How to get by car to Tikaboo Peak: Nevada’s Best Legal View of Area 51
Tikaboo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,097m (6,879ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is widely considered the best remaining legal point from which the public may directly view the very secretive Area 51, a military airfield shrouded in mystery and the source of countless UFO stories and conspiracy theories.
Where is Tikaboo Peak?
The peak is located west of Badger Mountain, in the southern part of Nevada. From the summit, you can see Area 51, which lies 26 miles away. While the base itself appears as a cluster of white buildings barely visible without binoculars, the imagination can run wild with the stories of what might be happening inside. Tikaboo Peak is one of the last legal vantage points for observers hoping to catch a glimpse of this highly guarded site.
Is the road to Tikaboo Peak unpaved?
The rough road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Badger Valley Road. The dirt road has deteriorated considerably in recent years and is very sandy and deeply rutted. Only a suitable 4WD vehicle should attempt it. Stopping on sandy patches can result in getting stuck, so keep moving steadily over loose areas.
How long is the road to Tikaboo Peak?
The road to the summit is 18 miles (28.96 km) long, starting from the paved US-93, and ends in a parking space between trees off the side of the trail. From there, the final 1.2-mile hike to the peak involves a steep climb over sliding shale with an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet. There is no water available along the trail, so all drinking water must be carried.
When is the best time to drive to Tikaboo Peak?
Set high in Badger Mountain, part of the Pahranagat Range, snow prevents access from November to early April. Road conditions are constantly changing, with mud in the spring when snow melts. Thunderstorms or other adverse weather can make the route impassable, and nighttime temperatures can fall well below freezing. Spring and fall nights can be very cold, even if it is hot in the valley.
How to get ready to drive to Tikaboo Peak?
The route passes through a remote area, so preparation is essential. Traffic and nearby residents are scarce, and some sections have no cell phone coverage. Carry plenty of water and food, tools for minor repairs, and at least one reliable spare tire. This journey is also a hotspot for UFO enthusiasts, who often visit the Black Mailbox nearby to meet other observers and scan the skies.
Pic&video: Maestro Agnew