Surprise Valley – Where the Forest Meets Desert Playas

If you’re coming from the north to Black Rock City, Nevada, chances are you will be coming through the town of Cedarville, California. In fact, it’s your very last stop to get many of the major supplies you may need — especially groceries, water, and gas and other auto supplies — with BRC another 95 miles away to the south.  And it will likely be your first stop upon leaving the playa, where you can also leave your trash and recycling.  The very hospitable people and businesses of Cedarville have been very supportive of us on our journey to and from the playa and are working hard to meet our needs and wishes.

This cozy small-town community of approximately 600 people sits on the eastern edge of the Warner Mountains and Modoc National Forest. But then Cedarville also sits cozily on the western edge of the high desert. In the center of Cedarville you can look due west and see the high mountains and thick woods of tall trees. Turn 180° around and looking west you see sagebrush hills dotted with pinion pines mingling with flat alkali playas. Both north and south continue the divide here in Surprise Valley. A seemingly odd juxtaposition to the mind perhaps. But it all makes sense as you’re actually driving through this part of California into Nevada, an ideal and beautiful lesson in how dualities, such as “rich nature” and “empty desert,” lose their meaningfulness in the blending of geology, biology, as well as culture across a mash of real and artificial boundaries.  A nice prelude to your journey to Burning Man.

Likely you will be entering Cedarville from the west on State Route 299. The town center sits at the crossroads of 299 and State Route 447. You will want to turn right onto 447 and head south on your way to Black Rock City. But most of the resources provided by the businesses here are to be found in Cedarville right here at or near this junction. Parking can be found along the streets in abundance, but the town asks that you please park diagonally so as to make entry/departure from spaces easier for everyone.

Also of importance to be found here in Cedarville is trash and recycling disposal services for Burners during Exodus, c/o the Cedarville Collective.  They’ll be more than happy to take that extra weight from you for the remainder of your journey!  See below in the Rabbit Traxx Store listing for all the info!

For some eclectic music and local news while you’re in town or passing through, we recommend you check out the local radio station KDUP at 88.1 on the FM dial.  And, thanks to KDUP, you can check your email or get on the internet in central Cedarville thanks to the free wifi system set up by the station!

Finally: The town also requests of us to please be respectful of the town’s residents and properties.  Although you may not see sidewalks or parking lines or fences along some parts of the roads, this does not mean you are welcome to park or set up camp on people’s or businesses’ properties. And just because everyone is really friendly, this does not mean you can dump your trash in a business dumpster or home’s trash can, walk around in nakedness, blast your stereo, or party at-will. You’re also requested to PLEASE obey the speed limits and other traffic laws, and be respectful of residents crossing the road or entering businesses.  In short:  Please be civil, respectful and considerate, and Leave No Trace.

For further information about Cedarville and Surprise Valley click here:

Grocery Stores

Page’s Market
488 Main Street – 530-279-2626 – map
Open Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, Sunday 8:30am-5pm. Extended hours before, during, and after Burning man – call ahead for further info, as well as for special orders. Full line of produce, groceries, liquor, canned beer, bulk water, ice, some vegetarian foods, camping supplies, headlamps, goggles, hats, and even some costumery, provided with very hospitable service. Free water fill-ups with purchase of groceries.  Also has free Wifi.

Corner Store
596 Main Street – 530-279-2466 – map
Open daily 6am-4pm. Extended hours before, during, and after Burning man – call ahead for further info. Located at the heart of town where 299 and 447 meet. Water, ice, liquor, canned beer, sandwiches, soda, energy drinks, snacks, groceries, beer, maps, directions, and local information provided with very hospitable service. Also has free Wifi. Following Burning Man and during most of Exodus, The Corner Store will also be providing a BBQ in front of the store with a variety of food options, including for vegetarians, and a nice shady spot in the back of the store to hang out and relax.

Rabbit Traxx Store
580 Patterson Street – 530-279-2022 – map
Open 24/7 during Aug 23 – Sept 10.  Owned and operated by the Cedarville Rancheria Paiute Tribe, Rabbit Traxx provides gas and will be carrying a wide variety of last minute items for Burners on their way to and from the playa, including bulk water, produce, beer and alcohol, camping supplies, tarps, hats, goggles, toiletries, and tobacco.

Additionally!  All during Exodus (September 1-5), Rabbit Traxx is partnering with several other Surprise Valley community organizations to help support the trash and recycling needs and convenience of Burners following Burning Man.  As part of the Exodus Trash and Recycling Network, recycling is free and trash disposal is available at $3 per 35-gallon trash bag.  PLEASE sort and have your recyclables as clean as possible and removed from bags before depositing in the appropriate containers. Bicycles, plastics (SPI 1,2,3,4&5), plastic bags, glass, all metals (aluminum, tin, lead, steel, etc), paper, cardboard, household batteries, and non-perishable food and water are all welcome. Human and other hazardous waste is NOT permitted.  All proceeds raised from recyclables will be donated to support local community causes, and food and water will be donated to local food banks.

Random Curiosities

Good Things
650 Main Street – 530-279-9385 – map
Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Open 10am-8pm on Aug 24/25, and 11am-8pm on Aug 26.  Call ahead for possible extended hours.  A really cozy thrift store and community market-place that will notably have bikes, some awesome vintage wear, and produce for during Burning Man.

Warner Mountain Weavers
499 Main Street – 530-279-2164 – map
Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. A delightful place with locally handmade hats, scarves, sweaters, shawls, blankets, and rugs, using natural materials, as well as jewelry, ceramics, and knitting supplies.  Also has an art gallery with paintings, rugs, and photographs.

Floating Island Books
540 Main Street, Suite D – 530-279-2790 – map
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. A delightful, cozy, and fabulous bookstore owned by a fellow burner, carrying a wide range of literature, maps, and local information.

Surprise Valley Writers’ Conference (Sept 13-16)
530-279-2099
We thought it worthwhile to also share this with you, in case you’re a writer or aspiring writer who has some free time to chill following Burning Man, and are looking to perhaps document or otherwise translate your Burning Man experience into words.  The Surprise Valley Writers' Conference, which takes place Sept 13 – 16, draws writers throughout the west.  You can work with award winning authors, and attend workshops in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction and translation. Lectures, open mic, a field trip, and congenial community dinners are also on the agenda. Ask about matching fund scholarships. Camping, showers, and reasonable accommodations available in a land that lies smack between mountainous forest and desert playas.  Check the website or call for all further information.

Restaurants and Saloon

Surprise Cafe!
540 Main Street, Suite B – 530-279-2065 – map
Open Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thur-Fri, 8am-9pm, Sat 8am-1pm. During Exodus, open Sun-Tue 8am-9pm. Call ahead for hours certainty. A wonderful oasis on the way to and from the playa with a really delightful menu for all tastes. Espresso and various other hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and baked goods. Breakfast-hours items additionally, such as waffles! Vegetarian and vegan options too. Farmers Market every Saturday morning 9am-noon. Free Wifi.

Cafe .22 / Woody’s Saloon
415 Main Street – 530-279-2112 – map
Open Tue-Sat 6am-8pm, Sun 7am-8pm. Extended hours during Exodus. Providing hearty portions of great food and hospitality – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Next door is the Woody’s Saloon, the place in town to get firewater service.

The Station
501 Main Street – 530-279-6677 – map
Open daily 4pm-10pm.  A brand new place owned by a Burner with some great style.  Specializes in yummy Tapas — that is to say, from the Spanish, late afternoon/early evening appetizers — as well as ice cream, fine beers and wines.  Also home to the local radio station KDUP on at 88.1 on the fm dial for local eclectic music and local news.

Country Hearth
531 Main Street – 530-279-2280 – map
Open Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 7am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Offering hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and fresh bakery items.

Hotels, RV Park and Dump, and Camping

JnR Hotel
581 Main Street – 530-279-2423 – map
If you’re looking for a room for the night in Cedarville, this is going to be the spot. Providing a variety of fine rooms and very hospitable service, Jim and Ramona really know how to take care of people. Free Wifi also available. Call or visit the website to make reservations, sooner the better while rooms last.

Modoc District Fairgrounds
1 Center Street – 530-279-2315 - map
RV Park $20/night and tent camping $15/night. Also has showers available from 8am-10pm at $10 in case you just want to wash off before continuing the journey home. Finally, the Fairgrounds has an RV dump station at $5.

Surprise Valley Hot Springs
Located 5 miles east of Cedarville on Highway 299 – 877-927-6426 – map
Open Daily 8am-5pm. Ring bell for after-hours, but best to call ahead for reservations. Lodging with hot tubs and catered dining. RV Park next door with full-hookups. Hot tubs and massages if available and/or by appointment. Very scenic area in the middle of the playa with exceptional service.

Cockrell’s High Desert Lodging
811 County Road 31 – 888-279-2209 – map
(8 miles south of Cedarville).  Call for reservations.  Cattle ranch also offering very nice rooms, hospitality, and wilderness scenery.

Hospital

Surprise Valley Hospital
741 North Main Street – 530-279-6111 – map
Open 24/7. Located just a few blocks south of the town center.

Trash and Recycling Disposal

Rabbit Traxx Store
580 Patterson Street – 530-279-2022 – map
Available 24/7 during September 1-5. Rabbit Traxx is partnering with several other Surprise Valley community organizations to help support the trash and recycling needs and convenience of Burners during Exodus, and are part of the Exodus Trash and Recycling Network. Recycling is free and trash disposal is available at $3 per 35-gallon trash bag.  PLEASE sort and have your recyclables as clean as possible and removed from bags before depositing in the appropriate containers. Bicycles, plastics (SPI 1,2,3,4&5), plastic bags, glass, all metals (aluminum, tin, lead, steel, etc), paper, cardboard, household batteries, and non-perishable food and water are all welcome. Human and other hazardous waste is NOT permitted.  All proceeds raised from this recyclables will be donated to support local community causes, and food and water will be donated to local food banks.

Gas Station, Auto Repair, Auto Parts

Rabbit Traxx Store
580 Patterson Street – 530-279-2022 – map
Open 24/7 during Aug 23 – Sept 10.  Owned and operated by the Cedarville Rancheria Paiute Tribe, Rabbit Traxx provides gas and will be carrying a wide variety of last minute items for Burners on their way to and from the playa.  They also will be providing trash and recycling service during Exodus, see the above listing for further details.

Chevron Valley Service Station
601 Main Street – 530-279-6241 – map
Gas available 24/7. The service station is regularly open Tue-Fri noon-6pm. Extended hours during Burning Man. The only and last place to get mechanical service until Gerlach.

Surprise Valley Napa Auto Parts
600 Main Street – 530-279-6165 – map
Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-noon.

Preparation