Traveling the Extraterrestrial Highway

The Extraterrestrial Highway, or Nevada route 375, runs north of Las Vegas, between Crystal Springs on U.S. Route 93 and Warm Springs on U.S. Route 6. If you are looking for a remote location, far away from mainstream civilization, this place fits the bill.

Getting there

Finding the ET Highway is easy, but getting there takes some time. Follow Interstate 15 North to exit 64 for Route 93 towards Crystal Springs. What might seem like a quick hop from Las Vegas is actually a nearly a two-hour drive just to the beginning of Route 375. Be sure to fill up in Ash Springs on Route 93, a few miles before Crystal Springs. This might be your last chance to get gas and stock up and food and water. Also, watch for speed traps in this area as well, even in 120 degree weather. After you pass Ash Springs, look for the E-T- Beef Jerky shop on your right, marking the place where you need to turn left.

ET Highway Sights

As intriguing as the ET Highway might be, most of it is vast emptiness and open cattle ranges. The first sight is the ET Highway sign itself, followed by the Alien Research Center, a gift shop full of alien knickknacks. 18.7 miles from the Alien Research center you will find the famed Black Mailbox. It’s easily missed and often vandalized. What used to be a rancher’s personal mailbox has become a shrine of sorts, a destination for people seeking otherworldly encounters. It also marks the turnoff to the secretive Area 51. If you feel particularly adventurous, follow the surprisingly busy dirt road until you reach no trespassing signs telling you to turn around. If you miss those signs, you will be promptly greeted by armed guards that don’t take kindly to visitors.

Rachel, NV

Continue for 20 more miles on the Extraterrestrial Highway to reach Rachel. Rachel is a curious little semi-ghost town that was once a mining town for a nearby tungsten mine. It is named after the first girl born there. Today, it is home to a handful of ranchers and alien-themed attractions. You will find a gift shop/diner/bar aptly named Little A’le’Inn, a tiny motel, a tiny flying saucer monument, and a time capsule from the movie Independence Day, which was filmed here. Rachel is a good point to call it a day, stay for the night, and go UFO hunting or stargazing. For day-trippers, Rachel is as far as you should go before turning around. If you decide to continue towards Warm Springs and head back to Vegas by way of Tonopah, that’s a five hour, 320-mile drive.