Gerlach, Nevada: Your Local Airport Hub in the High Desert
Nestled on the edge of the Black Rock Desert, Gerlach, Nevada, is a tiny community of roughly 200 residents that punches above its weight when it comes to aviation. The Gerlach airport (FAA identifier L99) serves as the primary airport in Gerlach and is the most convenient airport near Gerlach for pilots, tourists, and the seasonal influx of Burning Man participants. Located just 1 mile north of Main Street and a half‑mile east of U.S. Route 95, the field is a stone’s throw from the iconic desert landscape that defines the region.
Built in the 1960s and owned by the State of Nevada, Gerlach Airport spans 55 acres and features a single asphalt runway (14/32) that measures 4,000 feet long and 75 feet wide. The runway’s orientation aligns with the prevailing northwest‑southeast winds that sweep across the high desert, providing reliable take‑off and landing conditions for the majority of general‑aviation aircraft. The field is equipped with a rotating beacon, medium‑intensity runway lights, and a GPS‑based RNAV approach that allows pilots to land safely after dark or during low‑visibility conditions.
Because the airport is public‑use, there is no scheduled commercial service, but the facility is busy year‑round with private pilots, aerial survey crews, and charter operators. During the annual Burning Man event, the airport experiences a dramatic surge in traffic as artists, engineers, and visitors fly in from across the United States and abroad. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) coordinates temporary air traffic control services and additional parking aprons to accommodate the temporary increase, making Gerlach Airport the most logical closest airport to Gerlach for the festival.
Gerlach Airport Locations and Facilities
The airport’s main building sits at the southeast corner of the airfield, directly opposite the apron. Inside, travelers will find a modest pilot lounge with Wi‑Fi, a weather briefing station, and a small conference room that local businesses often use for flight‑planning meetings. Adjacent to the office is a self‑serve fuel station offering 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, operating 24 hours a day via an automated card system. The fuel pumps are positioned just 200 feet from the runway threshold, minimizing taxi time for arriving aircraft.
Runway and Navigation Details
Runway 14/32 is constructed of high‑grade asphalt and receives regular maintenance from the Nevada Division of Aeronautics. The runway’s pavement strength (PCN 45) accommodates single‑engine pistons, light twins, and turboprop aircraft up to 12,500 lb. A rotating beacon on the field’s northwest corner flashes a white‑green pattern, while runway edge lights are medium‑intensity (MIRL) and can be activated by pilot request on the CTAF frequency 122.8 MHz. The RNAV (GPS) approach to runway 14 provides vertical guidance down to 500 ft AGL, a valuable asset for pilots unfamiliar with the desert terrain.
How to Reach Airport in Gerlach
Travelers coming from the Gerlach town center simply head north on Main Street for 0.8 miles, then turn east onto Airport Road, a paved two‑lane road that leads straight to the runway. The drive takes roughly three minutes under normal conditions. For those arriving from the broader Great Basin region, the most common route is via U.S. Route 95 north from Elko (approximately 115 miles) or south from Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (about 150 miles). Both highways intersect with Nevada State Route 447, which provides the final 5‑mile stretch to Gerlach Airport.
Driving Directions from Main Street and U.S. Route 95
If you are staying in the historic Gerlach Smoke Shop district (located at the corner of Main Street and First Avenue), the airport is a short 2‑minute drive away. Follow Main Street north, cross the railroad tracks, and you will see the airport’s perimeter fence on your left. For drivers coming from the nearby town of Wabuska (15 miles west), take Highway 95 south to the junction with State Route 447, then turn east onto Airport Road. Signage is clear, and the road is well‑maintained year‑round, even during winter snowfall.
Airport Services in Gerlach
The Gerlach airport office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Mountain Time. Outside of regular hours, pilots can still access the self‑serve fuel pumps and the pilot lounge, which remains unlocked 24 hours a day. The office staff provides flight‑plan filing assistance, rental car referrals, and local weather briefings. For larger aircraft, the airport offers tie‑down spaces (approximately 30 spots) and two hangars that can be rented on a monthly basis. Hangar A, located on the west side of the field, houses the Nevada Department of Transportation’s maintenance crew, while Hangar B is available for private lease.
Fuel, Hangars, and Pilot Lounge Amenities
Fuel prices at Gerlach Airport are competitive with regional rates: 100LL avgas averages $5.45 per gallon, and Jet‑A is $4.95 per gallon as of the 2024 summer quarter. The pilot lounge includes a small kitchenette, a satellite TV, and a bulletin board that lists local events, desert weather alerts, and the schedule for the annual Burning Man air‑traffic coordination. Free high‑speed Wi‑Fi is available, making it easy for pilots to upload flight logs or check weather updates before departure.
Airport Office Hours, Phone Number, and Contact Details
For any inquiries, the Gerlach Airport office can be reached at (775) 382‑5310. The office is staffed by a certified airport manager who can assist with aircraft parking reservations, fuel vouchers, and coordination with local law‑enforcement for special events. The airport’s mailing address is 500 Airport Road, Gerlach, NV 89405. The facility also maintains an online portal where pilots can submit maintenance requests, view real‑time fuel availability, and download the latest airport diagram.
Nearest Airports for Larger Aircraft and Commercial Flights
While Gerlach Airport is ideal for general‑aviation traffic, pilots requiring larger runway lengths or scheduled airline service typically travel to Elko Regional Airport (EKO), located about 115 miles east via US‑95. Elko offers a 7,000‑foot runway, full‑service FBOs, and daily commercial flights to Salt Lake City and Denver. The nearest major hub is Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (RNO), roughly 150 miles west, providing extensive domestic and international connections. Both airports are considered the closest airport to Gerlach for passengers needing commercial airline service.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Washington Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Prosser, Washington.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Prosser, Washington.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Prosser, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Prosser, Washington.
Mcwhorter Ranch Airport
Prosser Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Gerlach Airport Services
What are the office hours for the airport in Gerlach, Nevada?
The Gerlach Airport office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time. Outside of these hours the self‑serve fuel pumps and pilot lounge remain accessible 24 hours a day, allowing pilots to refuel or rest without needing staff assistance.
Where is the airport office located relative to the Gerlach town center?
The airport office sits at the southeast corner of the airfield, about 1 mile north of Gerlach’s Main Street downtown area and roughly 0.5 mile east of U.S. Route 95. From the historic Gerlach Smoke Shop district, it is a two‑minute drive north on Main Street, then a right turn onto Airport Road.
How far is the closest major airport from Gerlach airport?
The nearest major commercial airport is Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (RNO), which is approximately 150 miles west of Gerlach Airport via US‑95 and State Route 447. For a regional option, Elko Regional Airport (EKO) lies about 115 miles east, offering a 7,000‑foot runway and daily airline service.
Which airport is the closest to the Black Rock Desert and Burning Man site?
Gerlach Airport is the closest airport to the Black Rock Desert and the annual Burning Man event. The field is situated just 2 miles north of the temporary city of Black Rock, making it the primary gateway for festival‑goers arriving by private aircraft.
What is the phone number for the Gerlach airport office?
All inquiries can be directed to the Gerlach Airport office at (775) 382‑5310. The staff can assist with fuel vouchers, parking reservations, and coordination for special events such as Burning Man.