What was supposed to be the start of a weeklong celebration of art and community turned into a test of patience for thousands of Burning Man attendees on August 25.

Cars and RVs stretched for miles along the road to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, after a dust storm delayed entry into the festival grounds. Drone footage captured the astonishing sight of a seemingly endless line of vehicles, as some festivalgoers reported waiting more than eight hours just to reach the entrance.

Despite the delays, spirits among many remained high, with attendees treating the traffic jam as an early extension of the festival’s offbeat culture—sharing music, food, and impromptu performances while stuck in line.

Organizers advised patience and stressed that weather-related disruptions are part of the unique challenges of hosting the event in such a harsh desert environment.