A Road Trip Through Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway
Journey along Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway for UFO legends, desert landscapes, quirky stops, and the mysterious Area 51.
Nestled in the heart of the Nevada high desert, the Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375) stands as one of America’s most legendary road trips. Spanning roughly 98 miles from Crystal Springs to Warm Springs and stretching to nearly 500 miles round trip from Las Vegas, this iconic route offers travelers the chance to delve into UFO lore, visit quirky roadside stops, and traverse vast alien landscapes. With ties to the enigmatic Area 51, this journey is both scenic and steeped in mystery—perfect for explorers seeking something out of this world.
Quick Facts About the Extraterrestrial Highway
- Location: Nevada State Route 375, from Crystal Springs to Warm Springs
- Length: Approximately 98 miles (main stretch), 500 miles round trip from Las Vegas
- Drive Time: Roughly 8 hours for the full round trip, best enjoyed over 2 days
- Main Attractions: Area 51, Rachel, Little A’Le’Inn, E.T. Fresh Jerky, Alien Research Center
- Key Experience: Alien-themed stops, desert vistas, and UFO folklore
Day One: The Quest from Las Vegas Into the Unknown
Your journey begins in vibrant Las Vegas, heading northwest along Route 93. The anticipation builds as civilization gives way to rugged desert. This leg introduces you to some of the most eccentric roadside attractions and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
E.T. Fresh Jerky: Fueling the Adventure
Located at 12600 US-93, Hiko, Nevada, E.T. Fresh Jerky is impossible to miss, thanks to its fleet of crashed spaceship sculptures outside. Inside, you’ll find locally made beef jerky, playful alien murals, and snacks to prep you for the long desert trek. The shop is a must-stop for selfies and stocking up your road kit.
- Unique alien murals on the building exterior
- Selection of jerky, dried fruits, nuts
- Popular photo-op destination
The Extraterrestrial Highway Sign: Official Start
Cross Route 93 to Route 375 and you’ll soon encounter the famous Extraterrestrial Highway road sign (📍37.53240° N, 115.23210° W). This is the official gateway to Nevada’s most mysterious stretch. Snap a photo—this landmark sets the tone for your voyage deep into UFO territory.
Alien Research Center & The Outskirts of Area 51
Just minutes from the sign, the Alien Research Center offers kitschy exhibits, souvenirs, and tales from the desert. A towering alien statue greets visitors, and the gift shop promises plenty of oddities. Perhaps most intriguing is the foreboding signage nearby, marking the boundary of Area 51—the infamous, highly-secure military base fueling decades of conspiracy theories and extraterrestrial speculation.
You can’t get close to Area 51 itself; access is strictly forbidden, enforced by military patrols and alarming warning signs. Still, its mystical allure is ever-present, feeding the local culture and inspiring stories from many curious adventurers.
The Little Black Mailbox: Messages for the Unknown
On Route 375, you’ll find the Little Black Mailbox (📍37.45700° N, 115.48260° W), a humble, unmarked mailbox on the roadside. This spot has gained notoriety among UFO enthusiasts, who fill it with handwritten notes, hopes, and wild theories. If you blink, you’ll miss it—so keep your eyes sharp as you traverse this desolate stretch. The mailbox embodies the highway’s mysterious spirit, attracting believers and skeptics alike.
Rachel: Gateway to the Mystery—Little A’Le’Inn
After miles of open desert, you arrive in Rachel, the town closest to Area 51. The main attraction here is the legendary Little A’Le’Inn—a motel, RV park, bar, and restaurant all rolled into one. The quirky “Welcome Earthlings” sign greets guests outside, while inside, you’ll find the walls adorned with UFO memorabilia, alien-themed decor, and playful scale models.
The Little A’Le’Inn is famous for its Alien Burger and desert hospitality. Travelers, locals, and true believers mingle, swapping tales of strange sightings and government secrets. Watch for the tow truck parked outside, hauling a UFO—an essential photo opportunity. Rachel is the heart of UFO tourism, drawing visitors who seek a brush with the unknown.
- Motel and RV park for overnight stays
- Bar and restaurant with alien-themed menu
- Gift shop filled with memorabilia
Tonopah: Journey’s End for Day One
From Rachel, the drive to Tonopah takes another 1.5 hours. As you reach Tonopah, relax and reflect on your day of bizarre encounters and immense landscapes. Tonopah serves as both a practical overnight stop and a gateway to unusual attractions, promising more surprises on day two.
Day Two: From Tonopah to Sin City—Haunted Motels & Artistic Oddities
The second day leads you southeast from Tonopah back toward Las Vegas, departing the official E.T. Highway but branching out into the region’s strangest desert anomalies.
International Car Forest of the Last Church
Just outside Tonopah, the International Car Forest of the Last Church awaits—a sprawling open-air art installation featuring dozens of rusted, graffiti-covered cars stacked, buried, and posed across the sand. Artists have transformed abandoned vehicles into sculptures, creating a surreal landscape where nature and human creativity collide.
- Over 40 vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses
- Popular for photography and urban exploration
Beatty: Quirky Desert Gateway
Continue to Beatty, Nevada—a town famous both for its free-roaming burros and as the passage to nearby desert attractions.
- Rhyolite Ghost Town: Explore haunting ruins and remnants of a once-booming mining community.
- Goldwell Open Air Museum: A collection of striking outdoor sculptures from international artists, accentuating the stark beauty of the desert surroundings.
- Death Valley National Park: Vast, breathtaking landscapes and extreme desert conditions make this a must-visit for nature lovers.
Area 51 Travel Center: Final Alien Encounter
Before you reach Las Vegas, stop by the Area 51 Travel Center, which doubles as a gas station and a decidedly unconventional brothel with alien-themed decor. You’ll find unique souvenirs, refreshments, and, of course, more stories from the edge of plausibility.
Where to Stay Along the Extraterrestrial Highway
Accommodations are limited but unforgettable. Here’s what you need to know:
- Little A’Le’Inn (Rachel): Best bet for UFO chasers, with overnight stays just outside Area 51.
- Mizpah Hotel (Tonopah): Steeped in history and alleged hauntings, regarded as one of America’s most haunted hotels.
- World Famous Clown Motel (Tonopah): An eerie favorite for travelers drawn to its clown-themed rooms and reputation for ghostly happenings.
- Belvada Hotel (Tonopah): A historical alternative for those preferring less spookiness.
- Sunset View Inn (Alamo): A themed establishment close to the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.
Tips for Traveling the Extraterrestrial Highway
- Download maps and music before departure: Cell service is unreliable throughout the highway; ensure your maps and entertainment are accessible offline.
- Stock up on basics: Water, snacks, and gas stations are few and far between. Always refuel and replenish when possible.
- Respect restricted areas: Area 51 is heavily guarded. Do not attempt to trespass or get too close to military barriers.
- Visit during daylight: While a sunset drive is memorable, navigating the desert at night can be hazardous due to wildlife and limited visibility.
- Leave no trace: The high desert is fragile; always pack out trash and respect the land.
Wildlife & Natural Wonders Near the Highway
Despite its reputation for extraterrestrial phenomena, the region is home to striking natural landscapes and diverse wildlife:
- Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for migratory birds and lush wetlands amidst the arid desert.
- Irish Wilderness Area: A rugged destination for hiking and solitude.
- Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area: Important for local flora and fauna conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to drive the Extraterrestrial Highway?
A: The full stretch is about 98 miles and takes around 2.5 hours uninterrupted, but the complete round trip from Las Vegas including major stops is roughly 500 miles, best spread over two days.
Q: Can you visit Area 51 on this road trip?
A: No. Area 51 is a heavily restricted military base. You can visit its boundary and see the warning signs, but trespassing is strictly forbidden and may result in legal consequences.
Q: What makes Rachel, Nevada special?
A: Rachel is the closest settlement to Area 51, with the Little A’Le’Inn offering alien-themed lodging, food, and souvenirs. It’s a hub for UFO enthusiasts and curious travelers.
Q: What should I bring for the trip?
A: Stock up on water, snacks, fuel, and offline maps. The desert is remote and amenities are sparse.
Q: Are there any haunted or unusual places to stay?
A: Yes. Both the Mizpah Hotel and World Famous Clown Motel in Tonopah offer reputedly haunted accommodations, while the Little A’Le’Inn caters to UFO and alien enthusiasts.
Planning Your Nevada Extraterrestrial Highway Adventure
| Stop | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|
| E.T. Fresh Jerky | Alien murals, snacks, souvenirs | Hiko, US-93 |
| Extraterrestrial Highway Sign | Photo op, official start | Route 375, near Crystal Springs |
| Alien Research Center | Exhibits, giant alien statue | Near Area 51 boundary |
| Little Black Mailbox | UFO notes and speculation | Route 375, left roadside |
| Little A’Le’Inn | Alien Burger, lodging, memorabilia | Rachel, NV |
| Tonopah | Haunted hotels, gateway to day two | Tonopah, NV |
| International Car Forest | Open-air car art installation | Near Tonopah |
| Beatty / Rhyolite / Goldwell Museum | Ghost town, outdoor sculptures | Near Beatty, NV |
| Area 51 Travel Center | Souvenirs, quirky gas station | Route 95 |
Final Notes: Why This Road Trip Is Uniquely Memorable
Traveling the Extraterrestrial Highway is about far more than chasing alien legends; it’s a celebration of wild landscapes, local creativity, and the enduring curiosity that the American West inspires. From offbeat shops and mysterious signage to haunted motels and art installations, every stop tells a story. Whether you’re a true believer, a desert explorer, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, this Nevada road trip promises an unforgettable adventure.
