VERDICT: WE GAVE 3 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.
This article is also part of the Ultimate Guide to Nevada, exploring the Vegas Strip, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Area 51 and even Getting Married. Read the complete itinerary here.
From UFO legends and secret aircraft to the Extraterrestrial Highway, discover what it’s really like visiting Nevada’s most famous restricted area
Few places on Earth have generated as much speculation as Area 51. Hidden deep within the Nevada desert, this highly classified military installation has fuelled decades of UFO sightings, alien stories and conspiracy theories.
Whenever someone mentions Nevada, most people immediately think of Las Vegas.
For us, there was another destination we simply had to see. We had talked about it, but today, we were going to do it! That was Area 51.
After hearing decades of stories about UFOs, aliens, secret aircraft and mysterious military experiments, curiosity finally got the better of us. We pointed the car north from Las Vegas and headed deep into one of the most remote parts of the Nevada desert. It’s a surprisingly long drive.
Once you leave the bright lights of Las Vegas behind, the scenery changes dramatically. Long, empty highways stretch across rugged desert landscapes with mountains rising in the distance. Towns become fewer and farther between until eventually you’re travelling through an enormous expanse of open country where it’s easy to understand why this location was chosen for one of America’s most secretive military installations.
Officially known as Groom Lake or Homey Airport, Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility situated inside the Nevada Test and Training Range. Its exact purpose has never been fully disclosed, which is precisely why it has fascinated people around the world for decades. The secrecy surrounding the base has fuelled countless conspiracy theories involving extraterrestrial life, crashed flying saucers and hidden underground laboratories. The reality is probably much less dramatic.
Over the years, Area 51 has played an important role in developing and testing highly classified military aircraft. The famous U-2 spy plane, the revolutionary SR-71 Blackbird and several stealth aircraft programmes all have strong historical connections to the base.
Interestingly, many of the UFO sightings reported throughout the 1950s and 1960s were later believed to have been sightings of these experimental aircraft flying at altitudes and speeds never before witnessed by the public. Even knowing that, visiting Area 51 still feels different. We could feel it!
There is something difficult to describe about the place. You drive for miles along dusty roads until eventually reaching the famous security gates. That’s as far as visitors can legally go.
Beyond that point lies one of the most heavily protected military facilities in the world. Standing there, surrounded by silence and empty desert, we both agreed the area has an unusual atmosphere. Maybe it was simply knowing what lay beyond the mountains, but there really is a strange feeling about the place.
Whether that’s imagination or something else… We’ll let you decide.
One of the most entertaining parts of the journey wasn’t actually the base itself.
It was the tiny community of Rachel, Nevada. Located along the famous Extraterrestrial Highway, Rachel has fully embraced its connection with Area 51.
The town is tiny. Really tiny. Its most famous attraction is the wonderfully quirky Little A’Le’Inn, proudly welcoming “Earthlings” from around the world.
Inside you’ll find walls covered with newspaper articles, celebrity photographs, UFO memorabilia and every alien-themed souvenir imaginable.
There are RV sites, accommodation and a surprisingly good restaurant, although on our visit we only stopped long enough for a bottle of water while taking in the wonderfully eccentric atmosphere. We’re still not completely convinced our server was entirely human… not joking:)
The humour surrounding Area 51 is all part of the experience. The drive itself became an adventure. The roads are long, hot and isolated, with little traffic and even fewer services. Along the way we couldn’t help noticing numerous road signs peppered with bullet holes, something that certainly added to the slightly eerie feeling of the trip.
My husband wanted to make a short video with the vehicle driving passed him near Area 51 gates. I jumped into the driver’s seat and happily drove by… but for fun I kept driving a little further than he anticipated. He stood there alone for a bit, in the middle of nowhere, even with an animal carcass strewn along the roadside. He was suitably amused. I of course reversed back and we laughed about the moment.
By the time we finally turned back toward Las Vegas, we’d certainly satisfied our curiosity. Would we make the drive again?
Probably not. Would we recommend it? If you’ve always been fascinated by Area 51 and UFO history, absolutely. Sometimes it’s simply about saying you’ve been there.
We left with plenty of photographs, some unusual memories and, of course, our “Area 51 Top Secret Research Facility – No Trespassing. Violators Will Vanish Without a Trace” mousepad.
Some souvenirs are simply too good to pass up.
Top 5 Myths About Area 51
- Alien spacecraft are stored inside Area 51
The most famous theory claims recovered UFOs are hidden and studied at the base. No credible evidence has ever confirmed this. - Alien bodies are kept in underground laboratories
Stories of extraterrestrial autopsies have circulated for decades, but none have been verified. - Area 51 reverse-engineers alien technology
Some believe advanced military aircraft were developed using recovered alien technology. Historians generally attribute these advances to classified Cold War aviation programs. - The base contains a vast underground city
Another popular myth suggests secret tunnels and multiple underground levels exist beneath Groom Lake. While underground facilities may exist, claims of an enormous hidden city remain unproven. - People regularly disappear after getting too close
Warning signs and armed security create an intimidating atmosphere, but visitors who obey posted restrictions are generally left alone. Crossing into the restricted area can lead to arrest and significant fines, not mysterious disappearances.
Nearby Places To Area 51 To Explore
- Little A’Le’Inn: The iconic alien-themed café, motel and gift shop that has become synonymous with Area 51.
- Extraterrestrial Highway: One of America’s most famous scenic highways, stretching through remote desert landscapes linked to UFO folklore.
- Alien Research Center: A roadside attraction featuring a giant alien sculpture, souvenirs and exhibits celebrating Nevada’s UFO culture.
- Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge: A surprising oasis in the desert, popular for birdwatching, wildlife photography and peaceful walks.
- Tonopah Historic Mining Park: Explore Nevada’s rich mining history through preserved buildings, underground exhibits and panoramic desert views.
How Far Is Area 51 From Las Vegas?
Area 51 is approximately 130 miles (210 km) northwest of Las Vegas. Driving to the famous back gate near Groom Lake takes around 2½ to 3 hours, depending on your route and the number of photo stops you make along the way.
The journey follows US Highway 93, NV-318 and finally the famous Nevada State Route 375, better known as the Extraterrestrial Highway.
Although the drive is long, it’s very scenic and passes through some of Nevada’s most remote desert landscapes.
Can You Legally Visit Area 51?
Yes, but only up to the public boundary.
Visitors are welcome to drive the Extraterrestrial Highway and visit nearby attractions such as Rachel, Nevada and the Little A’Le’Inn.
However, entering Area 51 itself is illegal.
Numerous warning signs clearly mark the boundary, and the roads leading into the base are monitored by surveillance cameras and security personnel often referred to as the “Cammo Dudes.”
Crossing onto military property can result in substantial fines, arrest and possible prosecution.
The famous security gate is as close as most visitors ever get.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Spring (March–May) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Pleasant temperatures
- Clear skies
- Ideal for photography
- Best overall time to visit
Autumn (September–November) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cooler weather
- Comfortable driving conditions
- Excellent visibility
Winter (December–February) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Quiet roads
- Cool daytime temperatures
- Cold nights
Summer (June–August) ⭐⭐
- Temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F)
- Carry plenty of water
- Avoid hiking or prolonged exposure during midday
Driving Tips for the Extraterrestrial Highway
- Fill your fuel tank before leaving Las Vegas or Alamo.
- Cell phone reception becomes very limited outside the towns.
- Download offline maps before setting off.
- Watch for wild horses, cattle and wildlife on the road.
- Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk.
- Respect all military warning signs.
- Don’t attempt to drive beyond closed security gates.
- Allow a full day if returning to Las Vegas.
- Bring a camera (or get your phone ready), the desert scenery is spectacular.
- Stop at Rachel and Hiko to enjoy the quirky UFO attractions.
What Should You Pack?
Because services are extremely limited, it’s worth being prepared.
Essentials
- Plenty of drinking water (at least 3–4 litres per person)
- Full tank of fuel
- Snacks or picnic lunch
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brim hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Portable phone charger
- Printed directions or offline GPS maps
Good to Have
- Small first-aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Spare tyre and tyre inflator
- Cash (some small businesses may have limited card facilities)
Area 51 Timeline
1955 – The U.S. Air Force establishes a secret test facility at Groom Lake to develop the Lockheed U-2 spy plane.
Late 1950s – Numerous UFO sightings are later believed to have been sightings of the U-2 operating at previously unimaginable altitudes.
1960s – Testing continues on advanced reconnaissance aircraft, including the A-12 Oxcart, precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird.
1970s – Development and testing of stealth aircraft begins.
1980s – The secrecy surrounding the base fuels growing public fascination and numerous conspiracy theories.
1989 – Former employee Bob Lazar claims he worked on reverse-engineering alien spacecraft near Area 51, bringing worldwide attention to the base.
1990s – Area 51 becomes one of the world’s most famous conspiracy theory locations, appearing in countless books, documentaries and films.
2013 – The CIA officially acknowledges the existence of Area 51 for the first time through declassified documents relating to the U-2 programme.
2019 – The viral “Storm Area 51” social media campaign attracts international media attention, though only a small number of visitors actually arrive.
Today – Area 51 remains an active military installation used for classified testing and research. Much of its work continues to remain undisclosed.
Famous Movies & TV Shows Inspired by Area 51
- Independence Day (1996) – Perhaps the most famous Area 51 movie, featuring hidden alien spacecraft beneath the base.
- Paul (2011) – A comedy following two friends who encounter an alien after visiting Area 51.
- The X-Files – Numerous episodes reference Area 51, UFOs and government conspiracies.
- Stargate SG-1 – Frequently references Area 51 as a research facility for advanced technology.
- Roswell – Draws heavily on Area 51 mythology and extraterrestrial conspiracies.
- Hangar 18 (1980) – One of the earliest films centred on government cover-ups involving UFOs.
- Area 51 (2015) – A found-footage thriller based on attempts to enter the base.
- The Simpsons – Has featured humorous references to Area 51 and alien conspiracies.
- Futurama – Includes several Area 51-inspired jokes and storylines.
- Ancient Aliens – Frequently discusses Area 51 during episodes exploring extraterrestrial theories.
Suggested Route Map
Las Vegas → Alamo → Crystal Springs → Hiko → Rachel → Little A’Le’Inn → Groom Lake (Area 51 Back Gate)
Approximate Distance: 130 miles (210 km) one way
Driving Time: 3 hours
Recommended Stops
- Las Vegas
- Alamo (fuel stop)
- Alien Research Center (Hiko)
- Rachel, Nevada
- Little A’Le’Inn
- Black Mailbox area
- Groom Lake Back Gate
This route follows the famous Extraterrestrial Highway (NV-375) for much of the journey and is the classic self-drive itinerary for Area 51 visitors.
Before You Go
by My Return Ticket
Local Tip
This is a long drive. Make sure supplies and gas/petrol have been taken care of before leaving Las Vegas. If you have a spare day and imply need a break from bright lights and casinos, this is the trip for you.
Information Verified: 06/21/2023
The Bottom Line
It's a fascinating drive and a unique experience, but unless you're genuinely interested in the mystery surrounding Area 51, the long journey may not appeal to every traveller. If you have the time, it is a great bucket list item!
Continue Exploring The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
- Kayaking the Colorado River with Desert Adventures USA: Glide through calm stretches of water framed by towering canyon walls. Ideal for first-timers or experienced paddlers.
- Antelope Canyon: A spectacular slot canyon famous for its colourful sandstone walls and incredible light beams. Guided tours are required.
- Hoover Dam: An engineering marvel spanning the Colorado River, offering guided tours and panoramic views over Lake Mead.
- Sedona: Renowned for its striking red rock formations, scenic drives, hiking trails, art galleries and vibrant downtown.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just 30 minutes from the Strip, this spectacular desert landscape offers scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing and incredible photography opportunities.
Nearby Attractions And Things To Do In Las Vegas
- Walk the Las Vegas Strip: Experience the world-famous resorts, themed hotels, dazzling fountains, nightlife and free attractions that make Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Stay at the Venetian Hotel: One of the city’s top hotels. It is a little pricier, but the environment, rooms, and the feeling of Venice is steps away. Quite a magical stay!
- Try out Nine Fine Irishmen and Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill: There are so many restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed both, great food and fantastic hospitality.
- Get Married!: On the Strip you will find numerous opportunities to tie the knot. It all can be arranged in a day. Even get the marriage licence on the day! We did it!
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
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- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
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