Gerlach and Empire
Two things to know about Gerlach and Empire, neighbors to Black Rock City and stewards of the Black Rock Desert:
First – you really should have gotten everything you need before you get here, including gas. But you still have some options – gas, food, booze and other supplies – your last chance in case you do absolutely need anything (scroll down further for the resources available.)
Second – the other thing to know is that Gerlach and Empire are small, somewhat dispersed communities – amid one of the most beautiful, sublime, and dangerous environments on the planet – with their own, unique customs and manners. Burners are generally welcome, but don’t take anything for granted. Be respectful and courteous.
History
Gerlach was established by the Western Pacific Railroad as late as 1905, but the town’s historical significance is much older. For centuries early humans settled here, as it was plentiful with spring water, food, and natural shelter. Triangle-shaped Black Rock Mountain has since served as a compass point for pioneers en route to Oregon and California’s gold country, and you can still find the names of many emigrants carved into High Rock Canyon as testimony to their ordeals.
Empire was established with the founding of the gypsum mine in 1923, and U.S. Gypsum had generally owned and supported the town off-and-on since 1946. 90% of the drywall produced in the United States came from materials mined here.
The railroad and tourism provide economic activity to the towns year-round, but the economic impact of Burning Man has been enormous for both towns.
Other Important Info
– There are no medical services in Gerlach/Empire. Call 911 for any emergency.
– Drive the speed limit 25mph.
– Respect the locals and their property at all times.
– Keep your clothes on (no nudity).
– Leave No Trace. Check out the trash and recycling section for the only authorized locations to dispose of your waste, and plan accordingly.
– The road through Gerlach, Empire and beyond is one-lane. If traffic’s backed up, don’t try to bypass it by veering into the other lane.
– Unless you’re a paying customer at any of the businesses, keep moving through, as the towns are not catered for mass crowds.
– There’s no camping, RV park, or extended-parking anywhere in Gerlach or Empire. And obey the “No Parking” signs.
– No loitering.
– No hitch-hiking.
– Most all hot springs in the area are closed in August and September. Respect the closures. If you’re interested in visiting them the rest of the year, visit the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for more info (see below).
– Don’t bring your pets here, let alone the playa(!) There’s no boarding services.
– Check out Gerlach Weather for the most reliable weather data for the area.
– Take a look through the Gerlach Webcam.
– Tune into KFBR at 91.5 FM.
Grocery and Water
Empire Country Market
Mile Marker 69 State Route 447 – 775-557-2145 – map
Open 9am-6pm. Call ahead for possible extended hours. Owned and operated by long-time Burners, they are very supportive of the community. Treat them well. Cash only, but ATM is available. Call or email [email protected] ASAP to pre-order ice. One of the last places to get gas. You can get some sandwiches and other food, water, ice, liquor, sodas, coffee, smokes, toiletries, camping knick-knacs such as hats, clothing, glasses, goggles, dust masks, batteries, and tarps, as well as some auto supplies. You can also find Burning Man calendars and posters, as well as books and films on Burning Man.
Gerlach Shriners Water Sales
330 Short Drive – 775-557-2601 – map -(Gerlach)
Open 9am-5pm 8/16-18 and 8/26-8/30, or by appt at night. Open 24 hours 8/19-26. The Gerlach GID (the local governing body of Gerlach) will be selling potable water to fill up RVs and water tanks of any size, with the funds going to support the Shriners outreach efforts. Look out for directional signs just as you enter town on Main Street. Rates are 60 cents per gallon. Cash and credit card.
Black Rock Rentals
69 N Highway 447 – 775-335-6001 – map
Open 8/28-9/11. Located in Empire across from Black Rock Mini Storage. Fill your water containers and RV, as well as dispose of your RV’s greywater and trash.
Way Out Here Water
Dry Gulch Road – 775-224-3884 – map
35 miles north of Gerlach, 49 miles south of Cedarville, on Hwy 447 between mile markers 107 and 108. Turn south on Dry Gulch Road. Follow the dirt road for 0.6 miles, go through the dry gulch, continue 0.1 miles to the green gate on the left. Filtered artesian water to fill up your tanks, barrels and drums.
Meco Water
Look for signs on Main Street as you enter Gerlach.
Filling your containers 5-gallon and up at $.50/gallon. RV’s at $50 flat cost.
Restaurants
Bruno’s Country Club, Bar & Restaurant
445 Main Street – 775-557-2220 – map
World-famous Bruno’s is one of the most hospitable and memorable establishments on the planet. Enjoy large menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in the restaurant with the warmest of service, as well as drinks in the bar next door with service and, both locals and travelers, that makes you feel right at home.
High Rock Pizza
405 Main Street – 775-561-4147 – map
Located next to the old Oasis Motel. Open 11am until 9pm from Wed. 8/24 until Tue. 9/06, although later hours during peak Burner migration times. Owned and operated by long-time Burners, get some of the best pizza on the planet before, during, or after the playa. Offering a wide variety of pizza pies, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as salads and beverages.
Gas, Auto Repairs, and Towing
Bruno’s Shell
600 Main Street – 775-557-2272 – map
Open 9am-5pm. Credit/debit-card pump service available 24/7. Last place to get gas. Also general auto repairs and tow service.
Pioneer Auto Body Towing
260 North Court Street (Alturas) – 530-233-4492 – map
Offering 24 hour light-duty towing, lockout, flat tire, jump-start, and fuel delivery service in Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, including up to the Burning Man event.
Bars
Miner’s Club
415 Main Street – 775-557-2389 – map
Joe’s Gerlach Club
375 Main Street – 775-557-2260 – map
Bruno’s Country Club, Bar & Restaurant
445 Main Street – 775-557-2220 – map
Greywater / Trash Disposal
Black Rock Rentals
69 N Highway 447 – 775-335-6001 – map
Open 8/28-9/11. Offering greywater as well as trash disposal.
Iveson Ranch
2001 County Rd 34 – map
23 miles north of Gerlach on State Route 34. Greywater dumping at appr. $50/RV by reserved appointment only. Also a hotel and camping spot, base to further explore the area, and art car support area.
Camping and RV Park, and Storage
Iveson Ranch
2001 County Rd 34 – map
23 miles north of Gerlach on State Route 34. A hotel, RV park and camping area in a stunning spot, base to further explore the area. Also offers storage and support for mutant vehicles, as well as greywater dumping at appr. $50/RV.
Other Random Curiosities
Friends of Black Rock-High Rock
320 Main Street – 775-557-2900 – map
Open Fri-Tue 8am-5pm. The Friends is the leader in stewardship, education, and conservation of the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trail National Conservation Area. Check out the website or visit the office to learn more about the amazing region and all the many things the Friends are doing in support of it, including Leave No Trace, and you can go here if you are interested in volunteering for Friends stewardship projects during the summer or year-round. You can also acquire many unique and memorable gifts from the region, as well as supplies for the playa (goggles, hats, clothing, camelbacks) at the gift store. And be sure and check out their radio station at 91.5 on the FM dial!
Fly Ranch Project
The Fly Ranch Project is an opportunity to explore the potential of the Burning Man community year-round when Black Rock City is gone. Check out the website for its history and vision and projects afoot. Additionally, nature walks are available most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – sign up and more info here.
Planet X Pottery
8100 Highway 447 – 775-442-1919 – map
Open 9am-4pm, but call ahead to be sure of hours. Located approximately 10 miles northwest of Gerlach on Highway 447, Planet X is one of the most memorable spots in space and time. Enjoy and purchase from a very wide selection of truly unique and beautiful pottery pieces, set in even more off-the-grid galleries entirely run on solar, propane, and wind energy, all on a property as if beyond reality as you’ve known it.