The Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375) Travel Guide
The Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375) Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip on the Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada's legendary stretch of desert road to Area 51?
Most visitors launch from Las Vegas, about 147 miles and roughly 2.5 hours south, making this one of the most accessible strange road trips in the country.
The Extraterrestrial Highway runs 98 miles along Nevada State Route 375, officially renamed in 1996, past the closest public roads to Area 51, the tiny town of Rachel, and some of the darkest skies in America before ending in the historic mining town of Tonopah.
Top Things to Do
1. Photograph the ET Highway Sign — Nevada's official 1996 highway marker at Crystal Springs, the classic start-of-the-road photo op.
2. Visit the Alien Research Center — Meet the giant alien statue "Fred" and browse one of the largest alien souvenir collections on Earth.
3. Explore Mount Irish Wilderness — See petroglyphs carved nearly 4,000 years ago by Native peoples long before Area 51 existed.
4. Drive to the Area 51 North Entrance — One of the closest public access points to the base, with the famous warning signs.
5. Visit the Black Mailbox — A real roadside mailbox turned world-famous UFO landmark near mile marker 29.
6. Eat at the Little A'Le'Inn — Rachel's legendary bar, motel, and home of the Alien Burger.
7. See the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field — A volcanic landscape where Apollo astronauts trained before traveling to the Moon.
8. Finish in Tonopah — Home to the haunted Mizpah Hotel and some of the darkest skies in the country.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Extraterrestrial Highway Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour covering the full 98-mile corridor from Crystal Springs to Tonopah. Driving straight takes about 2.5 hours, but most visitors spend 5 to 8 hours exploring the stops, including optional side trips to both public approaches to Area 51.
Free Things to Do
1. ET Highway Signs - Photograph Nevada's official highway markers at Crystal Springs and near Rachel.
2. The Black Mailbox - Visit the world's most famous roadside mailbox, free and open to the public.
3. Alien Research Center - Browse the gift shop and meet "Fred" the giant alien statue, free to enter.
4. Groom Lake Back Gate - View the closest public approach to Area 51's back entrance from public roads.
5. Warm Springs Ghost Town - Explore a forgotten 1866 stagecoach stop with a natural hot spring.
6. Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park - Free, open 24/7, and considered one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
STOPS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Tonopah Historic Mining Park - Tour underground tunnels and original mining equipment (fee applies).
2. Little A'Le'Inn - Rooms from around $85/night; the Alien Burger and gift shop are open to all.
3. Mizpah Hotel - Historic lodging and tours at Nevada's most famously haunted hotel.
Food!
Little A'Le'Inn
Rachel's legendary bar and restaurant, known for the Alien Burger and UFO photos covering every wall.
Alien Cowpoke Gas & General Store
The only reliable fuel and snacks on the 98-mile corridor — also sells alien memorabilia and road supplies.
Mizpah Hotel
Historic dining and a bar in Tonopah, at the end of the highway.
Where to Stay
In Rachel
Little A'Le'Inn — motel rooms right at the heart of the highway, from around $85/night. Book ahead; rooms are limited.
In Tonopah
Mizpah Hotel — a full-service historic hotel, rated one of the most haunted in the country. Book ahead for rooms.
Back in Las Vegas
Most visitors base themselves in Las Vegas before or after the drive, given the wide range of hotels and the 2.5-hour drive to Rachel.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Depart Las Vegas via US-93 North, reaching Crystal Springs and the start of the Extraterrestrial Highway.
Afternoon: Stop at the Alien Research Center, the Black Mailbox, and the Area 51 North Entrance, then lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn in Rachel.
Evening: Return to Las Vegas, or continue on to Tonopah for the night.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Continue north from Rachel past Queen City Summit, the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field, and Warm Springs Ghost Town, finishing in Tonopah.
Extra Time: Tour the Mizpah Hotel, explore the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, or stay after dark for the stargazing park.
FAQ's
1. Where does the Extraterrestrial Highway start?
At Crystal Springs, Nevada, about 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas via US-93.
2. Does the tour visit Area 51 itself?
No. The tour visits the closest public roads and legal viewpoints near Area 51 but never enters the restricted military base.
3. Is gas available along the route?
Yes, but limited. The Alien Cowpoke Gas & General Store in Rachel offers the only reliable 24-hour fuel on the 98-mile corridor—fill up before you go.
4. Does the route work without cell service?
Yes, and it needs to. Much of the highway has little to no cell coverage, so download everything before you start.
5. Is a regular car okay, or do I need 4WD?
The main highway is fully paved and fine for any car. Optional side roads toward Area 51's entrances are unpaved and should be driven carefully.
6. Is Rachel worth stopping in?
Absolutely. It's the heart of Nevada's UFO culture and home to the famous Little A'Le'Inn.
7. Can I see UFOs?
Many visitors hope to—there are no guarantees, but you'll experience some of America's darkest night skies.
8. Where does the tour end?
In historic Tonopah, home to the haunted Mizpah Hotel and a nationally recognized stargazing park.
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