Are Nevada's small desert towns ready for Burning Man's population to hit 100,000?

'It is overwhelming'

The town of Gerlach has a saying: Is it October yet?

Gerlach, population 110 give or take, is the last stop before 80,000 people get to the Black Rock Desert each year in the months leading up to Burning Man, the notorious arts celebration held each year over Labor Day weekend.

During the off-season, the few businesses in town — a gas station, diner, motel and coffee shop/bar — cater to ranchers, rocketeers, hunters and truckers passing through.

But during Burning Man season, the town is abuzz with Burners. They start arriving before July. By the end of September, almost all of them are gone.

Read more:" https://www.rgj.com/story/life/arts/burning-man/2018/08/01/nevadas-small-desert-towns-ready-burning-man-hit-100-000/801482002/


Black Rock Desert's design was that of Rod Garrett, whose initial design was somewhat different when first applied in 1997.
(Photo: scott sady, Scott Sady/RGJ)