These Photos Prove How Wild Burning Man Really Is
National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey went to Burning Man and all he brought back were these awesome photos.
Burning Man, an annual event in the desert of Nevada, describes itself as a "temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance." What started in 1986 as two friends burning an eight-foot statue on a San Francisco beach has grown, quite literally, into a statue as tall as 105 feet that is burned down at the end of each event around the summer solstice. Live through some amazing moments at Burning Man 2016 and get inspired to attend this year's event.
Buying Tickets
Options for purchasing tickets are detailed on the Burning Man website. Ticket prices vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. If you’re parking a vehicle, you’ll also need a vehicle pass.
Survival Essentials
Water! (Veterans say 1.5 gallons per person per day; we used about a gallon per person.) Enough easy-to-prepare-and-eat food for your entire stay. Sunscreen. Sanitary wipes. Hat. Headlamp. Dust mask. Goggles. More than one pair of sunglasses. LED lights. Festive attire. Gifts. Trash bags (leave no trace).
Getting There
Most Burners drive, but you can also arrive by bus, taxi, or plane (a temporary airport operates at Black Rock City during the event)—and every year at least a few people parachute in. The website has detailed information and directions. Traffic tip: Expect to wait in line many hours while entering and leaving the event. For a shorter queue, arrive a day or two after the opening or stay an extra day.
Camping Options
From pitching a tent to parking a luxury RV, attendees have a spectrum of options. We rented a camper van from JUCY and found it extremely comfortable and convenient, and comparatively affordable. (Note: The camper doesn’t have a toilet or shower.)
Burning Man Around the World
Events based on the Burning Man ethos and experience are now held throughout the U.S. and around the world, including Australia, Austria, France, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ukraine.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico