The Extraterrestrial Highway is an iconic route through the Nevada desert
Nevada State Route 375 (the Extraterrestrial Highway) is a very scenic journey on the boundary of Nye and Lincoln counties in south-central Nevada, United States. Many visitors have reported UFO sightings and other strange activity along the way.
How long is the Extraterrestrial Highway?
Located in the belly of Nevada and surrounded by miles of desert this is a lonely route linking one empty area of Nevada with another. The road is 159km (98.9 miles) long running east-northwest from Crystal Springs, a ghost town in Lincoln County (on State Route 318) to Warm Springs, a former town in Nye County (on U.S. Route 6). The road tops out at 1.819m (5,967ft) above the sea level, at Queen City Summit, the highest point on the highway.
Is the Extraterrestrial Highway worth it?
The road is totally paved. It’s an iconic route through the Nevada desert. It’s said to be one of the most desolate roads in the country where you’ll find hardly anyone else on the road. It’s a scenic drive around desert, a truly US open road experience. Be mindful of weather conditions. The road climbs up to Hancock Summit, at1.711m (5,613ft) in Lincoln County; Coyote Summit, at 1.710m (5,610ft) in Lincoln County and Queen City Summit, at 1.819m (5,967ft) in Nye County.
Why is called the Extraterrestrial Highway?
The highway was renamed as the Extraterrestrial Highway in 1996. It has reported more U.F.O. sightings than any other road in the country, and runs adjacent to the Nevada Test and Training Range, which includes Area 51, where many top secret missiles, aircraft and weaponry have been trialed since the 1950s. As part of an active military base, it is patrolled and guarded by some of the heaviest security on Earth. The small nearby town of Rachel is home to several alien-themed businesses and worth a visit if you’re an alien enthusiast.