Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway Leads to a This Town with Just One Restaurant & Endless Alien Stories

Rachel, Nevada

Out on Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway, Rachel is the closest thing to civilization near Area 51. This tiny desert town of 40-something people has turned its alien-adjacent location into a whole personality, complete with UFO-themed everything at the Little A’Le’Inn.

Most visitors are here chasing close encounters, but they stay for the pure Americana weirdness of it all.

The Area 51 Raid Legacy

Back in 2019, Rachel suddenly became world-famous when the “Storm Area 51” Facebook event got over 2 million people saying they would come to “see them aliens.” Only about 3,000 people actually showed up in September, but it put Rachel on the map globally. Now the town sells special souvenirs about this event.

Local businesses had their biggest tourism boom ever during this time. The event created two music festivals: “Alienstock” in Rachel and “Area 51 Basecamp” in Hiko. Locals still talk about all the news crews and visitors who flooded their small town.

The Little A’Le’Inn

You can visit the Little A’Le’Inn (just say “little alien”) any day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but the kitchen stops serving at 7:00 PM. This friendly local bar has been around since 1989 and works as the town’s social hub.

You should try their famous “Alien Burger” with an Alien Amber Ale. Look around and you’ll see UFO photos, news clippings, and dollar bills signed by visitors covering the walls. Pat Travis and her daughter Connie run the place now, and they keep a cool spaceship prop outside for photos.

Cruising the Extraterrestrial Highway

Nevada made Highway 375 officially the “Extraterrestrial Highway” in 1996 when the movie Independence Day came out. This 98-mile road between Tonopah and Hiko goes straight through Rachel. You’ll notice road signs covered with visitor stickers and cute alien silhouettes on the markers.

There’s hardly any traffic, so you’ll have the road mostly to yourself. The desert looks amazing at sunrise and sunset, giving you great photo chances. The speed limit is 70 mph, but watch out for cattle that roam freely on the road.

Area 51 – Well, Sort Of

This puts you right where the action (allegedly) happens. You’ll see warning signs, cameras, and probably security staff watching from nearby hills. Always respect the boundaries because trespassing is illegal and they strictly enforce it.

They upgraded the gate area in 2021 with a bigger checkpoint building. Taking photos there isn’t allowed, but most visitors try anyway.

The Black Mailbox: UFO Watchers’ Landmark

About 20 miles south of Rachel stands a famous mailbox where UFO fans like to gather. It belonged to rancher Steve Medlin and has been replaced several times because people kept vandalizing it.

Though it’s actually white now, everyone still calls it the Black Mailbox. The spot gives you clear views of the night sky, making it popular for stargazing. You can find the mailbox in “Medlin Valley” at coordinates N 37.24, W 115.20. Local stories say you’re more likely to see UFOs here than in other nearby areas.

Alien Cowpoke: Essential Pitstop

The Alien Cowpoke gas station and specialty shop opened in October 2020, bringing fuel back to Rachel after 14 years without any gas services. This fun alien-themed store has cool decorations outside, including a flying saucer display.

Besides gas, you can get snacks, drinks, and UFO souvenirs. The staff can give you information about exploring the area. They often share stories about local UFO sightings too. You’ll find it on Old Mill Street, right across from the Little A’Le’Inn, so you can’t miss it.

UFO-gazing in Perfect Darkness

Because Rachel sits so far from cities, you get amazing star-viewing conditions with almost no light pollution. Try to visit between May and October when the skies are clearest. When there’s no moon, you can see the Milky Way looking incredibly bright. You can easily spot planets, satellites, meteor showers, and extraterrestrial shenanigans without a telescope. Bringing binoculars or telescopes makes the experience even better. The area draws amateur astronomers from everywhere. Remember the temperature drops quickly after sunset, so bring warm clothes even in summer.

Desert Adventures Beyond UFOs

Around Rachel, you can enjoy hiking, off-roading, and photography in the beautiful Great Basin Desert. You should check out the nearby Weepah Spring Wilderness Area with its untouched landscapes and old rock formations. You might spot jackrabbits, coyotes, wild horses, and desert birds while exploring. Many people enjoy geocaching, with lots of hidden treasures throughout the valley. You can also visit the old Tempiute tungsten mine site nearby. The changing elevation creates different mini-environments worth exploring. Be sure to bring paper maps since GPS and cell signals don’t work well here.