Visit Area 51

The Extraterrestrial Highway may be a long stretch of 98 miles with only the small town of Rachel along its expanse, but because of its proximity to the famed “Area 51“, fans claim it is one of the most “visited” areas in the country. Officially designated in 1996 for the many UFO sightings along the lonely road, the byway now sports a sign posting its speed limit as “Warp 7″ and another sign warning of alien encounters for the next 51 miles.

Due to the gradual descent into the valley, the city of Rachel can be seen long before visitors reach it. Once inside the town, take a break from driving and visit the Little A’Le’Inn, a small restaurant that has gotten into the spirit of things. Large painted words on the side of the building scream “Earthlings Welcome” and the restaurant offers a lot of alien merchandise. Tourists and locals claim the food served, including the Alien burger, is “out of this world.”

The byway ends at Warm Springs, the intersection of Highway 375 and US 6. Many old mines and ghost towns are scattered along the length of the byway for visiting travelers.

If you want to visit Area 51, the front gates, the back gates, Rachel, the Little A’Le’Inn, or get to any decent camping areas, you will have to first travel Highway 375. It is the only way to get to Groom Lake road, and it is the gateway to Area 51.

How much time should I allow?
An out and back trip can be done in one day, but if you take the entire loop, plan on spending from 2-6 days.

Also, check out the Extraterrestrial Highway on our INTERACTIVE MAP.

External links:

 

• A great Extraterrestrial Highway overview
• Rachel, NV account of the Extraterrestrial Highway (Hwy 375)
• A great New York Times article on the ET HWY: Lonesome Highway to Another World?