Launch Site - Black Rock Desert, Nevada

Utah Rocket Club's - Black Rock Launch (UR NUTS!) generally takes place in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, in the latter half of September.  You can fly your projects up to 100 thousand feet (higher with pre-approved paperwork). 

There will be a porta potty on site but water will not be available. You need to bring your own.

Camping at the launch site is allowed. The only accommodations are located in Gerlach, Nevada and may have limited availability (call soon).

Everyone coming will be expected to help set up, tear down, and run the launch. This will be a small launch, limited to a total of 50 people.

Directions to the Launch Site

Please note: Exact directions and location change from year to year. Make sure to confirm the directions prior to heading out to the site.

Empire boasts the sole store in the immediate vicinity, making it your go-to destination for "supplies." However, we recommend bringing your own essentials from home or sourcing them in the more budget-friendly Reno/Fernley area. The nearest neighboring towns to Gerlach are Wadsworth, approximately 77 miles away, and Fernley, a bit further down the road. Fallon is a tad more distant, and Fernley now boasts a Walmart, as well as various other prominent retailers and fast-food establishments. For those seeking a comprehensive shopping experience, Reno, approximately 120 miles away, offers an array of options to fulfill your every need.

At the entrance to Gerlach, there is a gas station, and a mechanic is typically available for service. Additionally, the Empire Store in Empire provides a nearby gas pump, conveniently operated by the store's cashier.

If you require guidance on accessing the Lake Bed, Bruno's is the place to inquire. For newcomers to Black Rock, it is imperative not to forge your own paths. Furthermore, if you're new to Black Rock, exercising caution is crucial—avoid venturing onto the Playa alone during nighttime hours.

The directions below assume you first get to Gerlach NV, USA.


(A) *Gerlach NV - 40 39.127'N 119 21.363'W

Use Google maps of other navigation to get here first. After this use NV country road 34 to get to the 12 mile Playa entrance.

(B) *12 MI Entrance - 40 46.334'N 119 15.756'W

This is the best entrance to use to get to the site. Drive straight in and to the NE. There is a bumpy intersection that goes to the Burning Man site, do NOT turn right!  The speed limit is 20 MPH for safety to the Burning Man cleanup crew and to keep the dust down. The road will go about 1 mile in and start a gentle bend to the NNE. This takes us to the next way-point 1.4mi in.


(C) *West Road Bend - 40 47.108'N 119 14.524'W

This is the center of the bend more to the NNE. After this it will straighten out and you drive up to the next point 3.5 mi NE.


(D) *Turn East to launch site - 40 49.572'N 119 12.167'W

*This is supposed to be at the location where the double pylon marker is in the road, and the tire. At this point we drive about to the NE 4.4 miles directly to the launch site.


(E) We will be launching at the same coordinates as last year.
40.8677530, -119.1147140  OR
40°50'03.911"N, 119°6'52.97"W