Area 51 & Extraterrestrial Highway Day Trip from Las Vegas

Summary

Area 51 stories, desert drives & UFO legends from Las Vegas

You’ll ride out from Las Vegas with a small group and local guide, spotting Janet Airlines before crossing miles of desert along the Extraterrestrial Highway. Stop for lunch at Little A’Le’Inn—maybe hear some wild stories—and stand right at Area 51’s edge beneath those famous warning signs. It’s strange, funny, and oddly moving all at once.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing our guide did was point out this plain white jet at McCarran — Janet Airlines, he said, like it was a secret handshake. I squinted through the window and tried to imagine what it’d be like flying out to Area 51 for work every day. The whole group kind of laughed nervously. It felt like we were in on something strange before we’d even left Las Vegas.

The drive out along the Extraterrestrial Highway is long — I mean, really long. There’s this endless stretch of empty desert, all faded yellow and silver sagebrush. At one point we stopped by this old dry lake bed where people swear they’ve seen lights in the sky. The wind picked up dust that tasted like salt on my lips. Our guide told us about some guy who camped out here for weeks just hoping for a glimpse of something unexplainable. I can’t say I saw anything except a couple of crows and a sunburn starting on my neck.

Lunch at Little A’Le’Inn was… well, weird in the best way. The owner slid over a burger with “alien sauce” (tasted mostly like ranch but hey) and told us her favorite UFO story — she swore she saw lights zigzagging over Groom Lake back in ’97. There’s a wall covered in photos and notes from people who claim they’ve had encounters. I tried reading Captain Chuck Clark’s report but got distracted by someone’s dog wearing a tinfoil hat.

When we finally reached the perimeter of Area 51 — those warning signs are real, by the way — it got quiet in the van. The air felt heavy, like even the Joshua trees were holding their breath. Somewhere up on the ridge there was a flash of sunlight off an unmarked truck. Nobody waved back when I did (not that I expected them to). I still think about that hush; you know how sometimes silence feels louder than noise? Anyway, if you’re into UFOs or just want to feel tiny under that big Nevada sky, this day trip from Las Vegas is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Area 51 and Alien Hotspots

• See Janet Airlines at Las Vegas Airport
• Drive along Extraterrestrial Highway
• Visit Little A’Le’Inn for souvenirs
• Reach perimeter of Area 51

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Area 51 tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Las Vegas.

How long does the drive take from Las Vegas to Area 51?

The drive covers several hours each way across the Nevada desert via the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Do you actually enter Area 51?

No, visitors are only allowed up to the official perimeter marked by warning signs; entry is strictly prohibited.

What is included for lunch during the tour?

Lunch is provided at Little A’Le’Inn—a quirky spot known for its alien-themed menu items.

Are snacks and drinks provided on this day trip?

Bottled water and snacks are included throughout the tour.

Is this Area 51 day trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

A comfortable van or similar vehicle is used for group transport across desert roads.

Will there be live commentary during the tour?

Yes, your professional guide provides live commentary with stories and local insights throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (from selected hotels), bottled water to keep you going under that Nevada sun, snacks along the way, lunch at Little A’Le’Inn (with plenty of time to check out their alien memorabilia), plus all taxes and fees handled so you can just focus on soaking up every oddball detail with your guide’s running commentary before heading back to Las Vegas in comfort.