PlAYA HAZARDS

Come Prepared –This is a very remote region. There are no services in the NCA. Fuel, food and supplies are only available in Gerlach, Wadsworth, Nixon, Empire, Cedarville, Lovelock, and Winnemucca, often 50 or more miles away. Always travel with a full-size spare tire (at least 6-ply is recommended). High clearance and/or 4WD is recommended.

Don't get stuck. Call the Friends office before heading out, 775.557.2900.
If the playa appears hard packed and light in color, it is probably dry. As you explore, keep a watchful eye for color changes on the surface. The darker the surface, the more water in the lakebed. Do not drive in dark areas. While it might not seem so, moisture is often just below the surface, rendering it impassable.

If you do get stuck.
Don't spin your tires. You'll need to put something (wood, carpet, etc) under your tires, creating a walkway of sorts for your vehicle, inching along until you're back on dry surface. You may not be able to get out. Many times a tow truck is required. People have also died, getting stuck too far out with out enough provisions.

Water moves!
Unpredictable weather causes sheets of water to float and move on the playa during winter and spring. What is dry one day may be wet the next! Use caution if camping next to the water.

Beware of Playa Serpents. These small earthen ribbons are created as winds carry dust across the playa and begin to build small dunes. Hit one of these at a high rate of speed and you could be in serious trouble. Keep your eyes peeled. Items on the playa are often closer than they seem.

Dust Storms. If you get caught in a dust storm the best thing to do is to stay put until it passes. Do not attempt to drive in white-out conditions.

People -- experienced, knowledgeable people -- are getting stuck out there.

Stuck on the Playa Example: What Not To Do