Burners defend Burning Man after days of challenging weather conditions, 19-hour entrance closures
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It has been a wild ride for those either at Burning Man 2025 or trying to get there.
The event opened up Sunday, July 24, but windstorms, thunder, lightning, and rain have hampered getting in and getting around.
Wednesday night, one Burner gave ABC7 News a first-hand look at the improving conditions.
"If you can see that black area over there, that was a part of the NOVA Festival, and they were going to do a whole big thing, we were going to be a part of it, but the weather blew it down," David Miles Jr. said.
Video from Miles, known as San Francisco's "Godfather of Skate," shows what the Playa looked like early Wednesday evening at Burning Man.
It shows a desert that appears to be drying after a wild several days for mother nature. Wind and dust storms at times and rain at other times, leading to entrance closures that lasted for over 19 hours for some.
MORE: Here's a look at SF men's journey to Black Rock City ahead of Burning Man on Sunday
Miles though, says this isn't a festival, this is a life-changing event.
"I think the thing that people really need to understand is that this is what Burning Man is, okay. It's harsh. It's in a harsh environment," said Miles, who is on his 25th Burn.
Rachel Mosley knows all too well about that harsh desert environment. She recorded video at Burning Man in 2023, a year where there was flooding and mud, hence its nickname, the 'Mud Burn.'
Mosley and her husband are currently at their home in Reno and were waiting for the weather to clear.
"I think we're tired of waiting, and so we're just gonna go for it," Mosley said.
She's looking forward to celebrating her 10th anniversary with her husband.
They might even run into Miles, who says it's time to roller skate.
"We've been skating like Golden Gate Park on a Sunday afternoon," Miles said. "The rest of the week looks like it's gonna be absolutely fantastic."
"San Francisco! We know, we love you, we represent you here at the Black Rock Roller Disco!"
