Extraterrestrial Highway Road Trip Itinerary

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re driving through another planet—this is your trip. Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375) stretches through some of the most remote, eerie, and fascinating desert landscapes in the United States. It’s famous for its proximity to Area 51, UFO sightings, and wide-open roads that feel like they go on forever.

This is the kind of road trip where the journey is the destination—equal parts mystery, solitude, and pure desert beauty.

🚗 Overview of the Route

• Route: State Route 375 (SR-375)

• Distance: ~98 miles

• Start/End: Crystal Springs → Warm Springs, Nevada

• Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (avoid peak summer heat)

• Vibe: Remote, quiet, slightly surreal

You won’t find big cities or luxury stops here—this is all about the experience.

🛸 Stop 1: Crystal Springs (Starting Point)

Start your journey at Crystal Springs, about 2 hours north of Las Vegas. This is your last real chance to fuel up, grab snacks, and make sure your car is road-trip ready.

From here, things start to feel…different.

👽 Stop 2: Alien Research Center

Just a short drive from Crystal Springs, this roadside attraction is impossible to miss thanks to its massive silver alien statue.

What to expect:

• UFO-themed souvenirs

• Area 51 lore and conspiracy books

• A fun (and slightly cheesy) photo op

It’s touristy—but in the best way.

🏜️ Stop 3: The Open Desert Drive

This is the heart of the trip.

As you head deeper along SR-375:

• Cell service disappears

• Traffic becomes almost nonexistent

• The silence is intense

You’ll pass mountain ranges, dry lake beds, and endless sky. It’s not hard to see why this area fuels so many UFO stories.

Pro tip: Keep your gas tank above half and download offline maps.

🛑 Stop 4: Rachel, Nevada (The “Center” of It All)

Welcome to Rachel, population: tiny.

This is the closest town to Area 51 and the cultural hub of the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Must-Do:

• Eat at the Little A’Le’Inn

• Try the famous “Alien Burger”

• Chat with locals (they’ve heard everything)

This is also where many UFO sightings have reportedly happened over the years.

🚫 Stop 5: Area 51 Border (From a Distance)

You cannot enter Area 51—but you can get close enough to feel the mystery.

Head toward the Groom Lake Road area:

• You’ll see heavy warning signs

• Surveillance is very real

• Guards (aka “camo dudes”) monitor the perimeter

Important: Do not cross any restricted boundaries. The experience is about curiosity—not getting arrested.

🌌 Stop 6: Stargazing in the Middle of Nowhere

If you time it right, this might be the highlight of your trip.

With almost zero light pollution, the night sky here is unreal:

• The Milky Way is clearly visible

• Shooting stars are common

• Total silence adds to the experience

Whether you believe in UFOs or not…you’ll definitely be looking up.

🏁 Stop 7: Warm Springs (End Point)

Finish your drive near Warm Springs, a remote junction with…not much going on. But that’s kind of the point.

From here, you can:

• Loop back toward Las Vegas

• Head north toward Ely

• Or continue exploring Nevada’s backroads

🧭 Suggested 1–2 Day Itinerary

Option 1: One-Day Adventure

• Morning: Leave Las Vegas → Crystal Springs

• Midday: Alien Research Center + scenic drive

• Afternoon: Lunch in Rachel

• Evening: Stargazing

• Night: Return to Vegas (or stay nearby)

Option 2: Overnight Experience

• Day 1: Full drive + Rachel stop + sunset

• Night: Stay in Rachel (basic accommodations)

• Day 2: Sunrise desert drive + explore side roads

⚠️ Travel Tips

• Fill up gas whenever you can

• Bring water (a lot of it)

• Download maps offline

• Expect zero cell service

• Respect all restricted areas

The Extraterrestrial Highway isn’t about luxury or bucket-list landmarks—it’s about the feeling.

It’s the kind of trip where:

• You question how quiet a place can be

• You start scanning the sky without realizing it

• And you remember why road trips are still one of the best ways to explore

Whether you’re chasing aliens or just a different kind of adventure, this drive delivers something you won’t find anywhere else.

And who knows…you might see something you can’t explain. 👽