 I’ve always wanted to go to the A’LE’INN in Rachel, Nevada and indulge in the mystery that surrounds Area 51 so off we went from Las Vegas to Rachel. This is a 320 mile round trip so don’t be fooled that it is just a quick “out and back” as it took over 6 hours driving time to do the trip so if you are thinking of doing the same thing, schedule a whole day to do it in….it’s a cool trip! Take I-15 north out of Las Vegas to exit 64 (about 22 miles) and turn left at the bottom of the ramp towards Ely, Nevada. It is a good 85 miles to the next gas stop so be sure to monitor your gas gauge during the trek! Alamo and Ash Springs have gas stations (BP and Shell) so it might be a good idea to fill up before continuing on to Rachel as there is no gas in Rachel. As you travel north you will go past Pahrangat Lake and just as you approach Alamo you’ll see a mesa with a huge “P” on the side and shortly after Alamo you will pass through Ash Springs. Just north of Ash Springs is where the intersection of 93N and Highway 318 is so plan on exiting towards the west (left turn) to continue to Rachel, Nevada. Once you turn onto Hwy 318, about a mile west there is a “Y” in the road, some large trees, and this is where you need to cross over to the left in order to join Highway 375 towards Rachel (about 40 miles) west. There is an “Extraterrestial Highway” sign here too but it is all covered with stickers so unfortunately no more great pictures of the sign. (From the beginning of Hwy. 375 it is about 15 miles over Hancock Summit to the beginning of Groom Lake Road, 20 miles to the Black Mailbox and 39 miles to Rachel.)  This is all open range country so be vigilent for cows running across the road (especially at night) they will cause quite a bit of damage to a vehicle. About 1.5 miles east (and just before the town) of Rachel there is a dirt road off to the left, this is the road that leads to the Area 51 back gate, it is about 10.2 miles from the highway and is mostly dirt however the last mile or so is paved.The A’LE’INN is just off the highway and it is a cool place to stop and have something to eat. (I had the world famous “Alien Burger” and my wife had a “Galaxy Wrap” they were both good.) |
GPS Coordinates:
Town of Rachel N37°38.801′ W115°44.760′
Intersection of Hwy. 375 and Back Gate Road N37°38.063′ W115°43.181′
Area 51 Back Gate (Rachel Back Gate) – Here you get to see the guard shack. It is legal to drive right up to the barrier 10.2 mi from Rt 375 N37°35.641′ W115°53.924′
Intersection of Hwy. 375 and Mailbox Road N37°27.432′ W115°28.962
Exit 64 off I-15N Click to see full view… |
93 North Towards Ely, Nevada Click to see full view… |
85 miles North on Route 93 Click to see full view… |
Pahranagat Lake Click to see full view… |
Mesa With “P” on Side Click to see full view… |
Alamo, Nevada Click to see full view… |
Ash Springs, Nevada Click to see full view… |
Approaching Route 318 Intersection Click to see full view… |
Route 318 Turnoff- Turn Left (West) Click to see full view… |
Route 375 Intersection (Bare Left) Click to see full view… |
Route 318 & 375 Split Up Ahead Click to see full view… |
Route 318 & 375 Split Click to see full view… |
Area 51 Main Gate Road Click to see full view… |
Area 51 Back Gate Road Click to see full view… |
Rachel, Nevada (Elevation 4,840 ft) Click to see full view… |
A’LE’INN Click to see full view… |
A’LE’INN Click to see full view… |
Inside The A’LE’INN Click to see full view… |
Another View of Inside Click to see full view… |
Bar at the A’LE’INN Click to see full view… |
Extraterrestial Highway Sign Click to see full view… |
Back Gate Drive Click to see full view… |