The Fly Geyser, situated in Washoe County, Nevada, is a hidden gem that few tourists know about. Standing at over 3.5m tall, this geyser is located near the edge of Fly Reservoir lake. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a completely natural occurrence. In fact, there are two geysers on the land. The first one was born in 1916 after a private farm owner drilled a well in an attempt to turn the desert into fertile grassland. Unfortunately, he hit a geothermal pocket of water, resulting in the formation of the geyser.
Back in 1964, a company that specialized in geothermal energy was conducting a drill test when they stumbled upon a geothermal geyser. This particular geyser boiled at a temperature of approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and began spewing hot water onto the surface of the well shortly after being discovered. As a result of the geothermal heat, the geyser erupted to a height of 1.5m.
The enchanting hue of the fountain is a result of the interaction between minerals, hot gases, and thermophilic algae that thrive in warm and damp environments. Anyone who lays their eyes on this spectacle may feel as though they have stepped onto the set of a science fiction film, perhaps even on Mars. The Fly Geyser continually grows due to the steady inflow of minerals and hot gas. Surprisingly, it has even established its own ecosystem, with various birds and fish species residing beneath its surface.
When you turn on the faucet, some pretty amazing things happen. The minerals in the water come spouting out, forming a mound that’s truly one-of-a-kind. This special mound stands tall at around 10 to 12 feet, boasting an array of vibrant greens and reds. But that’s not all – inside, you’ll find a type of quartz that grows faster than any other geyser around! Typically, it takes geysers about 10,000 years before they start growing quartz, but not this baby. It’s what makes Fly Geyser so enchanting and magical.
The Fly Geyser can be found within a privately-owned grassland called Fly Ranch, enclosed by a fence and accessible only through a narrow dirt road leading to the underground mound. With its unique appearance, the Fly Geyser has been a popular destination for photographers from all corners of the globe, offering endless inspiration for creating stunning photographs. Visitors who come to this location will feel like they’ve stumbled upon a surreal Martian landscape. Every year, numerous tourists flock to this place to explore and discover its beauty.
