Visiting the Black Rock City Temple safely and respectfully
The Temple is a gift to the Black Rock City community. From the moment the Temple opens to receive visitors, the Temple Guardians serve to hold its sacred space and maintain an environment that allows equal access for everyone to have the experience and expression that they need while keeping the participants who visit it safe. As the Temple belongs to all, it is asked that we accommodate not only each other when visiting, but also show respectful consideration of the structure itself, the land upon which it is built, and the indigenous inhabitants who walked this earth for thousands of years. Being mindful of how human remains are placed at the Temple (more on that below) and noting that it closes at dawn on Sunday to prepare for the Burn is appreciated.
Human remains at the Temple
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has requested participants refrain from leaving cremated human remains in the Temple. Visitors are welcome to honor loved ones with tributes and memorials, or bring ashes temporarily into the Temple space, so long as they are removed before dawn on Sunday in preparation for the burn. As inhabitants and caretakers of this land for thousands of years, the Paiute believe that leaving human remains on the playa adversely affects the living spirits within the Lake and Black Rock Desert. Out of respect for Paiute traditions and beliefs, please consider our native community’s wishes and use alternative ways to pay tribute.
Sunday pre-burn closing hours
The Temple will stop receiving visitors at sunrise on the Sunday before Labor Day to safely secure the perimeter. Temple Guardian Offering Carriers will be on hand to place offerings on behalf of those who may need assistance after the Temple has closed. Please ask any Guardian standing at the perimeter to direct you. You are still welcome to view the Temple from beyond the perimeter during this time.
The Temple burn is scheduled at approximately 8pm PT that evening.
Gentle reminders
PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be mindful that offerings are personal. Most participants prefer to not have their tributes photographed or themselves photographed in a vulnerable moment. You must ask for consent before documenting someone else’s experience in the Temple, and are highly discouraged from photographing offerings.
CLIMBING: Unlike much of the art on the playa, the Temple is uniquely NOT meant for climbing. It is structurally built to support offerings during the week, but equally constructed for its deliberate safe collapse. Do not climb!
NO FIRE: We don’t want the Temple burning before its time. Please refrain from smoking, smudging, or placing candles or incense inside the Temple or within the perimeter. This will help ensure the Temple, its participants, and their offerings remain safe through Sunday’s burn.
TEMPLE GUARDIANS: Guardians are stationed on-site 24/7 to support and assist. Do not hesitate to seek them out if you are in need.
Thank you for your respect and mindfulness. Learn more about the Temple Guardians and how to volunteer here.