Extraterrestrial Highway

Nevada’s State Route 375, better known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, is a desolate, 98-mile stretch of blacktop that cuts through the heart of the High Desert, linking the tiny towns of Crystal Springs and Warm Springs. This is America’s most famous UFO corridor, running past the mysterious Area 51 and the dry lake beds of Groom Lake. The landscape is starkly beautiful: vast sagebrush plains, jagged mountain ranges, and skies so big and clear you feel you can see into deep space. Even if you’re not hunting for little green men, the highway offers a genuine taste of the remote West, with quirky roadside attractions and a palpable sense of isolation that’s becoming rare in the modern world.

Highlights & What to See

• The Little A'Le'Inn – The legendary alien-themed motel, restaurant, and bar in Rachel. Stop for a burger and a beer, chat with locals, and browse the memorabilia. It’s the unofficial headquarters for UFO enthusiasts.
• Area 51 – You can’t go in, but the back gate (a simple sign on a dirt road) is a pilgrimage site. The real thrill is the drive itself, scanning the skies for secret aircraft or unexplained lights.
• Black Mailbox – A famous landmark near the turnoff to the Area 51 back gate. It’s been replaced but remains a spot for photos and alien-themed graffiti.
• Alien Research Center – A small museum and gift shop in Crystal Springs (the southern end of the highway) with extraterrestrial exhibits, a giant alien statue, and a chance to get your “Extraterrestrial Highway” passport stamped.
• Stargazing – The highway lies in one of the darkest night-sky areas in the US. Pull over anywhere away from the few settlements for an unforgettable view of the Milky Way.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan a half-day to drive the entire highway (allow 1.5–2 hours driving time) plus a couple of hours for stops at the Little A'Le'Inn and the Alien Research Center. For a deeper experience – including off-road exploring or extended stargazing – stay overnight at the Little A'Le'Inn or camp in the surrounding public lands. If you’re combining it with a trip to Las Vegas, allocate a full day to make the round-trip and soak in the oddball atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Las Vegas – 2.5 hours south; the neon chaos of the Strip is a perfect counterpoint to the emptiness of the highway.
• Death Valley National Park – About 2.5 hours west; otherworldly desert landscapes and the lowest point in North America.
• Great Basin National Park – 3 hours north; ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and dark skies.
• Valley of Fire State Park – 2 hours south; vivid red sandstone formations and petroglyphs.
• Tonopah – 1 hour north; historic mining town with a UFO-themed park and the Clown Motel (if you dare).

Please check official sources for current details.