Extraterrestrial Highway
Extraterrestrial Highway
4.5
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Aliens are given their own highway in Rachel, Nevada, one of the most "visited" UFO sites in the country.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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MNice
Bloomington, MN5,165 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We probably drove this route on one of the nicest, cool, partly cloudy day in April. The scenery is unimaginable, but yet, this Highway really doesn’t provide a truly unique experience that could not be obtained in other more interesting areas of Nevada. We did this on a lark in a circle from Las Vegas and staying in Tonapah. We highly recommend Tonapah with its historical renovations that will wow you. The Ale’inn in Rachel is just not enough to take a day out of your life, although interesting and humorous. We would do Route 66 in Oatman or perhaps go across the northern part of the state. Perhaps the drive from Reno to Vegas. We are on our way to Death Valley tomorrow and don’t regret our decision to do the Extraterrestrial, but we won’t be back for this drive. The “museum” continues to be closed.
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynette51
Santa Barbara, CA1,838 contributions
Apr 2021
This is a long stretch of road with lots of cows that are free to cross the highway so keep an eye out. More cows than cars for sure. Other than the town of Rachel that has the Ale'inn restaurant it's pretty lonely. You should stop by the little cafe as it has lots of interesting pictures and some pretty darn good blueberry pie! I've always heard about this highway so had to do the drive. Didn't see any UFO's though and it was a clear day - maybe next time......
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Out This Door
Mesa, AZ585 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Lonely stretch of Hwy with interesting stuff. Worth the weird visit! There’s DOE property with interesting warning signs, Lunar Crater and its dry lake bed, volcanic lava flows with obsidian inside, alien gasoline shops, rock art and more! And yet, you will probably be the only one there! Stock up on gas and cold drinks when you can.
Was under construction in June 2023 with 30 minute wait times.
Was under construction in June 2023 with 30 minute wait times.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Kenai, AK1,157 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Long straight aways and lots of desert landscape are the norm here BUT there are sights to see along the way. Starting with the Alien Research Center, an Alien painted rock that will sneak up on you in one of the rocky hills sections, the Black Mailbox, the Extraterrestrial Hwy sign (now located just short of Rachel and the Little A’le Inn) and of course the thriving community of Rachel NV.
The road to Area 51 is no longer marked but you’ll k ow it when you see it.
The road to Area 51 is no longer marked but you’ll k ow it when you see it.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tahoe Gal
3 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Classic drive through NV scenery with the extra draw of Area 51. Just BEWARE of driving at night due to free ranging cattle. They are everywhere and very hard to see in the dark. Should not go over speeds of 40-45 mph.
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GCPaler
35 contributions
We finally got to see this sign for real! Took pictures.
It is worth the drive. It’s about 2hours drive from Las Vegas. There are two gas stations on the way once you leave the Vegas.
We pass by the Alien Museum first but it was closed at that time. The next stop was the “Extraterrestrial Highway” sign, it is so cool, had some pictures taken and then drove to Rachel, Nevada. Rachel is a tiny town in Nevada, and said to be the UFO capital of the world. The highway gets its name from several legends surrounding the area, such as mysterious lights appearing in the night sly, as well as myths surrounding the mysterious Area 51.
Little A’Le Inn is not only an Inn, but also a restaurant, bar and gift shop. You can look at photos aliens and flying saucers they have collected and documented for years. There is also a flying saucer, alien parking and funny signs in the parking area. The building was built as a dedication to Alien and UFO research, because to its close proximity to Area 51.
We drove 10 miles on a dirt road to the back gate of Area 51, just took a picture of the gate and return back to Vegas. The lady from the Little A’le Inn Restaurant warned us not to extend any of our body parts (not even hug a pole) into the property line of Area 51, or else we will be fine $630 each person.
Some people might rate this place as poor, as there is nothing to see there except the Inn & Restaurant, some mobile homes and cattle . It’s the journey, the beauty of nature around it, to know the history of the place and the EXPERIENCE of being there.
It is worth the drive. It’s about 2hours drive from Las Vegas. There are two gas stations on the way once you leave the Vegas.
We pass by the Alien Museum first but it was closed at that time. The next stop was the “Extraterrestrial Highway” sign, it is so cool, had some pictures taken and then drove to Rachel, Nevada. Rachel is a tiny town in Nevada, and said to be the UFO capital of the world. The highway gets its name from several legends surrounding the area, such as mysterious lights appearing in the night sly, as well as myths surrounding the mysterious Area 51.
Little A’Le Inn is not only an Inn, but also a restaurant, bar and gift shop. You can look at photos aliens and flying saucers they have collected and documented for years. There is also a flying saucer, alien parking and funny signs in the parking area. The building was built as a dedication to Alien and UFO research, because to its close proximity to Area 51.
We drove 10 miles on a dirt road to the back gate of Area 51, just took a picture of the gate and return back to Vegas. The lady from the Little A’le Inn Restaurant warned us not to extend any of our body parts (not even hug a pole) into the property line of Area 51, or else we will be fine $630 each person.
Some people might rate this place as poor, as there is nothing to see there except the Inn & Restaurant, some mobile homes and cattle . It’s the journey, the beauty of nature around it, to know the history of the place and the EXPERIENCE of being there.
Written January 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
67SS_Dan
Maryville, TN89 contributions
My wife and I went here on our recent trip to the Southwest, and loved it. The ET Highway itself is literally in the middle of nowhere, but is a very scenic and pretty drive. The only real reason to be on the HWY would be as a means to get to Rachel, or just traveling through (to where I have no idea). Going to Rachel and seeing all the Area 51 stuff was high on my list as I'm a bit of a UFO geek. If you're not interested in this kind of thing though, it's a 3 hour drive from Vegas for not much... so I don't know that I'd recommend it to just anyone. If you've gotten this far though (to be searching for it on the internet), you're obviously interested in it somewhat. Very nice people in Rachel though at the little A'le'inn. Stop buy and take your picture with all the alien stuff and have a drink with the owners. They've got lots of funny stories.
We also drove out the road to the "Rachel back gate", which is one of the two entrances to the Area 51 base. We chose this entrance because there is actually something there instead of just signs and a fence. You can actually see the guard shack and watch the cameras aim at you... kind of funny. The signs say "photography prohibitied", but apparently that hasn't been enforced in a long time. There were people there at the guard shack while we were there and they didn't seem to mind me clicking away.
Make sure you get gas in Ash Springs as there is no gas station in Rachel, and I believe there was only one in Ash Springs (which you could sneeze and miss).
We also drove out the road to the "Rachel back gate", which is one of the two entrances to the Area 51 base. We chose this entrance because there is actually something there instead of just signs and a fence. You can actually see the guard shack and watch the cameras aim at you... kind of funny. The signs say "photography prohibitied", but apparently that hasn't been enforced in a long time. There were people there at the guard shack while we were there and they didn't seem to mind me clicking away.
Make sure you get gas in Ash Springs as there is no gas station in Rachel, and I believe there was only one in Ash Springs (which you could sneeze and miss).
Written June 6, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richardhX3746SH
32 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
I went to Rachel to visit the Little A'le'inn Cafe. I just wanted to see the place for myself. I'm not sure how other people regard this place but for myself, personally, it's embroiled in contemporary mythology and somewhere I've always wanted to go. You have to be aware (as I was) EXACTLY what you are going to see when you get there or you are going to end up reviewing it with a 'poor' rating. Basically, there ISN'T anything there - except a cafe and a motel hashed together out of static mobiles. It's as much the journey as anything else and the things that you will experience on the way. These are things like driving through the desert (everyone should try that!), knowing you are driving around the edge of the secretive area 51, turning on to the 'Extraterrestrial Highway' and seeing the roadsigns covered in stickers, and so many other small things like this that make up the entire experience. I know that many have said things like 'It was a long drive, and there was nothing to see when we got there'. It isn't what you SEE that makes this the experience that it ought to be. It's what you know about its history, and how it makes you feel...
Written December 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PurplePumpkin1951
Portland, Maine, United States24 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Area 51 itself is off the beaten path, but the whole area around it was fun to explore. We stopped in at the 1st Extraterrestrial Highway sign in Hiko, and then we drove to Rachel. We passed where the Black Mailbox used to be (it's not there anymore) and drove straight to the Little Ale'E'Inn. We expected the Little A'Le'Inn to be more than just a dumpy dive bar given it has to be a destination spot for tourists and UFO/Area 51 junkies, AND since it was featured in the movie 'Paul" and has a super cool time capsule out front, dedicated by the ID4 cast and crew. But no. It does not celebrate it's role in popular culture in any way which deviates from a really super cheap hole in the wall manner.
After seeing the Little A'Le'Inn we went to see where the Black Mailbox used to be. Since it's not there anymore (as previously mentioned) we took pictures standing next to the post and cement block that are still there, which it used to be set in. We then took a drive down Mailbox Road. We weren't exactly sure where the BACK gate to the Area 51 base was, but we had this book that gave us directions on how to get to Groom Lake Road. Essentially, we started at the Black Mailbox and we traveled down this road roughly 5 miles - until we hit this 4-way-intersection with no signs. The road heading to left looks like it goes into some mountains but really it goes back to the road. (It's an earlier entrance into this area. Whereas we went further down the road so we could see the Black Mailbox and Black Mailbox Road, this earlier road would have been perfectly find to drive directly down to Groom Lake Road.)
So at this intersection, with the road heading into the mountains on the left, and into continuing flat desert land straight ahead, and flat land to the right - we went right.
We kept driving on this road, essentially 13, or so, miles. Doesn't matter how long it was because we went to the very end - where the Area 51 Gate is. You simply drive until you can't drive anymore, because the gate is there. You can't possibly miss it. Keep driving, at LEAST 13 miles. There is razor wire and scary signs. It's a No Drone area, and there are signs that say don't take pictures or video down there. It's awesome.
When we got to the gate there was no one around. There was a constant humming sound from this big box we could see from the gate. It was inside Area 51. It had a tall pole standing up from it, and it emitted this sound. We don't know what it was there for but you can't miss it. There are no trees out here really, so it's the tallest thing in sight - probably 15 to 20 feet tall.
7 or 8 of us all arrived at the same time, so that was cool, because we didn't know each other but at least we knew there were other people experience this place for the first time the same as we were. It was awesome.
We all walked around, we watched our boundaries and didn't break any laws... it was just a thrill to be there - when all of a sudden - around this bend, probably 80 feet into Area 51, this white truck comes speeding into sight, slams on its brakes, spins the truck around (it's all dirt roads out there) and speeds off while kicking up dirt in the process. It was AWESOME!
I said to one of the other people that they took off in a hurry, and he said "Nah, I bet he's going up on that ridge over there to watch us". And sure enough, this truck drove up onto a little hill not even a football field and a half away from where we were standing, and it sat there watching us. It was SO AWESOME! If any Cammo Dudes are reading this, you guys are great! They totally put on a show like they were intimidating us, but honestly, no one was even close to breaking any laws or anything. No one was even fooling around about it, so those Cammo Dudes knew what they were doing - giving us all something to tell all our friends about. It was awesome, so I wanted to make sure I say "thanks".
The Cammo Dudes (in the truck) watched us for a while, and they stayed there the whole time we were there, which was probably 20 to 30 minutes, give or take. When we left the others were still there, but we saw them on the road on the way out, so pretty much everyone left at the same time. The Cammo Dudes stayed that whole time.
One of the people that was there said they stopped at the ExtraTerrestrial Museum? I'm not sure that's the right name because we didn't stop at it, but it's a title along those lines. And the manager/owner there told them how to get to Area 51 - the BACK gate, which is the far more interesting of the gates/entrances (is what this guy said).
Had a TON of fun on the Extraterrestrial Highway. Would definitely do it again!
Made some fantastic memories.
Also, the land outside of Area 51 is all PUBLIC land. You can camp there. You can have (responsible) fires there, so you can stay overnight so long as you clean up after yourself. You can hike there. You can do anything you're able to do in a lot of public parks. So the next time we go we're likely going to skywatch overnight - camp out and watch the stars and for any potential UFO activity.
After seeing the Little A'Le'Inn we went to see where the Black Mailbox used to be. Since it's not there anymore (as previously mentioned) we took pictures standing next to the post and cement block that are still there, which it used to be set in. We then took a drive down Mailbox Road. We weren't exactly sure where the BACK gate to the Area 51 base was, but we had this book that gave us directions on how to get to Groom Lake Road. Essentially, we started at the Black Mailbox and we traveled down this road roughly 5 miles - until we hit this 4-way-intersection with no signs. The road heading to left looks like it goes into some mountains but really it goes back to the road. (It's an earlier entrance into this area. Whereas we went further down the road so we could see the Black Mailbox and Black Mailbox Road, this earlier road would have been perfectly find to drive directly down to Groom Lake Road.)
So at this intersection, with the road heading into the mountains on the left, and into continuing flat desert land straight ahead, and flat land to the right - we went right.
We kept driving on this road, essentially 13, or so, miles. Doesn't matter how long it was because we went to the very end - where the Area 51 Gate is. You simply drive until you can't drive anymore, because the gate is there. You can't possibly miss it. Keep driving, at LEAST 13 miles. There is razor wire and scary signs. It's a No Drone area, and there are signs that say don't take pictures or video down there. It's awesome.
When we got to the gate there was no one around. There was a constant humming sound from this big box we could see from the gate. It was inside Area 51. It had a tall pole standing up from it, and it emitted this sound. We don't know what it was there for but you can't miss it. There are no trees out here really, so it's the tallest thing in sight - probably 15 to 20 feet tall.
7 or 8 of us all arrived at the same time, so that was cool, because we didn't know each other but at least we knew there were other people experience this place for the first time the same as we were. It was awesome.
We all walked around, we watched our boundaries and didn't break any laws... it was just a thrill to be there - when all of a sudden - around this bend, probably 80 feet into Area 51, this white truck comes speeding into sight, slams on its brakes, spins the truck around (it's all dirt roads out there) and speeds off while kicking up dirt in the process. It was AWESOME!
I said to one of the other people that they took off in a hurry, and he said "Nah, I bet he's going up on that ridge over there to watch us". And sure enough, this truck drove up onto a little hill not even a football field and a half away from where we were standing, and it sat there watching us. It was SO AWESOME! If any Cammo Dudes are reading this, you guys are great! They totally put on a show like they were intimidating us, but honestly, no one was even close to breaking any laws or anything. No one was even fooling around about it, so those Cammo Dudes knew what they were doing - giving us all something to tell all our friends about. It was awesome, so I wanted to make sure I say "thanks".
The Cammo Dudes (in the truck) watched us for a while, and they stayed there the whole time we were there, which was probably 20 to 30 minutes, give or take. When we left the others were still there, but we saw them on the road on the way out, so pretty much everyone left at the same time. The Cammo Dudes stayed that whole time.
One of the people that was there said they stopped at the ExtraTerrestrial Museum? I'm not sure that's the right name because we didn't stop at it, but it's a title along those lines. And the manager/owner there told them how to get to Area 51 - the BACK gate, which is the far more interesting of the gates/entrances (is what this guy said).
Had a TON of fun on the Extraterrestrial Highway. Would definitely do it again!
Made some fantastic memories.
Also, the land outside of Area 51 is all PUBLIC land. You can camp there. You can have (responsible) fires there, so you can stay overnight so long as you clean up after yourself. You can hike there. You can do anything you're able to do in a lot of public parks. So the next time we go we're likely going to skywatch overnight - camp out and watch the stars and for any potential UFO activity.
Written May 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Windsurferguy01
Utah264 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
OK, so I have been to Vegas a million times, but this time we had a rental car and wanted to do something different..................
Only a couple hours from Vegas is the E.T. Highway. Here is what i would suggest you do:
1: Stop at the E.T. Sign and get your picture taken.
2: The infamous "black mail box" is about ten miles east of Rachel on the E. T highway on the left all by its lonesome in the middle of the desert. The front gate road to Area 51 is there too, though I would suggest using the back gate road.
3: Right before the town of Rachel (pop. 200), there is a dirt road that is on the left that goes ten miles into the desert to the Area 51 back gate. We drove out there, parked for a few minutes, took some pictures and then headed back to Rachel.
4: Eat lunch at the Little Ale'Inn in Rachel.
5: Drive around a little bit, the desert is beautiful out there.
6: Head back to Vegas.
We had a great time especially lunch at the Inn. See the reviews for the Inn. Word of warning---GET gas in Alamo, NV (70 miles from Rachel) , bring some extra water and food in case you break down and when you get to the back gate, don't do anything STUPID! Get your pictures/video and hit the road. Check your car out pretty good before leaving Alamo , make sure water temp. and tire pressures are good. There is no cell service and in one hour of driving to Rachel, only one pick-up passed me in the other direction. I don't know where they come from, but watch out for cows on the road AND for dead animal carcass's on the road. i guess Nevada DOT doesn't get out there much. Mostly, have fun!
Only a couple hours from Vegas is the E.T. Highway. Here is what i would suggest you do:
1: Stop at the E.T. Sign and get your picture taken.
2: The infamous "black mail box" is about ten miles east of Rachel on the E. T highway on the left all by its lonesome in the middle of the desert. The front gate road to Area 51 is there too, though I would suggest using the back gate road.
3: Right before the town of Rachel (pop. 200), there is a dirt road that is on the left that goes ten miles into the desert to the Area 51 back gate. We drove out there, parked for a few minutes, took some pictures and then headed back to Rachel.
4: Eat lunch at the Little Ale'Inn in Rachel.
5: Drive around a little bit, the desert is beautiful out there.
6: Head back to Vegas.
We had a great time especially lunch at the Inn. See the reviews for the Inn. Word of warning---GET gas in Alamo, NV (70 miles from Rachel) , bring some extra water and food in case you break down and when you get to the back gate, don't do anything STUPID! Get your pictures/video and hit the road. Check your car out pretty good before leaving Alamo , make sure water temp. and tire pressures are good. There is no cell service and in one hour of driving to Rachel, only one pick-up passed me in the other direction. I don't know where they come from, but watch out for cows on the road AND for dead animal carcass's on the road. i guess Nevada DOT doesn't get out there much. Mostly, have fun!
Written July 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any organised tours as I do not drive?
Written August 11, 2018
The only ones I found were around $200 on viator and on expedia. They are listed as Area 51 tours (which is what the ET Highway borders. Good luck!
Written August 11, 2018
How far is the extraterrestrial highway sign from the vegas strip?
Written January 11, 2018
The sign is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Go all the way out to Rachel, NV too. It’s not a bad drive!
Written January 13, 2018
I read that the "Black" mailbox was stolen in 2015 and due to constant vandalism, may never be replaced - so....is it still there?
Thanks!
Written December 26, 2017
Long gone. There's a pile of stone and mementoes left by keen ufo folk.
Written December 27, 2017
You are in the middle of the High Nevada Desert, with not much habitation around and near sensitive military and defence research installations, so I don't think RV campsites are exactly encouraged on the I375 Extraterrestrial Highway. That said, at Rachel at the Little A'Le'Inn, their web site says "FREE "BOONDOCKING RV" in a safe environment! " They have accommodation there, as well as food and drink. Then right at the southern end of the highway at Crystal Springs where it meets the I93 and turns into the "Great Basin Highway" towards Las Vegas, there is the Crystal Springs (or ET Highway) Rest Area. This is where the famous 'Extraterrestrial' sign is, where everybody leaves a sticker on it as a memento. It is large enough to turn around an RV, but doubt if it has any plug in facilities for electricity or water.
Written October 27, 2017
Where are the freeway signs that say "extraterrestrial highway' located? Is there one at the Warm Springs junction where 375 & 6 meet?
Written March 14, 2017
Not sure of the road but there are two on the way to Rachel, one just past turning into the junction and the other just before Rachel. Hope this helps
Written March 15, 2017
Is the Ex highway, a dirt road or flat road? I am considering the drive from Vegas to Rachel for lunch and then up to Tonopah, Beatty for Dinner and back round to Amargosa for the night. Is this feasible? A lot of driving I know but then we will only do it once ;-)
Written March 19, 2016
It is all paved and seems to go forever at times, definitely gas up every chance and take some food and water with you as there aren't many places along the way.
Have a blast!
Written March 20, 2016
How many places along the route have bathrooms?
Written July 16, 2015
It depends on the direction you are coming from....from Las Vegas, there are probably 5-6 facilities between the I-15 turnoff and Rachel. Once on the ET Highway itself, there's only the one in Rachel. Of course, there are a lot of large cacti and sagebrush along the highway :)
Written July 17, 2015
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