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Travel Nevada

The Truth Is Out There: Your Ultimate Area 51 Road Trip Itinerary

There are two types of people in this world: those who believe the government is hiding aliens in the remote desert and…those who just appreciate good eats, quirky museums and the open outdoors. Either way, you can’t deny there’s something about the Mojave Desert that stirs up our weirdest of ponderings, like: Are we alone? Is something hiding out here? Where do I get a burger at a military base?

You don’t need to be a believer to enjoy an Area 51 road trip. Although it’s a bit of drive from Las Vegas, there are enough off-the-wall stops along the way to make for a fun three-day escape, offering just the right amount of strange and scenic.

From extraterrestrial lore to haunted ghost towns and more, here’s how to explore the unexplained and downright strange (in the best way) places in Nevada.

Friday Night: Goodbye to the Strip, Hello to the Silence

Once you’ve cleared out of Las Vegas traffic, aim your headlights north toward Alamo, a tiny town with a purpose of gas, snacks and sleep. It’s the last place to fuel up before the real adventure begins. If you’re getting a late start after work, you can stay the night in Alamo. There’s the Alamo Inn that is a humble, but clean motel in a quiet place to rest.

Not too far away on the drive to Alamo is the Knotty Pine Restaurant & Lounge, where you should stop by if you’re looking for a family-style diner that feels like you’re being fed by an aunt who wraps potatoes in tin foil and insists you try the ribeye. If steak isn’t your thing, the pizza also gets rave reviews. Here, you can linger a while with a cold beer, a jukebox tune and a game of pool. If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the unknown, keep driving to Rachel, the destination where most of the strange unknown exists on this Area 51 road trip.

When You Go

Saturday: Hitting Every Highlight on the Area 51 Road Trip

Extraterrestrial Highway

Officially known as State Route 375, this 98-mile stretch of open road has been nicknamed the Extraterrestrial Highway because of the sheer number of sightings reported here. While the state of California holds the title for the most UFO sightings in the country, this route claims to have the most incidents on any stretch of road. When driving down this way, be sure to look out for the iconic sign for a photo—it’s covered in traveler stickers and makes for a perfect conversation starter once home.

Alien Research Center – Hiko

As you drive along the highway, you can’t miss the massive alien sculpture in front of what almost looks like a massive shed. But it isn’t a warehouse, nor is it a lab full of blinking machines. It’s the Alien Research Center, a roadside shop full of alien jerky, novelty T-shirts and souvenirs that glow in the dark. It’s weird, it’s wonderful and it's worth the stop for a perfect introduction to the region's charm.

Black Mailbox and Other Legends

Another short drive down the highway brings you to a place where you can communicate with aliens. Or so it was believed. The Black Mailbox site is just that, a mailbox on the side of the road, once believed to be a drop point for alien messages. Today, it's a rusted post surrounded by desert silence and speculation. If you're the type who likes to watch the sky for answers, be ready with a paper and pencil and leave your note here.

Lunch: Little A’Le’Inn

Of course, it’s not a real road trip without a great place to eat, and Rachel, NV—a tiny town with the population of “a handful”—has just the place. The star attraction here is the Little A’Le’Inn, a small roadside diner and motel fully immersed in alien lore. This is where you can try the famous Alien Burger, check out the memorabilia, and be sure to ask the staff about local sightings. Someone here is bound to have a story.

If you're staying overnight, this is your place. Like in Alamo, the rooms are simple but the experience here is unmatched. But if you’re driving out this way to see Area 51 itself, it’s best to skip and hit the road again.

Stargazing in Rachel

When the sun goes down, stay outside. This part of Nevada has some of the darkest skies in the country. Whether you’re watching for satellites, shooting stars or something you can’t explain, it’s worth bundling up and staying out a little later to gaze and breathe in the desert air.

When You Go

Sunday: Ghost Towns, Grub and the Road Home

Goldfield

It’s not exactly extraterrestrial. But cowboys and aliens pair well together, and that’s what you’ll find in Goldfield. After breakfast in Rachel, head south toward one of Nevada’s many ghost towns. You’ll find abandoned buildings, fading murals and a strange sense that time moved on without bothering to clean up. With all the old-time scenery, this is a photographer’s and artist’s dream. And what’s a ghost town without a great ghost story? You can explore the Goldfield Hotel lobby or even take a tour, where many “permanent residents” are claimed to reside here, including the mistress of the once powerful economic and political figure George Wingfield.

Optional Stop: Clown Motel in Tonopah

While we’re on the subject of haunting and creepy, this optional stop is only for those with a high tolerance for clowns. While heading back toward Las Vegas, you can stop at Tonopah’s Clown Motel, a roadside oddity in the extreme. Hundreds of clown figurines sit in glass cases or peer out from the motel rooms, and the adjoining cemetery only adds to the lore. It’s creepy, it’s famous and one thing’s for certain: you’ll never forget it.

Afternoon: Pioneer Saloon – Goodsprings

As you roll back toward Vegas, treat yourself to one final stop: the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, a saloon that’s been serving travelers since 1913. The walls are decorated with history and a few bullet holes, making wish you had some spurs, hat and a great mustache for that perfect dramatic entry. There’s often live music here to stay awhile with a cold drink and a burger as you soak in the dusty charm.

When You Go

Whether you come back with blurry photos of blinking lights or some great new memorabilia, this trip is proof that sometimes the best destinations are found off the map—and maybe slightly off your rocker.

 Tips for Road Tripping Through Alien Country

  • Fill your tank early. This trip is not one with gas stations just around the corner. Make sure you’re good to drive for miles before starting.
  • Pack snacks and water. While there are a few places to eat, this is a remote drive, so pack accordingly.
  • Bring cash. Many roadside stops here aren’t equipped for card readers.