The Fly Geyser, situated approximately 32 km north of Gerlach in Washoe County, Nevada, is an offbeat attraction that not many tourists are familiar with. It stands tall at over 3.5m near the edge of the Fly Reservoir lake. However, it is not entirely a natural occurrence as there are two geysers on the land. The first one came into being in 1916 when the owner of a private farm drilled a well with the intention of turning the desert into fertile grassland. Unknowingly, he hit upon a geothermal pocket of water that gave rise to the geyser.
In 1964, during a geothermal energy company’s test drilling at the location, they stumbled upon a geothermal geyser that reached temperatures of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, hot water started to burst out from the well’s surface. The intense heat generated by the geothermal activity caused the geyser to shoot water up to a height of 1.5 meters.
The enchanting hues of the Fly Geyser are a result of a unique combination of minerals, hot gases, and thermophilic algae that thrive in hot and humid environments. A mere glimpse of this natural wonder transports one to a surreal world akin to a sci-fi movie set on Mars. The Fly Geyser’s continuous expansion is attributed to the regular supply of minerals and hot gas. Interestingly, an ecosystem has developed underneath the geyser, housing various bird and fish species.
As the water flows from the faucet, it carries along an array of minerals that eventually give birth to a unique and magnificent mound. This mound stands tall at 10-12 feet (approximately 2m) and boasts an exquisite blend of green and red hues that are sure to mesmerize onlookers. Interestingly, the inside of the mound is also home to quartz, which is growing at an extraordinary rate compared to other geysers. Typically, quartz growth in geysers begins after about 10,000 years, but the Fly Geyser defies all odds and continues to enchant visitors with its captivating beauty.
Nestled within a secured space on the Fly Ranch grassland lies the captivating Fly Geyser. Accessible only by a narrow, unpaved road, this subterranean mound has become a favorite subject for photographers worldwide. A visit to this location is like stepping into an otherworldly landscape reminiscent of the red planet, Mars. It comes as no surprise that tourists flock to this destination every year to marvel and discover its wonders.
