Watch: Burners explain what brings them to Burning Man
We asked the Burners what brings them to the desert of northwest Nevada. Their answers will make you wish you were there.
As the annual Burning Man festival officially comes to a close on Labor Day, people are looking for a way out of the pop-up city in the Black Rock Desert, 100 miles east of Reno. Some are leaving the city the same way they came in — without a ride.
Pershing County Sheriff’s Sergeant Nathan Carmichael said there has been a steady exodus of people leaving the beach since Friday.
“A lot of people leave early to avoid traffic,” Carmichael said.
More: Reno grandmother caught in raid faces fines for offering rides to Burning Man
Since Monday morning, he said, there has been a steady flow of traffic and no congestion or concerns.
According to Carmichael, many rely on the Burning Man mantra, “The beach provides a way home.”
Carmichael said every year there are people who wait until the last day to arrange a ride home.
“These are usually the same people who arranged a ride here,” he said, adding that many Burners are willing to help others get home.
“But what surprises me every year is how much people are willing to risk their safety to get a ride,” he said, adding that accepting or giving a ride from strangers can lead to dangerous situations.
The Burning Man Express shuttle bus was sold out for all of its routes, according to the Burning Man website. As of Monday morning, a few seats remained on eight charter planes departing from Burning Man Airport and landing in Reno, at a cost of $776 per seat.
Rideshares are being sought on social media, and more than one person wants to come to Texas:
“WCould someone leaving Burning Man after Exodus take me to Tyler, Texas?“
“Just me and two bags. On the way to Denver. Anyone?“
“Hi everyone, my wonderful friend is stranded on the Playa with her car and is trying to find a way back to LA. Can anyone help her who hasn’t left the Playa yet? She has very little stuff (1 box, tent and backpack).“
“In Fernley at the Flying J and would like to go to Reno“
“Hi! A friend from Switzerland missed his ride to LAX and is stuck in Reno. Can anyone offer a ride from Reno to LAX? He has to catch a flight back to Zurich tomorrow evening at 9pm. Thanks“
