Area 51: Where Is It? UFOs and Aliens on the Extraterrestrial Highway

Area 51 and Roswell, New Mexico share a disturbing mystery. The secret underground military zone extends over a desert area that corresponds to the dried-up bottom of Groom Lake, near Rachel (Nevada), on the Extraterrestrial Highway, 93 miles north of Las Vegas. The very high level of secrecy to which the experimental military aeronautical operations that would be carried out here are subjected has contributed to the creation of a science fiction myth that soon developed into ufological conspiracy theories.

Bizarre theories, of course, but not too bizarre, just enough to make many people have wondered why security measures should be so stringent if the U.S. government (after denying the existence of Area 51 for years) admitted in 2003 that the base at Groom Lake, also known as Dreamland, is simply a test area for US Air Force and, originally, for CIA spy aircraft. However, in 1995, the US government acquired 3,972 acres of land around the base to prevent access to it. This land consists mostly of mountains that already naturally shield the military base.

In short, it seems that Area 51 is guarding some secrets. Looking at it objectively, one is allowed to think that the most advanced American military technology is being developed in the basement of the base. On the other hand, if one chooses to listen to the most intriguing rumors, one could think that the U.S. is really hiding something about the presence of aliens in the universe. Popular culture – also influenced by movies (remember Independence Day?) – has fed on these rumors, so much so that the impregnable Area 51 and the nearby Extraterrestrial Highway to an even greater degree have become pilgrimage destinations for curious visitors and fans of ufology.

If you are among these pilgrims or have been intrigued by UFOs, this article could help you organize a visit to the Extraterrestrial Highway and, as far as you can go before being halted by the authorities, to the mysterious Area 51. Let’s go find out how to visit… another world.

Area 51: Where is the Extraterrestrial Highway?

The only way to get to Area 51 is along the Nevada State Route 375, christened in 1996 the Extraterrestrial Highway, a tribute to Independence Day, which had been released that same year. This 98-mile road winds through the desert and connects two towns, Warm Springs and Crystal Springs. Actually, this road is not typically included in a classic West Coast drive, which is why you can usually only reach it if you’re really interested in visiting it, perhaps on your way to Yosemite National Park or heading south to Death Valley via Tonopah.

To go to the Extraterrestrial Highway from Las Vegas, you have to drive northbound on US 93 N for 109 miles.  After you pass Alamo and Ash Springs (where, if necessary, you have the last chance to refuel), you have to get on NV-318 for a short stretch and then turn left almost immediately at the next junction. You will know that you have taken the Extraterrestrial Highway when, at the side of the road, you will notice a strange building with a giant alien rising above it. This is the Alien Research Center and the actual starting point of the highway.

Extraterrestrial Highway: Things to see

Here are the main attractions of the Extraterrestrial Highway:

Alien Research Center

As I have mentioned, you’ll notice this unusual building right at the beginning of the Extraterrestrial Highway. It’s worth taking a short detour to take a selfie with the mega-alien and to visit the building, which is actually a small museum with a science fiction-themed souvenir shop. While you’re at it, you can stop at the road sign indicating the start of the Extraterrestrial Highway, which is covered with stickers and flyers placed by alien hunters who have passed through here.

Little A’Le’Inn

After 40 miles, in the middle of nowhere – the only life forms you may encounter are some cows lost in the desert – you will arrive at Rachel, which is the main reference point for those who travel the Extraterrestrial Highway. Here I recommend that you visit the bizarre Little A’Le’Inn, which is a sort of mecca for ufologists and those who are fascinated by Area 51.

In addition to eating one of the World Famous Alien Burger, it is really worth browsing around inside the restaurant, where there is the “Evidence Room”, which consists of a series of photographs and videos documenting UFO sightings in Area 51. Outside, there is the ID4 Monument, a time capsule placed in Rachel by the producers of Independence Day, which will be opened in 2050. In case you want to try and spot aliens in the Nevada desert at night, you can also make reservations to stay here overnight.

Area 51: Where Is It Located? How Do You Get There?

Before I tell you how to get to Area 51 – or rather, how to get close to Area 51 – there is something important you should know. When visiting Area 51, bear in mind that it is not an amusement park; rather, it is a highly classified military base. Therefore, you must comply with the warnings that indicate the restricted area, where it is absolutely forbidden to go by car or on foot.

There are two ways to approach Area 51:

• Front Gate: You get there via a dirt road called Mailbox Road (we’ll explain the reason for this name later), which you can access by turning left 20 miles after Crystal Springs. Mailbox Road turns into Groom Road. After 20 miles of road through a crazy landscape dotted with yucca trees reminiscent of Joshua Tree National Park, you will arrive at the Front Gate, where you will be required to stop. If the US Air Force “Keep out” signs aren’t enough to intimidate you, the Cammo Dudes will. They are a Men in Black-style security force that guards the entrance at the top of a hill and prevents you from crossing the barrier. Avoid being seen while taking photos or videos. Cammo Dudes are authorized to commandeer your cameras, since both taking pictures and recording videos are prohibited. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the legendary White Bus, which transports the staff of Area 51 from the nearby Alamo every day.
• Back Gate: A couple of miles before arriving at Rachel, turn left on Back Gate Road and continue for about 8 miles. You will have to look out for cows. Then you will arrive at the Back Gate guarded by many cameras, where you will find a level crossing and the inevitable Cammo Dudes. I should warn you that you must not get too close in this case as well.

Area 51: What happened to the Black Mailbox?

We just mentioned Mailbox Road, the dirt road that leads to Groom Road and the Front Gate. Until 2015, there was a white mailbox that was a visible reference point that made it easy to see where to turn on Mailbox Road. At one time, this mailbox was painted black. It was one of the most mysterious and fascinating attractions of the Extraterrestrial Highway, because, naively, it was thought to be the mailbox of Area 51. It was actually placed there by Steve Medlin, owner of a ranch in the nearby Tikaboo Valley. There were two mailboxes: one was for Medlin, the other was for direct communication… with aliens!

The Black Mailbox has been the target of vandalism over the years, until it was stolen, possibly by a fan of ufology or a Martian. Every once in a while, an enthusiast will install a new mailbox, but it does not take long for it to be removed or destroyed again.

Area 51 Tour from Las Vegas

If you’re in Las Vegas and love science fiction, you can take advantage of this great tour from Las Vegas to discover Area 51. A guide will tell you all about the myth of the secret military base and UFO sightings. The tour also includes an interesting visit to the secret terminal of Janet Airlines, the mysterious airline “that doesn’t exist”. From this Las Vegas airport terminal, military personnel move, in total secrecy, to Area 51.

The tour includes:

• SUV tour in the Nevada desert
• Visit the Janet Airlines at Las Vegas Airport
• Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel (check if this is offered at your hotel!)
• Lunch at Little A’Le’Inn and snacks
• Guided tour of the Extraterrestrial Highway attractions and the entrance to Area 51

Click here for more information about the tour

Area 51 Nevada: Where to Stay

Follow our tips on where to stay in Las Vegas, which is without a doubt the main reference point for visiting Area 51. If you want to find accommodations near Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway, you can sleep at the Little A’Le’Inn or search for hotels in Alamo (towards Las Vegas) and Tonopah (towards Yosemite).