Extraterrestrial Highway Walking Tour
Extraterrestrial Highway, United States
Why Walk Extraterrestrial Highway
The Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375) runs 98 miles through the Nevada desert between Crystal Springs (at US-93) and Warm Springs (at US-6), skirting the northern boundary of the Nevada Test and Training Range — home to the classified Area 51 facility. Officially designated in 1996 after decades of UFO sighting reports, the road passes through one of the emptiest landscapes in the Lower 48. Rachel (population approximately 50), at mile marker 29, is the only settlement — home to the Little A'Le'Inn, a UFO-themed restaurant and motel. The Black Mailbox (now white, at the junction of Route 375 and Groom Lake Road near mile marker 29.5) is where UFO watchers gather at night to scan the sky above Groom Lake. The surrounding Tikaboo Valley offers views of the Pahranagat Range and Joshua tree forests. The restricted Area 51 perimeter — marked by warning signs and motion sensors — is visible down Groom Lake Road but entering is illegal.
Free Extraterrestrial Highway Walking Tour with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro, also known as Roamee, offers a free Extraterrestrial Highway walking tour with audio narration. Use it to explore Little A'Le'Inn (Rachel, mile marker 29), Black Mailbox (mile marker 29.5), Area 51 perimeter, plus hidden gems like Coyote Summit and Hancock Summit without booking a group tour.
This Extraterrestrial Highway walking tour is built for travelers searching for a audio guide, a free walking route, or the Roamee app for Extraterrestrial Highway. Start with Little A'Le'Inn (Rachel, mile marker 29) and Black Mailbox (mile marker 29.5), then branch into local context, photo spots, and neighborhood stories as you walk.
explore by interest
Must-See Stops in Extraterrestrial Highway
- •Little A'Le'Inn (Rachel, mile marker 29) — the only business for 100 miles in either direction, a UFO-themed diner and motel covered in alien memorabilia and signed dollar bills
- •Black Mailbox (mile marker 29.5) — the legendary roadside mailbox (now a white steel box) where UFO enthusiasts gather after dark to watch for lights above Area 51
- •Area 51 perimeter — Groom Lake Road intersects Route 375 near Rachel, leading to the restricted military boundary marked by warning signs and camera-equipped poles
- •Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge — a chain of desert lakes and marshes near the eastern end of the highway, home to migrating waterfowl in an impossibly dry landscape
Hidden Gems in Extraterrestrial Highway
- •Coyote Summit — a high point along the highway near mile marker 60 with expansive views of the empty basin-and-range landscape and excellent stargazing after dark
- •Hancock Summit — the highest point on the highway at approximately 6,438 feet near the western end, with Joshua tree forests and views of the Reveille Range
Walking Tip
Drive east to west (Crystal Springs to Warm Springs) to end with sunset over the basin-and-range landscape. The 98-mile drive takes about 90 minutes. There is no gas between Crystal Springs and Warm Springs — fill up at either end. Cell service does not exist along the highway. Bring water, food, and a spare tire. Do not turn down Groom Lake Road past the warning signs — trespassing on the military reservation is a federal offense.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) avoid summer heat exceeding 110°F. New moon nights offer extraordinary stargazing. Winter is cold but clear. The Little A'Le'Inn is open year-round but confirm hours before driving.
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