Did you know that Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway has recorded more UFO sightings per capita than anywhere else in America? This 98-mile stretch of road, officially designated as Nevada State Route 375 in 1996, has become a cosmic pilgrimage for believers and curious travelers alike. With its mysterious connection to the secretive Area 51 and the vast, otherworldly desert landscapes that stretch to the horizon, this remote highway offers an adventure that’s truly out of this world.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

The Extraterrestrial Highway begins near Crystal Springs at the junction of US-93 and continues northwest to the junction with US-6. Most visitors start their cosmic journey from Las Vegas, which is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of the highway’s eastern entrance.

The closest major airports are:

• McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (2.5-hour drive)
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport (5-hour drive)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (5.5-hour drive)

For the full experience, plan to spend at least one full day exploring the highway, though an overnight stay will allow you to experience the incredible stargazing opportunities this remote area offers. The route can be completed as part of a loop from Las Vegas (about 470 km or 292 miles total).

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

The ideal time to explore the Extraterrestrial Highway is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15-26°C (60-80°F). These seasons offer comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and stargazing.

The desert climate means dramatic temperature swings between day and night, so pack layers regardless of when you visit. Summer travelers should bring plenty of water, sun protection, and avoid hiking during midday heat. Winter visitors should prepare for cold nights and check road conditions, as occasional snow can affect travel.

Getting Around Locally

The remote nature of the Extraterrestrial Highway means having your own vehicle is essential. There’s no public transportation along this route, and services are extremely limited. A few important considerations:

• Fuel up completely before starting the journey – gas stations are scarce (the only reliable options are in Alamo and Tonopah)
• Cell service is virtually non-existent along most of the highway
• Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies
• Check your vehicle before departing – tow services are limited and expensive

The road itself is well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types, including RVs. The wide-open highway with minimal traffic makes for easy driving, though wildlife crossings can occur, particularly at dawn and dusk. Keep your camera ready – the journey offers spectacular photo opportunities of the vast desert landscape.

Where to Stay

Accommodation along the Extraterrestrial Highway is limited but adds to the authentic experience. Here are your best options:

For those seeking more conventional accommodations, consider staying in Las Vegas or Alamo before and after your ET Highway adventure. Many visitors make this a day trip from Las Vegas, though this limits your time to explore the area fully.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining options are extremely limited along the Extraterrestrial Highway, so planning ahead is essential. The few establishments that do exist embrace the alien theme with creative menu items:

• Little A’Le’Inn (Rachel) – The social hub of the highway serving “Alien Burgers,” “Saucer Sandwiches,” and “Area 51 Special” breakfast. Their bar offers “Alien Beers” and other themed drinks. This is the only full-service restaurant directly on the highway.
• E.T. Fresh Jerky (Hiko) – At the eastern gateway to the highway, this quirky stop offers alien-themed beef jerky, snacks, and drinks with names like “Martian Poop” soda and “Area 51 Sauce.”
• Tonopah Brewing Company – At the western end of your journey, this microbrewery serves craft beers and BBQ in a historic mining-town setting.

Self-catering is recommended for most travelers. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. The desert environment is extremely dry, and dehydration is a real concern, especially during summer months. If you’re camping, bring everything you’ll need for cooking as supply options are minimal.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

The Extraterrestrial Highway may be remote, but it’s packed with unique, otherworldly attractions that make the journey worthwhile:

Must-See Attractions

Activities Along the Highway

• Stargazing – The minimal light pollution makes this one of the best stargazing locations in the country. The Tonopah Stargazing Park offers organized events.
• Photography – The unique attractions and vast desert landscapes provide endless photo opportunities.
• UFO Watching – Bring binoculars and join the ranks of sky-watchers hoping for a close encounter.
• Hiking – Several unmarked trails lead into the surrounding desert and mountains. Always bring water and navigation tools.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While traditional museums are scarce along this remote route, the entire highway serves as a living museum of UFO culture and desert history:

Cultural Attractions

• Little A’Le’Inn Wall of Fame – The inn’s walls are covered with UFO photographs, newspaper clippings, and visitor accounts of strange sightings, creating an informal museum of extraterrestrial lore.
• Tonopah Historic Mining Park – At the western end of your journey, this 100-acre park preserves Nevada’s mining heritage with original equipment and buildings.
• Tonopah Clown Motel – While technically a hotel, this unusual establishment houses a museum-worthy collection of over 2,000 clown figurines and memorabilia.

Annual Events

The cultural experience of the Extraterrestrial Highway is less about formal institutions and more about immersing yourself in the unique subculture that has developed around UFO mythology and the mystery of Area 51. Conversations with locals often provide the most fascinating insights into the area’s unusual history.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Beyond the alien-themed attractions, the Extraterrestrial Highway traverses some of Nevada’s most striking desert landscapes:

Natural Highlights

• Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge – Just south of the highway’s eastern entrance, this oasis in the desert features lakes, wetlands, and abundant birdlife, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
• Basin and Range National Monument – This vast protected area showcases the distinctive “basin and range” topography that characterizes Nevada, with parallel mountain ranges separated by flat valleys.
• Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark – This 130-meter (430-foot) deep volcanic crater spans approximately 1,600 meters (1 mile) across and provides an otherworldly landscape that truly feels like visiting another planet.

Outdoor Activities

The natural environment along the highway is fragile and should be treated with respect. Practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on existing paths where possible, and be prepared for extreme conditions. The stark beauty of this high desert landscape is part of what makes the journey so memorable.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

The remote nature of the Extraterrestrial Highway requires special preparation and awareness:

Safety Considerations

• Vehicle Preparation – Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before departing. Carry spare tires, tools, and emergency supplies.
• Water and Food – Bring more water than you think you’ll need (at least 4 liters/1 gallon per person per day), plus extra food.
• Communication – Cell service is virtually non-existent. Consider renting a satellite phone or GPS messenger for emergencies.
• Weather Awareness – Desert conditions can change rapidly. Check forecasts and be prepared for temperature extremes.
• Navigation – Bring physical maps as GPS may be unreliable in remote areas.

Area 51 Etiquette

The most important rule when visiting: Do not attempt to enter restricted military areas. The boundaries of Area 51 are clearly marked with warning signs, and trespassing is taken extremely seriously with potential for arrest, significant fines, and even imprisonment. Security personnel monitor the perimeter continuously.

Local residents have a complex relationship with UFO tourism. While many businesses embrace the alien theme, residents appreciate visitors who are respectful of private property and local customs. The small communities along the highway are not theme parks but real places where people live and work.

Visitor Comments About Extraterrestrial Highway

Additional Nearby Destinations

Extend your extraterrestrial adventure with these worthy detours:

If you’re creating a longer road trip, the Extraterrestrial Highway can be combined with Nevada’s “Loneliest Road in America” (US-50) or the Free-Range Art Highway for an extended journey through the state’s most unique landscapes and attractions.

Practical Travel Tips

• Fuel Strategy – Fill your tank completely in Alamo before heading west on the highway. The next reliable gas station is in Tonopah, 240 km (150 miles) away.
• Cash on Hand – Many small businesses along the route don’t accept credit cards or have unreliable card machines. Bring sufficient cash.
• Photography – Bring extra memory cards and batteries. The stark landscapes and unique attractions offer countless photo opportunities.
• Souvenirs – The Alien Research Center and Little A’Le’Inn offer one-of-a-kind mementos you won’t find elsewhere.
• Stickers – Bringing your own sticker to place on the ET Highway sign is a tradition for many visitors.
• Timing – Allow more time than you think you’ll need. The highway itself can be driven in a few hours, but the stops and side attractions deserve exploration.
• Respect Boundaries – Military installations in the area are actively patrolled. Stay on public roads and respect all posted warnings.

Your Cosmic Journey Awaits

The Extraterrestrial Highway may be just a 98-mile stretch of asphalt cutting through the Nevada desert, but it represents something more profound – our eternal fascination with the unknown. Whether you’re a dedicated UFO enthusiast, a curious traveler seeking unique experiences, or simply someone who appreciates vast, open landscapes and star-filled skies, this remote highway offers a journey that transcends the ordinary. As you travel this cosmic route, keep your eyes on the skies, your mind open to possibilities, and remember – the truth is out there, waiting to be discovered along Nevada’s most mysterious highway.