Area 51 Adventure: A Day Trip from Las Vegas to Rachel, NV
Las Vegas has been one of my favorite destinations since my first visit in 2010. Despite countless trips, there are always new experiences to explore, and somehow, I never seem to check off everything on my list. One adventure I’ve longed to take was a road trip from Las Vegas to Rachel, NV, and the gates of Area 51. Fascinated by UFOs and extraterrestrial lore since childhood, I knew I had to see it for myself.
Daytrip Begins
My wife and I kicked off our Saturday morning at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. After packing a backpack with extra clothes and jackets — just in case — we headed to the Hertz car rental located in the self-parking garage. While we anticipated an SUV, we didn’t expect the fittingly mysterious black Chevy Suburban waiting for us, reminiscent of a government convoy. By 11 a.m., we were on our way.
Extraterrestrial Highway
The route began with a quick trip north on I-15 to Exit 64, about a 20-minute drive. We stopped at the Love’s truck stop for snacks and drinks before continuing onto Highway 93. Not long after, we reached the quirky Alien Jerky store, turning onto Highway 318. A short drive later, literally like a half of a mile, we came to the Extraterrestrial Highway, officially known as Highway 375. A designated parking area made for a perfect photo op with the iconic highway sign.
Exploring the Alien Research Center
Just a mile down the road, we spotted the Alien Research Center. The giant silver alien statue out front was hard to miss. Inside, the shop offered an assortment of kitschy merchandise—magnets, t-shirts, and alien-themed trinkets. While the selection could have been better, it was a fun stop to stretch our legs and take in the quirky atmosphere.
Rachel, NV and the Lil A’Le’Inn
Continuing west, we passed Groom Road, one of the infamous access roads to Area 51, but we opted to visit Rachel first. The 40-mile stretch between the Alien Research Center and Rachel was a vast expanse of desert beauty. Cell service dropped a couple of miles past the center, adding to the remote, off-the-grid experience.
Rachel is a small community best known for the Lil A’Le’Inn, a legendary roadside stop that gained fame from its appearance in the movie Independence Day. Upon arrival, I snapped photos while my wife struck up a conversation with a local resident. He shared stories about the Area 51 raid event and how he relocated to Rachel during the event and never left. It was a fascinating glimpse into life in such an isolated place.
Inside, we grabbed a drink and lunch at the bar. The walls were lined with UFO memorabilia, photos of alleged sightings, and autographed pictures of prominent figures in the UFO community like Bob Lazar and George Knapp. The food was simple, but the atmosphere made up for it. Before heading out, the bartender gave us directions to the nearby Area 51 gate
The Gates of Area 51
Following her instructions, we retraced our steps east and turned onto Back Gate Road, a gravel path leading straight to one of the base’s entrances. Surprisingly, we weren’t alone. Two other groups had made the pilgrimage, including a family from England. There wasn’t much to see aside from the imposing security signs, surveillance cameras, and the knowledge that beyond the fence lay one of the most secretive military bases in the world.
After taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere, we decided to visit another gate via Groom Road. This stretch of road, straight and endless, gave us a true sense of the desolation surrounding Area 51. As we neared the restricted area, we saw a white pickup truck stationed on a nearby hill—the infamous “Camo Dudes” keeping watch.
We stopped to take in the scenery, noticing a small campsite with remnants of a fire and empty beer cans. It was eerie and fascinating. Knowing we had pushed our luck far enough, we headed back toward Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
We were back in the city, in time for our dinner reservation and even had some time to reflect on our day. Was it worth the trip? Absolutely. While the gates themselves offer little more than a checkpoint and some signs, the journey was unforgettable. The vast desert landscape was stunning, especially as the golden hour bathed the horizon in warm light. Rachel provided a quirky, memorable stop, and the whole experience felt like a pilgrimage for any UFO enthusiast.
If you’re looking to break away from the usual Vegas hustle and experience something truly unique, I highly recommend a day trip to Rachel and Area 51. Just don’t forget to pack some snacks, bring extra water, and be prepared for the unexpected—you never know what you might see out there.
