How to Visit Area 51

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

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The Area 51 military installation in the deserts of Nevada is now more commonly known as Nellis Air Force Base. The Nevada Department of Transportation has given the highway that runs past the facility a special designation as the Extraterrestrial Highway. Strange lights abound in the area and some people think they may be UFOs.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Drive the Nevada Extraterrestrial Highway, otherwise known as Route 375. The road runs 98 miles southeast from Warm Springs, Nevada on Highway 6 to Highway 93.

Step2

Stop at The Little A'Le'Inn in Rachel, Nevada for food, information and conversation. The owners and operators are happy to discuss supposed UFO sightings and legends surrounding Area 51. Pictures and sighting information are posted in the restaurant.

Step3

Visit the Area 51 mailbox located on the south side of the ET Highway just east of Rachel, Nevada. The mailbox is supposedly belongs to both the Air Force Base and also to a local farmer. It is the most photographed mailbox in the world. The idea is to let those who believe in UFO's write notes to aliens and place them in the alien drop box attached to the mailbox.

Step4

Camp or book a room at The Little A'Le'Inn. The Little A'Le'Inn is the only hotel along the highway. There are many camping options. Visit the Rachel, Nevada website for more information.

Step5

Stay up all night watching the sky for strange lights. The Air Force runs frequent training maneuvers, so chances are high that you will see something you can't explain, but is probably an Air Force aircraft on maneuvers.

Tips & Warnings

Fill your gas tank before you get to Rachel, Nevada. There are no gas stations in town and the nearest station is 60 miles away in Ash Springs, Nevada.
Avoid driving at night. Local cows like to sleep on the warm highway after dark and they are difficult to see in the dark.
Do not cross any lines into the base. Nellis Air Force Base does not take kindly to strangers. Even if you only step a few feet onto the base plan on being taken into custody. Remember that even seemingly abandoned dirt roads along the perimeter of the base are being watched.