Built by DeWayne “Doobie” Williams between 1978 and 1992—the last 15 years of his life—Guru Road (also known as Wonder Road and Doobie Lane) is a mile-long dirt road two miles north of Gerlach that contains a variety of quirky folk art and catchy sayings carved into rocks. This road was, indeed, a labor of love and following Williams’ death, many locals sought to continue his work. Take a look at this truly unusual Nevada mile-long dirt road:
A street sign simply announces the entrance to this truly unique road that is passable with a normal motor vehicle.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Guru Road overlooks the extreme southern portion of the Black Rock Desert playa and is accessible year-round.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Guru Road began when Doobie Williams was exploring in High Rock Canyon with his dogs and saw the petroglyphs left by early Native Americans in the area. He was then inspired to create his own “petroglyphs” of witticisms and words of wisdom carved into the rocks.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Much of Guru Road is lined by rocks engraved with the names of local people or some folksy sayings or other grass roots wisdom. Many people en route to the Burning Man festival take a short detour to drive down this amazing stretch of road.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Several larger “art” installations are found as you travel down the road. Among them are Ground Zero, Elvis, Trickle Down Art Show, Big Medicine Tipi, TV Station, and more.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
About halfway down the road is a mailbox where visitors can sign a guest register and leave comments.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Some of these installations are so large, that you’ll want to get out of your car and take a closer look.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
This tribute to Elvis is among the highlights of this unique thoroughfare.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
The Guru Road weather station provides up-to-the-minute local weather with a unique twist, of course.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
When “the Guru of Gerlach” Doobie died in 1996, many people tried to continue his efforts, bringing their own rocks and other art onto the road.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Interestingly, nothing has ever been stolen from Guru Road.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
In 2005, a serious thunderstorm caused massive granite landslides, and many of the installations were damaged and lost forever. Several people took this as a sign from Doobie to stop adding to the road.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Guru Road is located just north of Gerlach on Highway 34. In fact, it is actually the old Route 34 before the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) put in a new paved road. You’ll find this mile-long dirt road on the left side of the street. It is accessible year-round.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Have you visited Guru Road. What are your thoughts? Please share below.
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