in partnership with the Reno Aces, for an afternoon of sunshine, strikeouts, fly balls, and $1 hot-dogs, all while helping to support your favorite non-profit and our 2024 conservation efforts. This event will take place during Father’s Day, so please feel free to bring your dear-old-dad along for the fun!
To purchase tickets, click here.
Site-Stewardship Project #3
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at yet to be determined location.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 9:30am on Sunday, June 16th. Shortly thereafter, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll remain until the project wraps up around 12:30pm. Stick around afterwards to join staff and other volunteers for lunch!
National Trails Day
Join us the weekend of June 1-2 in one of the most scenic (and well-shaded) regions of the Black Rock National Conservation Area for our annual National Trails Day campout and stewardship event.
Located at the iconic Stevens Campground, north of High-Rock Canyon, this is a unique opportunity to travel deep within the NCA, and to spend a weekend helping to improve our public lands, surrounded by natural beauty and our wonderful community of volunteers.
Black Rock Rendezvous
Join Friends of Black Rock, our partners at the BLM and Friends of Nevada Wilderness on the Black Rock Desert playa for our annual event featuring camping, restoration, exploration, celebration and education!
This is a Leave No Trace Camping Event. Come prepared. Bring all of your own food and water, and pack it out too.
Speakers. Learn from the experts in the region.
Tours. Explore the area with knowledgeable guides.
Volunteer restoration projects.
Rocket launches (not your hobby-store variety!)
Potluck and Dutch Oven Cook-Off
Getting to Know the Black Rock Playa ~ Biking with Friends
Join Friends of Black Rock, alongside a knowledgeable guide, for a community bike ride and exploration of the world-renowned Black Rock Desert Playa. Learn about its history, geology, flora, fauna, and cultural impact. Some of the sites we will visit include: The BLM Black Rock Field Station, Guru Road, the Granite Range Watershed, and the Black Rock Desert Playa itself.
Tour will consist of both biking and walking hiking, and will take roughly 3-4 hours, covering roughly 16 miles.
E-bikes available for rent at the Friends of Black Rock Visitor Center. Call 775-625-7848 to reserve one today.
To purchase tickets for this event, click here.
Site-Stewardship Project #2
Join Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for this rewarding opportunity to improve our public lands through a site-stewardship project at yet to be determined location.
We will start to gather at the FBRHR Visitor Center at 320 Main Street in Gerlach at 9:30am on Sunday, May 12th. Shortly thereafter, we will caravan together to the stewardship site, where we'll remain until the project wraps up around 12:30pm. Stick around afterwards to join staff and other volunteers for lunch!
Site-Stewardship Project #1
Meet at our Visitor Center in Gerlach beginning at 9:00am to gear up and learn about the day’s project before heading out on our stewardship adventure at 9:30am. This is an excellent opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful sites in Black Rock country in the company of a knowledgeable guide in small groups. Please bring food, water, sunscreen, sun-protective clothing and a hat. Project will last roughly 3 hours, ending around 12:30pm. Consider joining us for lunch at Bruno's following the project.
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Join us at Arlington Towers for our annal Volunteer Appreciation and Season Kick-Off. Enjoy some food an beverages on us and hear about all the exciting things we’ve got planned for 2024. This will also be your first chance to sign-up for our many conservation and site-stewardship projects, community events, and educational and recreational activities in our beloved Black Rock.
Perseid Meteor Shower Campout
The Black Rock Desert boasts some of the darkest skies in the nation and is the perfect backdrop for shooting stars. Join us on the playa and enjoy dark skies and dispersed camping for the best views of the Perseids anywhere.
Fly Ranch Nature Walks
Experience Fly Ranch while making a connection with the unique desert and geothermic landscape of Northwestern Nevada.