Road Trippin' With Anna and Joe

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The Extraterrestrial Highway and Area 51

The Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada Routes 318 and 375) begins in Crystal Springs and terminates in Warm Springs at US Route 6 and is approximately 98 miles in length. (Coordinates: 37.528919, -115.220002)

1st Attraction -- E.T. Fresh Jerky

Located at the beginning of the ET Highway in the middle of Junction 318&93, ET Fresh Jerky is an uncanny rest area and will not fail you when it comes to clean restrooms and punchy character. When stopping by, you will be presented with a bounty of free samples, a wide range of eclectic souvenirs and as promised, will encounter the 'cleanest restroom in all of Area 51!' You can test out some amusing beef jerky flavors, including 'Turkey Terrestrial Teriyaki', or 'Hell Hole Hot' and even sign a cabinet they showcase to all visitors. In addition to what seems like an endless range of jerky, ET Fresh Jerky also offers a selection of beverages, candy, dried fruit, nuts and gourmet olives. Best of all, the life-size alien murals surrounding ET Fresh Jerky make for some memorable photos to take home, and is a good way to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

Address: 12600 US-93, Hiko, NV 89017 Hours: 9am until 4pm every day. (Coordinates are 37.528983, -115.220031)

2nd Attraction -- ET Highway sign

Approximately 7/10 of a mile from the beginning of the ET Highway, the highway splits. Nevada Route 318 is to the right, and Nevada Route 375 is to the left. You want to stay left to continue on the ET Highway, but STOP here first at the Crystal Springs/ET Highway Rest Area so you can take photos of the Extraterrestrial Highway sign!!!

3rd Attraction -- Alien Research Center

After leaving the Crystal Springs rest area, in about 1/2 mile on your right, you will encounter the Alien Research Center. The Alien Research Center is a quirky gift shop that’s only open a couple of days a week. Google shows that it’s open every day from 9am until 5pm, but online users report it’s closed more often than it’s open. The real attraction here is the enormous alien statue in front of the center itself. Against the stark backdrop of the Nevada desert, it’s an intensely beautiful place and one that epitomizes the passion many feel for the Highway. (Coordinates: 37.532258, -115.241822)

4th Attraction -- Groom Road and The Front Gate

After leaving the Alien Research Center, drive for about 13 1/2 miles on the ET Highway and you will encounter Groom Road on your left. Following this dirt road will take you to the Front Gate.

The road to the front gate is long and dusty, but good enough to travel at the rated speed (45 MPH) most of its length. You will travel approximately 13 1/2 miles on this road, and always follow this road straight. Any splits, stay right. Be aware of cattle as this is a free range area. Don’t go pass the warning and stop signs, and don’t do anything stupid to piss off the Camo Dudes!!! (Return to the beginning of Groom Road and the ET Highway)

5th Attraction -- The Black Mailbox

(Mailbox Road will take you to Groom Road if you want to visit the Front Gate of Area 51. It’s approximately a 5 mile drive, or about 20 minutes. Turn Right onto Groom Road to head toward the Front Gate)

After visiiting the Front Gate, return to the beginning of Groom Road and the ET Highway. It will be a 5 mile drive to the next attraction, The Black Mailbox.

The box has been a popular meeting spot for the extraterrestrial-obsessed ever since the purported former Area 51 employee Bob Lazar said he would bring people to the spot to see scheduled flights of UFOs that had been reverse-engineered by the U.S. government. Over the years, some have come just to look at the plain postal box; others have camped near it for days in the hopes of spotting alien life. Despite spurious reports of lights in the sky and other such extraterrestrial signifiers, the box’s owner, rancher Steve Medlin, does not believe that aliens have anything to do with the sightings. The mailbox (once black, now painted white) is constructed of thick, bulletproof metal and shuttered with massive padlocks, measures taken after alien-hunting fanatics began stealing the rancher’s mail and even firing guns at the box. The smaller box marked “Alien” was added after Medlin got tired of receiving missives directed to visitors from outer space. Alien enthusiasts making pilgrimages to the site often put dollar bills in the box.

Update: In January 2015, the Black Mailbox was stolen. Due to constant vandalism, it may never be replaced.

6th Attraction -- Back Gate Road and the Back Gate

After vising the Black Mailbox, drive approximately 18.3 miles on the ET Highway to Back Gate Road (on your left). Follow this road approximately 10.6 miles (20 minutes) to the Back Gate. You know the drill from here. Then return to the ET Highway.

7th Attraction -- Welcome to Rachel Sign

On the way to Rachel, keep your eyes peeled for this sign.

8th Attraction -- Extraterrestrial Highway Sign near Rachel, Nevada

After visiting the Back Gate, return to HWY 375 and proceed left 1.1 miles to another Extraterrestrial Highway sign outside of Rachel, Nevada. It will be on your right. (Coordinates: 37.642925, -115.736309)