Every year, over 65,000 people gather for Burning Man, the wild, weeklong festival in the middle of Nevada's Black Rock Desert. Since Burning Man began in 1986, its ever-growing number of participants have abided by its founding principles, which include "radical self-reliance,""radical self-expression," and "leave no trace."
As part of the festivities, teams of artists work together to build huge, intricate temples from reclaimed wood. At the end of the week, as part of Burning Man's "leave no trace" rule, they set them ablaze.
Sculptor David Best and his crew started this tradition in 2000, designing the temples until 2007 and again in 2014. Since then, other architects and artists have made their own creations. At this year's Burning Man, which starts August 28, Best will return to build a new temple.
Check out some of the most incredible temples that have been created over the years — before they were burned down.
SEE ALSO: 20 of the most incredible works of Burning Man art ever made
The Temple of Tears by David Best and Temple Crew (2001)
Temple of Stars by David Best and the Temple Crew (2004)
Basura Sagrada by Shrine Tucker and the Basura Sagrada Collaboratory (2008)
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