Gerlach, named after a German immigrant who lived in the area during the RR expansion, is located strategically between the Smoke Creek Desert and the Black Rock Desert. It is most known for the yearly Art Festival held each Labor Day Weekend, Burning Man. Gerlach is still the old west with a water tower, a cafe, a post office and several watering holes. True to it's slogan, it is WHERE THE PAVEMENT ENDS AND THE WEST BEGINS. Gerlach has been the starting point for Nevadans using the remote outback for generations. Closeby there are several hot springs the best of which is the Fly Geyser a man made result of drilling in the 1950's. This man caused, but natural, phenomenon is unique and has been featured in National Geographic and many other photo journals. Opal mining is available to visitors by the day if you are the rock hounding type. A drive in any direction can be interrupted by sighting deer, mtn. sheep, antelope, mustangs, cougar or a coyote. Photographers have an endless supply of opportunity as do off-road riders, horsemen and hunters. Chukar and quail abound in the nearby drainages as do all big game. Nevada hunting starts in the fall with archery and black powder. Then, around mid-october the rest of the season is on until the closure in January. January is the loneliest time of year, but also the best time to visit the area. Many animals are close to the roads and easier to get a close-up view.