Your last supply run before the playa.

Plan roughly 1.5 gallons of water per person per day, plus extra for cleaning and cooking — it's the single heaviest and most important thing you carry. Fill your tank in Reno or Fernley; Gerlach is the last fuel, but it's pricier and can run long lines during arrival week. Once you pass Gerlach onto the Gate road, treat it as the point of no return: there is no store, no gas, and no cell service to fall back on.

Highway 447 crosses the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation — obey posted speed limits, stay on the highway, and don't stop to explore private or tribal land.

During the Monday-to-Wednesday arrival peak, the entry queue can stretch from two to six or more hours. Arriving very early (Sunday) or later in the week (Thursday onward) usually means a shorter wait. Whatever your timing, roll up with a full tank, plenty of water, snacks, and shade — the queue itself is part of the desert, sun and dust included.

Driving in over the Sierra? The Plan Your Visit page has full drive times and live road-status links for Interstate 80, the Mt. Rose Highway, and the Bay Area corridor.