Extraterrestrial Highway Road Trip: Your Complete Guide
Are you interested in life beyond Earth?
Have you ever wondered if there is a place to search for clues about extraterrestrials? Lucky for you, there is a spot right here in the US to explore otherworldly activity. Running right past Area 51, there have been countless claims of UFO sightings along the extraterrestrial highway.
If you are ready to explore this area and do your own research into life outside of Earth, we have the trip for you!
The extraterrestrial highway is located throughout the state of Nevada and is a prime road trip destination. Here, we’ll walk you through where to go, what to bring, and the fun activities you can try along the way. Also, even if you aren’t convinced you will spot a UFO, this road trip is still a fun and unique experience.
How To Prepare for Your Extraterrestrial Road Trip
Before you hop in the car and drive down the extraterrestrial highway, make sure your car is ready to go. This is a short road trip, so you don’t need to worry as much about your car breaking down, but it is still wise to be prepared.
How To Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip
If you’re going down the extraterrestrial highway with your own car rather than renting one, make sure your tires are filled, your gas tank is full, and your brakes are working properly. Also, stash an extra tire in your car in case you run over something and get a flat.
Even though it’s a short trip, you still might want to throw some snacks and water into the car. In addition, pack sun-protective, comfortable clothing for the car ride and any roadside stops. You should also be sure to have a camera packed to make sure you can capture the alien-themed attractions and be ready to snap a picture of any potential UFOs that are flying above you.
Extraterrestrial Highway 101: The Best Stops Along the Way
The extraterrestrial highway stretches about 50 miles along the Nevada State Route 375. To start the road trip, you will want to make your way to Alamo and drive up to Rachel. The whole trip, without stops, is about an hour-long, making this the perfect day trip.
There are plenty of attractions designed for people who are looking for some out-of-this-world fun. Also, you will get the opportunity to look at the beautiful Nevada landscape and explore rural communities along the way.
Alamo
Before getting started on the extraterrestrial-themed adventure, we recommend stopping at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo. This refuge is aimed to help conserve precious wildlife and give a habitat to animals in need.
The refuge will give you the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife up close. Many bird watchers love to visit since you are almost guaranteed to see thousands of species of birds. Admission is free, and they are open on weekends from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
ET Fresh Jerky
ET Fresh Jerky is located just 12 miles north of Alamo, and you won’t be able to miss it.
Painted on the side of the building is a mural featuring UFOs, aliens, the Nevada landscape, and the extraterrestrial highway. Once you pull off into this shop, you will be immediately greeted with alien-themed snacks.
ET Fresh Jerky has delicious meat, nuts & dried fruit that are all made in the USA. They make their snacks with clean ingredients and top-quality meats. Aside from the treats, the shop also has a range of extraterrestrial-themed souvenirs. Grab a snack for the road, shop the alien knick-knacks, and sign your name on the wall before hitting the road again.
Area 51
While you are driving along the extraterrestrial highway, you’ll pass by Area 51. Although we wish we could give you the best tips to explore the area, trespassing in Area 51 is illegal. Although there are no roads or hiking paths that lead to the property owned by the US military, you can still have fun driving by and imagining what goes on inside.
However, if you drive or walk too close, security will be quick to tell you to leave, and you might even risk being arrested. You don’t want to ruin your fun road trip, so be sure to admire Area 51 from a distance.
Alien Research Center
Just 10 miles west of ET Fresh Jerky lies the next stop on the trip: the Alien Research Center. Once again, you shouldn’t have any problem finding this attraction. The research center is located in a large, silver dome with a larger-than-life alien statue standing outside the front door.
The alien research center offers some fun alien-themed facts and novelties, but this spot is mostly going to serve as your one-stop shop for souvenirs. The gift shop has alien and UFO mugs, hats, shirts, keychains, magnets, and other apparel in tons of different styles.
Additionally, since the shop is located right outside of Area 51, you’ll find merchandise that proves you were near this mysterious place. Make sure to stop by since you aren’t likely to find these souvenirs anywhere else!
The Black Mailbox
After a 20-mile drive from the Alien Research Center, you will find the Black Mailbox. Unlike some of the previous stops, this landmark is easier to miss. It is the size of a regular mailbox, but it sits on the side of the road with no house or business behind it.
The mailbox is covered with stickers and graffiti, marked by people hoping to see extraterrestrials. In fact, this mailbox has become a popular spot for groups to meet and watch the sky for a UFO.
Here’s another interesting factoid: People often try and use this mailbox as a tool to communicate with extraterrestrials. Who knows how that might work?
Be sure to snap a photo with the mailbox — and look up to check for anything suspicious.
Little A’le’inn
20 miles from the Black Mailbox is the legendary Little A’le’inn.
You’ll know this small motel from the paintings of aliens and UFOs on the side, as well as the green alien statue standing in the front with a sign that says, “Welcome, earthlings!”
This attraction functions as a place to stay for road trippers but also has an alien-themed gift shop and bar. If you didn’t find what you were looking for at the alien research center, you should be able to find the souvenir of your dreams here.
Once you have purchased your keepsakes, you can peruse the inn’s collection of photos that claim to show UFO sightings. To finish off your visit, head over to the bar to try out their Alien Amber Ale. The taproom also has a large collection of dollar bills pinned to its ceiling, and if you are up to it, you can try to pin your own dollar up there as well. This is the perfect way to finish off the alien-hunting trip of a lifetime.
The Perfect Road Trip Entertainment
Because you are going to be driving through an area packed with fascinating history, you will want a form of entertainment to guide you along your journey.
Autio is a location-based audio platform that shares stories about the people, places, and history of the land they are traveling through. Using Autio while driving along the extraterrestrial highway will help you understand the history of otherworldly activity better, as well as give you insight into the history of the landscape.
If you’d like to learn about the history and related stories about Nevada and the extraterrestrial highway, sign up to gain access to thousands of bite-sized, location-based audio clips with your account.
Sources:
What Is Known (and Not Known) About Area 51 | Britannica
Spot a UFO? The Pentagon wants to know | Los Angeles Times
UFOs: Few answers at rare US Congressional hearing | BBC News