Area 51, a highly classified United States Air Force facility, is a location long shrouded in secrecy and speculation, making it a focal point for UFO and extraterrestrial lore. Officially designated as Homey Airport or Groom Lake, the facility is part of the sprawling Nevada Test and Training Range. While entry into the restricted military base is strictly prohibited, the surrounding area has cultivated a unique roadside culture that draws travelers from around the world.
Locating Area 51
The facility is situated in the remote desert of southern Nevada, approximately 83 miles north-northwest of the major metropolitan area of Las Vegas. The closest publicly accessible community to the facility is the tiny settlement of Rachel, Nevada, which serves as the unofficial gateway for tourists. Rachel is located about 150 miles from Las Vegas and sits near the northern boundary of the restricted airspace. The town, with a population of around 50 people, has fully embraced its reputation as the “UFO Capital of the World.”
Driving the Extraterrestrial Highway
The primary route to the Area 51 vicinity begins from Las Vegas by heading north along US-95 or US-93. The journey requires travelers to eventually connect with Nevada State Route 375, a 98-mile stretch of two-lane road officially designated as the “Extraterrestrial Highway.” Cell phone service along the Extraterrestrial Highway is often spotty or nonexistent, and gas stations are rare. Drivers should ensure their vehicle’s fuel tank is topped off and carry plenty of water and emergency supplies before leaving the larger towns of Alamo or Tonopah.
Key Roadside Landmarks
The journey along the Extraterrestrial Highway is punctuated by various themed attractions and gathering spots for enthusiasts. One of the most famous stops is the Little A’Le’Inn, a small motel and restaurant located in Rachel. Visitors can find alien-themed food, souvenirs, and a wall covered with alleged first-person accounts and photos of unidentified aerial phenomena. Further along the highway, travelers look for the former location of the Black Mailbox, a landmark that gained notoriety as a supposed meeting spot for UFO observers. Though the original mailbox was replaced and is now often white, the spot remains a place where visitors leave notes, trinkets, and messages for extraterrestrials. Another popular stop is the Alien Research Center, a large gift shop and roadside attraction that marks the beginning of the themed route.
Security and Legal Boundaries
Approaching the actual Area 51 perimeter requires a clear understanding of the severe security and legal constraints. The boundary of the military facility is distinctly marked by numerous warning signs, fences, and conspicuous orange posts. These signs explicitly state that the area is restricted and that the use of deadly force against trespassers is authorized.
The perimeter is continuously monitored by a private security force, often referred to as the “Camo Dudes,” who patrol the boundary in unmarked white pickup trucks. These security contractors use remote cameras and motion sensors to maintain constant surveillance over the vast, empty terrain. Trespassing across the clearly marked boundary is met with immediate detention by the security personnel, followed by arrest by the Lincoln County Sheriff.