It Takes Teamwork To Survive Exodus
What Even Is Exodus?
While there are many ways to get to Burning Man, most people arrive in a vehicle of some sort. This means that as the burn comes to a close, nearly 80,000 humans in more than 33,000 vehicles are trying to exit Black Rock City. The two-lane road and two small towns within fifteen miles of the event site limit the amount of vehicles that can flow towards I-80, resulting in what is essentially a massive, slow-moving, extraordinarily hot traffic jam.
What The Burning Man Project Does to Streamline Exodus
Pulsing: The Exodus teams use a strategy called Pulsing to move as many vehicles as conditions allow. This means that vehicles stop and turn off their engines for a set period, then all move together at regular intervals, making the experience more enjoyable for drivers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Exodus Team: Staffing operations is always a challenge - its a grueling job with little shade, cranky drivers, and long hours. In my experience working for Burning Man, it has been clear that most departments are understaffed and everyone is doing their best. Be patient, listen to instructions, and consider volunteering to help things run more smoothly.
F-Lot: In 2023, Exodus Team transformed the long-existing “Reunification Station” into a safe destination for problem-solving: impaired vehicles, sleepy drivers, lost passengers, wobbly bike racks, and more. Parkin in F-lot is the best way to safely leave the lanes and address these issues without jeopardizing the rest of Exodus. Enter F-Lot on the right side of all the lanes, before you enter the gravel road. There will be staff available to help you, as well as lights and portos.
What You Can Do to Make Exodus Better
Stand Out: Try to leave at a different time than others so there are fewer cars on the road. Already had your fill and eager to get off Playa? Consider leaving before the man burns. Have some extra time? Take your time helping take down your theme camp, or consider staying late to help with Resto, where DPW’s Playa Restoration Team works to return the Black Rock Desert to its previous condition. By staying late or leaving early, you may be able to avoid heavy traffic altogether.
Stay Informed: BMIR (Burning Man Information Radio) announces information that will affect your drive on the Gate Advisory Radio Station (GARS) on 95.1FM. This station gives wait times, weather conditions and other information that help you determine the best time to leave your camp. Having a radio on you is always a good idea, both for use during and after the burn.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Poorly functioning vehicles are a serious impediment to the flow of the line, an issue made worse by extreme heat and long wait times. This includes vehicles that break down, move very slowly, or need to make an immediate stop in Gerlach or Empire instead of continuing down I-80. If you don't trust your vehicle to get your safely in and out of Black Rock City, consider carpooling or taking the Burner Bus.
It's also important to bring extra fuel, especially if you're going to be towing something. This will help avoid running out during Exodus or needing to stop and fuel up at the closest gas station. There will likely be a massive wait in Gerlach (which has a single tiny gas station) once you get to town.
Get Back on Track: Driving outside the boundary of Gate Road is very unsafe, as it is easy to get lost or stuck. Especially during whiteouts, its important to either stay put or follow visible signage. Driving off track will not get you back any faster - instead, everyone will slow down while staff take time to shepherd these drivers back in line. You may also get a ticket, as BLM and other law enforcement are out there watching for those who violate the rules.
Be in control: Exodus will require you to be awake and alert for several hours. It's helpful to get a good night’s sleep, stay sober, and have a second driver if possible. If you need to take a nap, you can always pull over and do so.
Pack properly: While you aren't trapped in your car, it will make things run smoother if you are well prepared. Don't forget to secure your load!
Some essentials include:
Water
Snacks
Medication
Extra keys
Jumper cables
Fan
Spare tire with full air
Your phone and charger
Games, instruments, or media to help the time pass between pulses.
Mini porto-potty (there are portos along Exodus, but many have reported them to be not often enough)
Give Feedback: The Black Rock City Census is a collaborative research project that was started in 2002 with the goal of learning more about attendees. Census volunteers give a short socio-demographic survey to randomly selected participants during the event, and a more comprehensive survey is given online afterwards. This information is not just nice to have - it helps inform ways that the current systems should be improved for diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and logistics.
Where To Go With The Flow During Exodus
Weather: Weather sets the baseline for the atmosphere of Exodus. According to those who attended, the weather in 2019 was great and there were very low average wait times during Exodus. In 2022, the weather was hot and dusty, with very high temperatures and high winds causing dust storms that impeded vision and caused general chaos. In 2023, my first burn, the rain had turned the playa into a thick clay that was difficult to walk in, let alone drive. Once it had dried enough to be safe, the ground was covered in ruts and holes from people trying to drive through the mud, making it a slow and bumpy ride for vehicles leaving the Playa. The best you can do is listen to the radio for updates and avoid driving in inclement weather.
While it may sound like your personal version of hell, the process of leaving Black Rock City becomes a little more streamlined each year. It takes everyone's cooperation to make Exodus a little less stressful, so don't forget to practice kindness to Gate and Exodus staff, as well as your fellow travelers!
Check here for answers to common Exodus questions directly from the Burning Man Organization. Interested in getting on Playa? Learn more about the 10 Principles of Burning Man!
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