When asked what they thought the most interesting thing in Nevada is, most people said: The Extraterrestrial Highway. And you thought it was just a joke…!?

What is the Extraterrestrial Highway?  Officially, it is a state highway in southern Nevada.  It’s nearly 100 miles long.  The city of Las Vegas is not far away from the Extraterrestrial Highway.  It’s about 150 miles to the southwest of the highway. The road is officially called: Route 375.  It’s close to a wilderness area the US military has called: Area 51.  More on that later.

At the bottom end, the Extraterrestrial Highway begins at a town called Crystal Springs.  At the top end, the Extraterrestrial Highway ends at the town of Warm Springs.  This area really is one of the least populated in the United States.  It is a region of long valleys, high mountains, and sagebrush as far as the eye can see.  At night the skies are a black canvas from horizon to horizon.  On that canvas the stars of the Milky Way Galaxy cross from east to west.  Nature puts on a heavenly light show every night.

The history of the Extraterrestrial Highway is closely linked to Area 51.  That area started as a military testing range in the early 1950s, especially for the U-2 spy plane.  The area is remote and away from prying eyes.  It’s been perfect for secret military projects. 

Interest in Area 51 and the region nearby began to peak in the late 1980s.  A man named Bob Lazar claimed to have worked on extraterrestrial technology at a site called S-4 near Area 51. The stories he told of alien spacecraft captured a wide audience.  People’s imaginations became forever linked with spaceships, UFOs (unidentified flying objects), and alien technology.

In 1996, the Nevada State Legislature officially designated Route 375 as the “Extraterrestrial Highway.” This added weight to numerous UFO sightings reported along the highway.  It also was meant to increase tourism.  Do you think the plan was successful?

There is only one settlement along the highway, a small town called: Rachel.  There are less than 100 residents.  It’s home of the “Little A’Le’Inn.”  It’s a quirky roadside inn.  There is a small restaurant that has become a must-see location for UFO enthusiasts. It’s decorated with alien-themed memorabilia and even offers “alien burgers”!

If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, the Extraterrestrial Highway should be a candidate for your list.  A journey along Nevada Route 375 promises a view into one of America’s most mysterious regions. As you drive through this lonely stretch of highway, keep your eyes on the skies.  You never know what you might see….