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An RV journey in the USA is a popular choice for many Australians, especially those who enjoy deserted routes and peculiar attractions. Nevada is a prime option for such travelers. One of the intriguing trips in Nevada that I adore is the Alien Highway. Interestingly, I named my eldest child after a timeless extraterrestrial sci-fi flick.
The Alien Highway isn’t merely about the possibility of encountering visitors from another world. It’s about embracing the eccentric and oddities and fully embracing the corniness of it all. This expedition in Nevada will introduce you to a fortune-telling Alien Trump, take you to the Little A’Le’Inn from the movie Paul, drive you near the renowned Area 51, show you the iconic Black Mailbox, and likely lead you to purchase a plethora of tacky Alien mementos. So, here are the whimsical attractions to discover along the E.T. Highway in Nevada.
#1. E.T. Fresh Jerky, Hiko
You’ve probably tried jerky before, but have you ever tasted Alien Jerky from Nevada? Besides consuming dried meat, you can also find numerous Alien-themed candies and keepsakes here to accompany you throughout your venture along the Alien Highway. Make sure not to skip the Martian-Poop flavored soft drink (or soda, as they refer to it here) and, if you crave some heat, grab the jalapeno pistachios.
The main attraction here isn’t the cuisine; it’s the Alien Trump fortune teller nestled inside the E.T. Fresh Jerky emporium. Give him a US dollar bill, and he’ll utter something ‘profound’ such as, “I’m planning to construct a barrier, and Mexico will be responsible for funding it.” He may even present you with a keepsake ticket to lessen the sting of not getting your dollar back.
Outside the store, numerous photo opportunities await, including a large mural with an alien theme on a wall and a UFO crash site. Honestly, the mural may lack finesse, but it contributes to the enjoyable cheesiness of the Alien Highway journey. Also, if you need to use the restroom, now is the perfect moment as E.T. Fresh Jerky boasts having the “cleanest facilities in Area 51.”
#2. E.T. Highway Sign, Hiko
Your RV journey wouldn’t be complete without a selfie in front of the official Extraterrestrial Highway sign. Located just a minute’s drive past E.T. Fresh Jerky along Highway 318, this spot marks the turn onto Highway 375, the designated ET Highway. Should you have an extra sticker on hand, quickly affix it to one of the two signpost poles — practically everyone else has done so.
#3. Alien Investigation Centre, Hiko
The Alien Investigation Centre can be found a mere two-minute drive beyond the E.T. Highway Sign along the Alien Highway. This center is hard to overlook owing to the towering Alien figure on the right radiating under the desert sun like a genuine UFO. While it may resemble a research facility, it’s essentially a store packed with Alien souvenirs, intriguing facts, and on-the-go snacks. Feel free to ask any burning queries you have about spotting a UFO or locating the entrance to Area 51. Answers to the latter may vary.
#4. The Black Mailbox, between Crystal Springs and Rachel
Approximately 30 kilometers (18.7 miles) past the Alien Investigation Centre along Highway 375, lies the famous black mailbox. It’s easy to overlook, and you might need to backtrack. This iconic mailbox has served as a rendezvous point for alien enthusiasts embarking on road trips for decades.
The original box belonged to rancher Steve Medlin, who remains skeptical about extraterrestrial beings and claims to have witnessed solely US military aircrafts flying to and from the nearby base. Due to repeated theft and vandalism of his mailbox by individuals searching for alien contact, he relocated it farther from the highway. This version remains along the Alien Highway, allowing you to adorn it with stickers and leave a message for extraterrestrial guests.
So, what did we find in the mailbox during our visit? A cheeto and a meatstick, both unpackaged (yuck), numerous notes to our ET pals, and a partially devoured bag of medicated gummies. Perhaps consuming the remainder of those gummies would have led to an extraterrestrial encounter!
#5. Area 51, Nevada
Regarding Area 51 and its lengthy history of alleged UFO sightings, Travel Nevada offers the following information:
This remains the sole image I can divulge since, officially, you’re discouraged from actively seeking it out, and if inadvertently discovering an entrance, signs abound urging against capturing photographs of the entryway… or so they say. Nonetheless, a glimpse at Google Maps might hint at its location in Nevada. However, it’s plausible that a phony Area 51 exists on Google, right? Why is my signal strong everywhere in Nevada (and I mean everywhere) except here? The medicated gummies are turning me paranoid.
What’s factual is the existence of Area 51. The US government confirmed this fact in 2013,and since it’s situated within an active military installation, it’s heavily guarded by robust security measures. Further investigation reveals that it was constructed in 1955 to function as a testing ground for the U-2 espionage aircraft. Notable aircraft purportedly tested at Area 51 encompass the Archangel-12, the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, and even the SR-71 Blackbird, known as the preferred mode of transportation for the X-Men.
Area 51 is a restricted zone
If you plan to explore Area 51 along the Extraterrestrial Highway, think again. It remains a covert installation that the US government actively discourages public proximity to. The nearest you can access by vehicle is approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) away, with airspace restrictions so stringent that deploying a drone will result in an immediate unfavorable reaction.
Regrettably, no photo was snapped, but here’s an AI-generated depiction of an extraterrestrial figure standing in front of a black mailbox in Nevada instead:
#6. The Little A’Le’Inn
About 32 kilometers (20 miles) further ahead on the Extraterrestrial Highway lies the Little A’Le’Inn in the diminutive town of Rachel. Sporting a populace of around 54 individuals, it stands as the nearest settlement to the secretive US Air Force Base previously discussed. Fans of the 2011 film Paul will recognize its appearance from a memorable scene in the movie. If you haven’t watched it yet, pause this reading and indulge in it now. I assure you, it’ll be worth it.
The Little A’Le’Inn serves as an ideal spot to acquire more mementos and is the only establishment around for satisfying your gastronomic cravings. Internally, you’ll encounter first-hand UFO anecdotes and images embellishing the walls, unique merchandise, and a vintage Pacman game still operational provided you possess a handful of US quarters.
The locals are amiable, and if your curiosity is piqued by encounters with extraterrestrial beings or getting as close as legally permitted to Area 51, engage in a more protracted conversation. Externally, numerous quirky photo opportunities await exploration.
#7. Clown Motel, Tonopah
Covering a distance of 175 kilometers (109 miles) with a breathtaking landscape between the Little A’Le’Inn and your final stop, ensure you refuel on caffeine before embarking on this last segment of the Extraterrestrial Highway.
Upon reaching Tonopah, the concluding eccentric attraction is the renowned Clown Motel, also recognized as ‘America’s Most Frightening Hotel’. True to its name, it stands as a supremely eerie motel filled with unsettling clown motifs, attracting fervent horror enthusiasts for an extended period. Although staying overnight isn’t mandatory to appreciate the clowns, the lobby showcases one of the most extensive private compilations of clown figurines and paraphernalia beneath the sky, welcoming all visitors to explore. Some themed rooms, including one featuring Pennywise from Stephen King’s renowned horror novel, “It,” may be showcased by hospitable staff.
Rumors circulate that particular horror-themed rooms are haunted for those daring to lodge there, and its proximity to the historical Old Tonopah Cemetery only adds to the eerie ambiance.
Frankly speaking, this journey could be completed in your RV within a day. Yet, where’s the adventure in that? It’s your vacation, so savor the experience, extend your stay, and relish long lingering breakfasts and lunches, capturing cheesy photos in all the amusing spots along the way.
Little A’Le’Inn: Secure a nightly parking spot for your RV at just USD $30. Drive-through sites are available, alongside access to power and water facilities, although there’s no sewage hookup.
Tonopah: Opt for a spine-chilling experience at the Clown Motel or park at Tonopah RV for a nightly rate of USD $35 on the town’s outskirts. The RV site offers pull-through locations, full hook-up amenities, WIFI connectivity, and pristine laundry and shower options.
Handy details on renting an RV in Nevada
RV rental
We opted for Cruise America and collected and returned our motorhome in Las Vegas. Our 30ft RV was the most spacious model available, and while it may seem sizeable by Australian standards, it often appeared diminutive amidst the plethora of large American vehicles hauling even larger fifth-wheelers or massive buses towing Jeeps or ATVs on trailers. Most individuals are more than willing to showcase their impressive rigs!
Road conditions
Adapting swiftly to driving on the right side of the road in the USA is essential, but overall, the roads in Nevada are superb compared to Australian standards. Even the less-than-optimal routes pose minimal challenges for navigating in a large RV.
Given the well-designed roads for RVs and the RVs engineered for comfort, embarking on an RV rental in Nevada promises an unforgettable journey for Australians for all the right reasons!
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