World's Only Moving Geyser and its Path of Destruction - Visiting the Niland Geyser

Just north of Niland, California is the Niland Geyser, an oddity of science believed to be the world's only moving mud pot or mud volcano. Near the Salton Sea, where Niland is located, mud pots or geysers aren't very out of the ordinary, but this one is.
The Niland Geyser first appeared in a field in 1953, and there it stayed for over 60 years, until, for some reason, it started moving around 2015. At first the geyser only moved by about 20 feet per year, then it sped up. In its path was a rail line, then California State Route 111.
Despite their best efforts, the railroad was unable to stop the Niland Geyser from destroying the train tracks in 2019, and now it has reached Highway 111.
In this video we travel to the Niland Geyser to take a look at it's current position and the state of the road.
For more on the science of the Niland Geyser, check out this great video by Physics Girl: • World's Only Moving Mu...
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[@johna1160]

The very definition of a sidetrack adventure.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I didn't even think of that while we were out there. Kicking myself now.

[@TheStuport]

Nailed It John! Salute

[@polyrhythmia]

You could call the relocated track a "shoofly"...

[@maxwalsh234]

the definition of a waste of taxpayer dollars. road infrastructure is costly and inefficient

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Mother Nature’s etch a sketch.

[@jyzo]

I never comment on KZbin videos, but I wanted to say thank you for posting this. I went through Niland in July, and commented at the time how it was odd they were diverting traffic around what looked to be an old highway. I love abandoned things, and I have an inextinguishable quest for knowledge. I wouldn’t have thought to google why they did this on such a remote stretch of highway, nor how to translate that into a google-able question. Thank you for satisfying this three month old question, and for giving me new information to be excited about. Keep up the great work!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad I could be of help.

[@00Mandy00]

You should comment, it helps creators.

[@magvs_maestro216]

Dope profile pic @jyzo

[@magvs_maestro216]

​@@00Mandy00good point

[@Myshowbro]

They should have thought to pump it out!

[@Yormsane]

I love how Steve finds all these weird and wonderful places that are on no tourist's itinerary, but now I want to go and see so many of them for myself. If the Salton Sea isn't strange enough for you, then there's a wandering mud geyser just down the road. 🤣

[@MrMarkOlson]

The fact that scientists don't know why this is happening tells you how much more humans need to learn about this world. Keep at it scientists.

[@williammerkel1410]

Volcanology is one of the most difficult fields of study in the natural world, it is very hard to overstate the complexities and uncertainties that go on deep underground

[@Skylancer727]

Well it is trying to understand what's happening through the opaque ground beneath us, possibly a few miles deep even. The best we can do is speculate or make small simulations, but these will never perfectly fit what exactly we're looking at.

[@Mr_Wolfkin]

I dunno why but I read that final sentence in a Cave Johnson voice

[@denyscpoyner]

At the same time blaming man for too much CO2 emissions. Volcanic activity doesn't factor in to their sudo science.

[@MrMarkOlson]

@@denyscpoyner I think you mean "pseudo". Ignorance will only ruin the world for future generations. Always err on the side of caution.

[@SpanishEclectic]

I had no idea that was out there. That whole area is subject to lots of earthquakes. A work friend many years ago had extensive damage to her home in El Centro. Thanks for always finding something new and interesting for us. The research you do makes a big difference.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@pauldietz1325]

There's also a (non-mud) volcano in the Salton Sea not far from there, with an island made of obsidian. It could erupt again at any time. In the meantime, the heat is driving this mud pot, and also powering some geothermal generating facilities not far from there.

[@Corn-Pop.]

My wife's family is from El Centro. I haven't been there in years.

[@ethanlamoureux5306]

There’s a state highway near me that was completely normal for decades before one year (early 2000s) suddenly a natural spring of water appeared in the middle of one lane. It was summer when it happened, and it was on a hill. I remember the water coming out of cracks in the pavement and running down the road to the bottom of the hill and off into the ditch. So far, no big deal. But then winter came, and the water kept flowing after everything else froze. So now you had ice everywhere on a hill! The highway crews had to keep it well salted for safety. Then the pavement started to break apart. The next spring they started working on it, they paved over it but the water came through again. The road got pretty rough for a while. Finally they dug down and installed drain pipes leading into the road ditch and then covered the spring with lots of stone and finally gravel and pavement, and it hasn’t disturbed the road since, but the water still flows out from beneath the highway. I couldn’t help think of that when I saw this video, which was very interesting. Thank you!

[@TheWanderingBeardedGuy]

Thank you so much for mentioning Physics Girl! She's been suffering terribly from long COVID, so getting her videos views will help fund her care.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm sure whatever I send her way is just a drop in the bucket, but what's happening to her is so awful. I check her channel from time to time hoping to see an update that things are improving. Its such a scary situation.

[@crunchycrispybacon]

Suffering from ‘long covid’. Lol what BS.

[@ClumsyCars]

​@@crunchycrispybaconweird way to spell experimental vaccine isn't it?

[@dovesfan1]

Hope she gets better soon, seems like a nice girl. However, yeh, 'long covid' is utter nonsense

[@SunnyWu]

Post COVID syndrome is a pain in the butt. I've been dealing with it for 3 month at this point. Not only is my memory still not working properly, I've been having auto-immune responses like rashes that isn't responding to typical treatments...

[@lesliefranklin1870]

Nature always wins because she has unlimited time on her side.

[@ChrisW-17]

I've been up and down that highway a few times recently and noticed the detour through the area, but never knew what it's for. That's crazy what mother nature can do!!! Thanks for all the info and great visuals.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

That was fascinating. You should make this an annual trip, just to keep us updated!

[@boomtownrat5106]

I haven’t spent any quality time in that area in a decade or so. I’ve been to Niland and environs to see the mud pots but it was nothing like you are showing. What an incredible sight!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I tried to get out to some of the other mud pots but wasn't able to get to the ones I wanted to because of some road closures.

[@J3scribe]

Thanks for the update! It's been over a year since I last saw and up to date video about the mud volcano. Nature is awesome.

[@POINTS2]

The Salton Sea is such a weird place. I'll have to add the mud volcano to my next visit.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It will be interesting to see how far it goes.

[@1984xlx]

Another excellent, informative episode. Thanks Steve (and family)!

[@Camperman1951]

Horseflies have been around the Salton Sea as long as I can remember. As a kid in the 60's we used to go fishing there for Corvina. Even then they were everywhere and their bite hurts.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, I was getting eaten up because I was trying to talk and film without jumping all over the place. Meanwhile my wife was running a marathon to avoid them.

[@RadioReprised]

They are smart too!...in Bombay they would wait until you were busy and fly around the house and approach you from the back to get a bite in! I never thought an insect could think like that.@@SidetrackAdventures

[@AndyDrake-FOOKYT]

​@@RadioReprisedthese are the reason I have a ponytail...not style, but function. It's too hot and humid here to wear a shirt. It just gets soaked and attracts even more and they can often bite through it.

[@SOLOIIguru]

Another great vid, Steve! Appreciate your explorations and insights. Stay safe on your travels!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you!

[@notbobthebuilder3109]

Man I've read about this years ago glad to see an update. Thanks for the quality content !

[@paul9156c]

You learn something new every day. I'm 67. I've known about ice for decades. But I just found out it can freeze against gravity, and form an "ice spike".

[@hqiu1976]

Thank you so much for taking time to make this video!

[@stcroixman2002]

Thx for posting!! I am knowledgeable about most places in SoCal but over the years I somehow missed this place. Nice research and videos..keep em coming!

[@MasonObscura]

You beat me to it! I've got a trip planned to check this out. Great video

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hopefully it moves it a little more and takes out the road a little more before you get out here. It's going to look pretty crazy when its right in the middle of the highway.

[@danmark61]

Thanks for all the interesting and sometimes odd things you share. I like to see all your posts, keep educating us.

[@gusrubio489]

You have shown us some really amazing things on your channel, but holy cats this the the coolest thing ever! Lots of fun info! This is definitely a must-see whenever I get back to LA.

[@hazcat640]

Thanks, Steve. That was fascinating. You always have such interesting videos.

[@MrIMPORTC]

Thanks for the great video. I had just watched a short video that made me curious but told me nothing, you explained this really well.

[@ramong2277]

Thank you Steve, these adventures are enriching as well as fascinating 👍🙏

[@juju-xx5xn]

Interesting. Thank you for showing us this incredible oddity!

[@stephenmiller5023]

I have had to do Service calls from our shop in San Diego out the the Geo-thermal power plant in Niland on several occasions over the course of my career. That whole area is one great big giant Enigma. Just wondering also if you are ever going to go a bit North East of Salton Sea and travel through Sand-stone Canyon area ?? There’s some really cool views all around on the drive through as long as the road hasn’t been washed out by flash floods , and as you exit the Far East end of road it literally brings you to the South entrance of Joshua Tree State park once you cross bridge over highway 10 . Thanks for all you post for us Steve , enjoyed this one as usual 😎👍

[@RowanHawkins]

I remember hearing about this back when the railroad thing came up. There's a video of them putting those piles in that you were talking about but then I forgot about it so this was an awesome reminder that it was still going.

[@andybobandy641]

Thank you for braving the horseflies to bring us this video. I didn't know this existed. What a great little sidetrack!

[@davidmclaughlin2796]

That's another good one Steve, thank you. David

[@afshina]

Fascinating! Very nicely done! I really enjoyed watching it. Thank you.

[@barbthequietwatcher7069]

Thank you. That was a great video. I likely would never heard about this if you hadn't made this video. So hats off to you. 😊

[@AlanShirtsink]

Great story, Steve! Keep ‘em coming

[@davevan8864]

Well done as always!!! thx

[@bernardschmitt6389]

I've heard of this but haven't seen this many shots of it before! Well made video thanks for sharing.

[@scootmandoo]

Thank you for another great history lesson. Love your videos

[@michelleduncan4923]

Thank you so much for these videos. It's of particular interest to my husband and me because we live in Las Vegas, so should be able to check out some of these nearby interesting areas that we didn't even know existed! You do a great job! Thank you, thank you!!

[@stefanschneider3681]

Now that was interesting! No idea why YT recommended this to me, but I am sure glad it did! There are forces of nature we cannot control, just like the pending eruption in Iceland or the lava flows in La Palma or Hawaii. Thanks for sharing!

[@novampires223]

I remember hearing about this years ago, thanks for the update

[@user-mi6sb8qv2y]

Steve, Thank You Sir, Your expertise in history in all the spots you visit is amazing. Your wife must be a very understanding lady to have your back, traveling to all these places Thank You Both

[@tedkerr2230]

I don't know how you find these oddities in my state, but I love it! Keep it up!

[@natesmemes1794]

*Another great video, keep up the great work I really enjoy watching your content!*

[@DaYugoslavian75]

Oh good, the Padre hat is back. Your narration of these videos makes it really interesting. Just can’t wait till your next video.

[@marlenalinne]

Thanks for another incredible video.

[@stephaniejames4940]

Loved the background music. Have watched several of your videos since yestday. Enjoy watching them.

[@TheStuport]

This was gnarly to learn about Steve. Let me also say how much I appreciate your notes in your message which I always read before I even begin to watch your videos! The research you add in your notes really helps when you begin the Tours and being able to go watch The Physics Girl's video was an even bigger help! What I enjoy with your version Steve is you keep it simple so a knucklehead like me can understand and get a grasp on what is going on. I have no doubt that those Horseflies were ginormous and annoying! Hoping that the theory that the Geyser stops moving once it is over the source pans out! Talk about moving a highway and RR Tracks and all that $$$ needed to do so too! Cheers and MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. I wonder if it would have been cheaper just to build a bridge over it?

[@ehsnils]

Also be aware that Physics Girl got severely struck by Covid-19 and hasn't recovered yet.

[@joepeach997]

Another great video Steve!

[@johncamp2567]

Fascinating visit!!

[@RetroRobbin59]

While you were there I hope you also saw the mud pots. Thanks again Steve. I always look forward to your adventures!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@mrdouglasbaker]

Seen before! Appreciate update!

[@robertfritz9916]

We are headed back to our winter place tomorrow that is probably 50 miles west of this. We never knew of this and perhaps we will check it out. Another great "local interest" video. Good job.

[@Mental_Illboy]

Thank you for your service sir. Never heard about this.

[@Sykesx]

This is a very well made video, very informative and the landscapes you took was all beautiful. Thank you so much. Also is that Steve Vai in the background ☺️

[@BenBethelAZ]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@larescats9228]

Awesome Steve Thinking about checking it out this weekend. Another great video see ya next time 😊

[@davidzamora4423]

I have never heard of this happening. Thank you Steve for the information

[@SteviePaints]

Look at this area on Google Earth, and you'll see that the whole Salton Sea area is just an extension of the Gulf of California.

[@eLiV8t]

I imagine it goes all the way up to death Valley. Water has collected there recently and it's salt water also.

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

I always give your videos a thumbs up because they're so damn good! Entertaining, informative, and yes a nice sidetracked from reality! See you next time buddy!

[@carolmelton9067]

I recently found your channel. I really appreciate your thorough and factual presentation of interesting places that I will probably never get to. Thanks from a new fan.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@Jezeppi1]

Very interesting Steve Thank you Joe. 😮

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

How does a mud pot move? And why is it targeting roads & railroads? This is right out of the Star Trek Next Generation episode when Armus, the evil tarpit monster, offs Tasha Yar.

[@SpanishEclectic]

Worst.episode.ever.

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

@@Ayn-Rand-Is-Dead Agreed. As bad as that episode was, there were worse.

[@SpanishEclectic]

@@dimitriosfotopoulos3689 LOL. But I really, really hate that one. :D

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

@@SpanishEclectic Agreed, lol.

[@beetlebob4675]

Best. Comment. Here.😂

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU STEVE AND MSES FOR GRATE VIDEO AGAIN,,SAFE TRAVELS..

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@C.O._Jones]

Very cool! Glad I found your channel!

[@daisyy99]

I appreciate your videos.

[@HeavyDemir]

thanks for the update :)

[@spacetoaster7]

Was next door in Anza Borrego a couple months ago and can attest to how crazy aggressive those horseflies were!

[@johncrawford5225]

Fascinating! This is the first I've heard of this.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

Fascinating. Thanks.

[@davidtreichelpppj5304]

Thanks for the details . I've past by that area of Hwy 111 . Thanks STA

[@blueconversechucks]

You find the best topics

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

In the '90s, I had a couple projects in the El Centro area, driving there from Central Cal. I took both roads (east and west side of Salton Sea). It's nature's way to address issues involving groundwater chemistry and pressure differences. In the early new year, Riverside County Fair in Indio is a fun and informative venue, too!

[@susanherman3707]

That was the strangest thing I have seen in a long time. Very interesting! Thanks for another great informative video, Steve!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Such a quaint oddity! The views from above really show what's going on :-)

[@Pablo_Del_Norte]

Amazing site. Thank you.

[@joewenzel5142]

Robert Oppenheimer: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Niland Geyser: "Now I am become the Mother of all potholes, the destroyer of highways."

[@rockadoodoo]

Great video. Really fun and interesting.

[@bender7565]

Amazing. It's been 35yrs since I drove thru Niland.

[@Raptor-gd6sk]

Nature always wins .. Thanks for sharing

[@daveh4283]

Great video Steve

[@misterp158]

Good video, very interesting. thanks for sharing.

[@CDRiley]

I am glad you got to chance to trek there on foot. I hope you made it home safely from your walk.

[@johngoodman1540]

Interesting, something I'd never heard of before. Thanks.

[@macmcleod1188]

Nice update.

[@MySteamChannel]

Heard about it, but never seen footage...very interesting Steve....thanks from Adelaide, Australia.

[@decam5329]

Seems like a delightful place for a picnic.

[@alexisaubry3801]

That’s a pretty sick story. Amazing.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Been there multiple times when it was running up against the railroad. Made a vid long ago. Good stuff. Cheers!

[@sjs1965442]

Interesting as always

[@AbandonedMines11]

Very cool and informative video, Steve! I had heard about this moving geyser several years ago and was intrigued by it then. Never went to it. Glad you made it out there and got close footage of it. When I read about it several years ago, I was under the impression that the state had blocked off access to it for obvious reasons. Looks like that’s no longer the cases if one is able to walk right up to it. But, as you mentioned, the increased level of carbon dioxide gas is a hazard, that’s for sure. Thanks for documenting this unique and destructive natural feature.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think it was blocked off when it was taking out the railroad, but nothing now. It will be something when it gets through the road and they have to scramble to rebuild it before it takes out the new alignment.

[@AbandonedMines11]

@@SidetrackAdventures Yes, that’s what I remember - when the geyser was near the railroad tracks, it was made off limits. It definitely is something worth watching to see how long it continues its march across the desert. I like the information you gave in the video, however, when you said that the geyser will eventually stop moving once it’s in a direct line with its source underground. Great information!

[@dygituljunky]

Overlanding + Nerdy Geography. Hell yeah! Thanks a bunch for sharing this mini adventure with us. My father ate this kind of stuff up and would have taken us for a family pilgrimage from Georgia to check this thing out if he'd know about it when he was alive. This video made me subscribe!

[@AndyDrake-FOOKYT]

I did a pilgrimage from GA...I went right by and had no idea it was there. It's funny how much you miss even when your purpose is exploring.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Thanks for posting this, very interesting. Had no idea this existed. Wonder if anyone has calculated the amount of Co2 and what sounded like hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), it could be other sulfides as well. On another note, you mentioned falling in and the Co2 killing you quickly. If you ever want to do a 'safe' experiment of this, buy some soda water in a 2liter plastic bottle, drain out or drink most of it. When you have like 10-20percent left, shake the bottle to release as much Co2 as possible. Put it to your lips and inhale as best you can. Might not believe how quickly your body goes into panic mode. I did this accidentally, thinking I'll inhale to collapse the bottle before tossing away. OMG, the shock of that experience was enlightening. You hear about people swimming into an old mine and when they come up for air on the inside, they gulp 'bad air' and quickly die. Well, this little experiment will give a tiny taste of how quickly this happens. If someone tries this, just be careful you don't fall over and hurt yourself. Obviously, if you any medical conditions, don't try at all.

[@KuntryBoyCitySlick]

Thanks I did this, passed out and busted my head on the dining room table. I repeat don’t be an idiot like me. Please don’t do this. I’m considering filing charges against the guy that suggested it. Y’all should see what he done to me.

[@TheInsultInvestor]

lolol@@KuntryBoyCitySlick

[@generaldong-dong5635]

@@KuntryBoyCitySlick oh goodness! agreed.

[@arandomcommenter412]

@@KuntryBoyCitySlickwomp womp

[@petuniasevan]

When my family moved, we had bought some dry ice, put it in a trash can with lid, and used that to store our frozen meats while we moved 500 miles north. After we got there, I for some idiotic reason (probably being 16 years old had something to do with it) took the lid off and bent down and inhaled the sublimed CO2. Do.Not.Recommend. It was like inhaling soda straight from the bottle plus the added fun of the oxygen deprivation. 0/10 would not try again.

[@mariawalsh335]

Great video😊

[@user-qr9eo1wo8y]

Title sounds like the potholes on Wegis Ave. Bakersfield in front of my house growing up in the 60s, 70s...not even a line in the road

[@xzytqweo3538]

I visited Cathedral City, CA in 2014. We drove up to the Salton Sea. Of course the Mud Volcano was not at the location it is now. So would not have be able to see it, but glad you made this video about it. Thanks!

[@ketotrucker6262]

Great video!🙂

[@MrLunarCamel]

That's right next to my dove hunting spot. Never knew what the construction on the highway was. Now I know. Thanks for the video.

[@stevenwalls6366]

Interesting as always!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@brandeni1785]

Wow that’s so interesting!!!

[@followxiaofei]

I misread the title as the "World's Only Moving Oyster and its Path of Destruction" Glad I clicked anyway though. Very interesting video.