Driving on the Playa

Home Up Photos From the Guide Driving on the Playa Guide Updates

Is it safe (dry enough) to drive on the playa?

Check the Black Rock/High Rock Info Net web site for latest conditions reports.

You can use color as one indicator to determine when it is dry enough to drive on the playa. A light tan color indicates that the playa is dry and safe. Dark brown (sometimes a reddish brown) indicates that it is wet. Mottled brown and white is usually wet, but can be soft. In addition to color, always use the "feel" of the playa to indicate whether it is dry enough to drive on, and, if you have any doubt, get out of your vehicle and test it. For more information, refer to the "Driving on the Playa" section of Chuck Dodd's Guide to Getting Around in the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon. (Several of the photos shown here are not in the guide.)

Use color as one indicator to determine when it is dry enough to drive on the playa.

 

Dry

 

Wet

Click on a photo (below) to see it larger, with a description of what it means for safety on the playa.

 
 

Safe

 

Not Safe

 

On a Dry Playa

At the Edge of the Playa

Dark Brown Playa

Wet Area on Playa

Playa Color Variations

Deep Tracks on Playa

More Deep Tracks on Playa

Chuck Dodd Stuck on Playa

(photo not available)