Back Road to Area 51

Rachel, Nevada

Although a red sign at the back gate to Area 51 warns that "Photography of this area is prohibited," everyone takes a photograph of it anyway. Your chances of success depend on your demeanor, quickness, and the mood of the "camo guys" who will be watching you from the guard shack -- and who will have been watching you for miles. There's no way to sneak up on the back entrance of Area 51 -- it's at the end of a miles-long dusty desert dirt road -- so don't even try.

Obey the speed limit, take a couple of quick snapshots, then turn around and leave. If you try to go past the gate you will be arrested -- and keep in mind that everything that the guards know about probing they learned from space aliens.

Back Road to Area 51

Address:: Back Gate Rd, Rachel, NV
Directions:: Drive southeast from the Little A Le Inn in Rachel on the Extraterrestrial Hwy. After 1.5 miles, turn southwest (right) onto an unmarked dirt road. Drive 9.5 miles, and the road becomes paved. Drive one more mile to the gate.
Hours:: Daylight hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:: Free

Nearby Offbeat Places

Extraterrestrial Highway Sign, Rachel, NV - 1 mi.

The Little A Le Inn: Bar and Motel, Rachel, NV - 2 mi.

The Black Mailbox, Alamo, NV - 18 mi.

In the region:

E.T. Fresh Jerky, Hiko, NV - 28 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Nevada

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Nevada.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.