Vol. 1, No. 18         July 15, 2004
.
   
Traveling Along the Extraterrestrial Highway
A Visit To Rachel, Nevada
Text and photos by Donald J. Cook

Most avid RV enthusiasts pride themselves on their inherent sense of adventure and desire to seek out the roads less traveled. Unique opportunities are abundant for the modern day Magellan. A brief tour along the Extraterrestrial Highway (SR 375) and a visit to Rachel, Nevada will definitely fill these needs!

Rachel is located between Reno and Las Vegas on SR 375, which is accessed via Highway 6 heading east from Tonopah, Nevada. If continuing to Las Vegas or beyond, one merely continues east on SR 375 and then south on Highway 93. The side trip adds only about 20-30 miles to your journey.

Located in the Sand Spring Valley, just over 100 miles north of Las Vegas, Rachel was founded in 1973. First called Tempiute Village, the town once had over 500 residents, most working for the Union Carbide Tempiute Tungsten Mine. The town was renamed Rachel in honor of the first child born in the valley, Rachel Jones. With the mine’s closure in 1988, the population quickly dropped to under 100 residents. The tradition of an annual parade in May to celebrate Rachel Day continues to this date.

Rachel’s REAL notoriety stems from the fact that it lies at the backdoor of the infamous and mysterious Area 51 test site. Because of the numerous movies and books published that reference this top-secret facility and the number of alleged UFO sightings, it is no wonder that Rachel has been dubbed the “UFO Capital of the World”.

Adventurous folks can drive the 13 or so miles of un-marked gravel road outside of Rachel that will lead you to Area 51, the proper name being Air Force Flight Test Center, Detachment 3 (AFFTC Det. 3, for short) located at the Groom Lake base. However, the entrance signs make it quite clear that trespassing will not be tolerated.

The entire area is really a scenic wonder. Desert plant species abound, along with deer and antelope, which inhabit the surrounding mountains. There are numerous abandoned mining camps in the area. A real delight is the remains of the old Warm Springs Stage Stop located at the junction of Highway 6 and Highway 375.

A trip to Rachel is not complete without a visit to the “World Famous” Little A’Le’Inn, a small restaurant, motel and bar/grill. Pat Travis, the owner for the last 16 years, hosts the annual National UFO conference in May, as well as providing a unique location for several RV club campouts. A limited number of electric/water hookups are available at the Little A’Le’Inn, (775) 729-2551; numerous “dry camping” spots are also available. Additional partial hookup sites can be obtained at the adjacent Quik Pik store, (775) 729-2529.

The Inn’s Alien Burgers are said to be out of this world! Any UFO/alien souvenir imaginable can be purchased within the gift shop; merchandise can also be ordered through the Internet.

Not surprisingly, folks from all over the world have stopped in to visit and share their stories. Ms. Travis even assisted in recent wedding preparations for a couple from England. She noted that famous “earthling visitors” to Rachel have included Montel Williams and Graham Greene (from the movie, The Horse Whisperer).

Whatever your interests, Rachel and the surrounding area offers something for everyone. Take the time to cruise the Extraterrestrial Highway; you won’t be disappointed!

This delightful sign tells visitors just about the whole story, nothing but the story, from at least ET's perspective.
That's one long, straight highway stretched out before you. Rachel sits to the left.
This piece of dirt road leads to Area 51, the super secret base used by the U.S. Military to create and test secret weapons systems. The stealth fighter and bomber were tested from this base. Don't expect to be able to get on the base. When they say, "Stop or die," they mean it.
Just over those mountains lies the super secret Area 51. Men in uniform with large caliber machine guns will stop you from crossing onto the base.
Dazzle your friends by taking your own picture of the Highway 375 sign, designating the roadway as Extraterrestrial Highway. Those in the east already think we're crazy, this sign will help prove the point.
Marketing and promotion work. Just ask the owners of the Little AleInn. Their sign is joined by a flying saucer hanging from a crane, and yes, Mother, they serve nicely iced beer, uh, ale.
Long before the visitors from outer space, travelers through this section of southern Nevada were treated to fresh water and a chance to stretch their legs at the Warm Springs Stage Stop.