What Is the Rainbow Geyser That Was Created by Accident in Nevada?

Nevada’s Fly Geyser is a multicolored thermal geyser that was accidentally created in 1964 when workers improperly sealed a geothermal well, causing superheated water to erupt continuously for over 60 years. This man-made geological wonder continues growing taller and wider while hosting vibrant heat-loving microorganisms that paint its surface in brilliant reds, oranges, and greens.

The Accidental Creation of Fly Geyser

In 1964, workers were drilling a well in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, searching for water to support local agriculture. Instead of finding a simple water source, they struck a geothermal pocket containing superheated water at nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When the drilling operation concluded, the well was improperly sealed—a seemingly minor oversight that would create one of the most unique geological features in North America.

The faulty seal allowed pressurized geothermal water to escape continuously, shooting scalding water and steam into the desert air. Unlike natural geysers that erupt intermittently, Fly Geyser has maintained constant eruption for over six decades, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without interruption.

How the Geyser Continues Growing

The continuous flow of mineral-rich geothermal water has gradually built impressive calcium carbonate terraces around the eruption site. These mineral deposits accumulate slowly but steadily, causing the geyser’s distinctive cone-shaped formations to grow taller and wider each year. The structure now stands several feet high, with multiple vents creating a complex landscape of mineral terraces and pools.

This ongoing growth process demonstrates how geological features can develop rapidly when the right conditions persist. What would typically take thousands of years through natural processes has been compressed into decades through continuous geothermal activity.

The Living Rainbow Colors

Fly Geyser’s most striking feature isn’t its constant eruption, but its brilliant rainbow coloration. The vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens aren’t created by minerals alone—they’re produced by thermophilic algae and bacteria that thrive in the extreme heat of the geothermal water.

These heat-loving microorganisms, known as thermophiles, have adapted to survive in temperatures that would kill most life forms. They form colorful biofilms across the geyser’s surface, creating an ever-changing palette of colors that shift with seasonal variations in temperature, water chemistry, and microbial populations.

From Private Land to Public Access

For over 50 years, Fly Geyser remained largely hidden from public view on private ranch land. The property owners restricted access, making the geyser one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets. Only occasional photographs from trespassing photographers revealed its existence to the wider world.

In 2016, the Burning Man organization purchased the entire 3,800-acre property for $6.5 million, including the geyser and surrounding geothermal features. This acquisition was part of Burning Man’s long-term vision to create a permanent home for their annual festival and preserve unique Nevada landscapes.

The organization eventually opened limited guided tours, allowing small groups to visit this accidental wonder while protecting the fragile ecosystem that has developed around it.