Extraterrestrial Highway
Hiko, NV
The desolate stretch of Nevada highway known as the Extraterrestrial Highway draws in travelers with its alien-themed attractions and claims of UFO sightings. Spanning 98 miles (158 kilometers) from State Route 318 to US Route 6, the road crosses the desert just north of Area 51—the US Air Force facility where many believe the mysterious activities hail from.
The Basics
The Alien Research Center Quonset hut gift shop, Little A'Le'Inn cafe, and the sticker-covered “Extraterrestrial Highway” sign are popular pit stops along the route. Many people visit on US road trips or day trips from Las Vegas. If you want to keep your eyes out for UFOs instead of on the road, choose a guided tour with round trip transportation from Las Vegas. Along the way, learn about the history of Area 51 and alleged UFO sightings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This drive is a must for extraterrestrial believers or anyone who is curious about the phenomenon.
- There are limited amenities on the Extraterrestrial Highway so bring food and water.
- Visit the town of Rachel (population 54) midway along the route for maps and information.
- Driving to the entrance of Area 51 (down a gravel road off of the highway) is discouraged and the public is banned from entering the site.
How to Get There
The Extraterrestrial Highway begins in the ghost town of Crystal Springs, 109 miles (175 kilometers) north of Las Vegas on State Route 318. Visitors coming from the west can begin the drive in Warm Springs on US Route 6. You can visit on a day trip from Las Vegas or by joining an Area 51 tour.
When to Get There
Due to extreme heat in the summer and cold winters, spring and fall are the best seasons to make the drive. Many enthusiasts choose to visit at night to increase the chances of spotting UFOs.
The Origins of the Extraterrestrial Highway
The state of Nevada designated State Route 375 as the Extraterrestrial Highway in 1996 because of the attention the area had garnered for a high number of stories about aliens and UFO sightings. The mysterious sights are attributed to Area 51, a military base where testing and training takes place. Some believe the base generates noises and flying objects thought to be from outer space. Others claim it’s the site of interactions with extraterrestrials.
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