Explore Neon Art from Downtown Reno to the Black Rock Desert

A team who shines together stays together. With a little inspiration from a neon artist who shared the story of electric art, these three friends decided to take the creative process into their own hands. What better way to light up the night than art making in the Biggest Little City. Take a walk downtown after the sun goes down and it won’t take long to find neon treasures around every corner, from the twinkly lights of the Reno Arch and casinos to the larger-than-life art installations along Reno’s Neon Line, the night comes to life in Reno Tahoe.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, those looking for some quiet and wide-open spaces can venture into the Black Rock Desert. This 1,000-square-mile desert is just a few hours north of Reno, and trust us when we say both the journey and the destination are worth the drive. Each year during Burning Man, thousands of people come together to form Black Rock City, giving this stretch of road the nickname Burner Byway. The Black Rock Desert is open for exploration the rest of the year as well, inviting those with adventurous spirits to take advantage of the magic of its vast expanses. Between the miles of the playa and the unbelievable expanse of dark night skies, you’ll truly feel like you’re on another planet.

If you choose to answer the call of the desert, make sure you are prepared before putting it in drive and following the GPS to the wild beyond. The Black Rock Desert is remote with little to no cell service and it isn’t recommended that you drive onto the playa if it’s muddy (you’ll thank us for saving you a serious tow truck bill!). Its remoteness is part of the beauty so take it all in – the sunsets, wild horses, hidden hot springs and dark night skies.

In the heart of the Black Rock Desert lies the man-made marvel – Fly Geyser. Depending on the time of year and time of day, Fly Geyser reveals a rainbow of colors that pop against the desert landscape. Plan ahead and schedule a Fly Geyser Nature Walk with Friends of Black Rock High Rock to get a closer view.

The colors and dramatic size of Fly Geyser were an inspiration for these friends who used the geyser, desert and dark skies as a canvas for colorful light art. Whether you’re interested in creating a masterpiece with light or just want to take in the vastness of the Milky Way, Fly Geyser and the surrounding desert are the perfect destinations.

Embrace your inner child as you explore the desert’s open spaces. You can sing, dance and create, with no end in sight. Take it from the Burners, this is a judgment-free place where you’re allowed to play your own way. Don’t forget to capture your desert memories on camera. After all, this is a place that needs to be seen to be believed. So go ahead, play how you want on this nearly-endless playa, and let your creative juices flow!

When the sun goes down, it’s your chance to create art that shines almost as bright as the stars themselves. Practice your star gazing or try your hand at some astrophotography. Whatever you do, let the desert sky inspire you. The night is yours for the taking.

The desert is full of hidden gems. Gaze upon majestic wild horses, dip your toes in a natural hot spring, or take a drive at sunset to soak in the view. You might just be surprised by all the unexpected beauty the playa had to offer.

Next time you’re craving an escape, either to tap into your artistic side, re-energize, or reconnect with yourself and nature, Reno Tahoe has the perfect itinerary to check it all off your list.