Area 51

I’ve been within probably 20 miles of Area 51. I’ve camped off Hwy 375, the Extraterrestrial Highway and Hwy 95 where this picture was taken. Area 51 is Nellis and The Nevada Test Site, located about 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rather than drive the 18+ miles to the unmanned gate on the road to Groom Lake, we were advised to drive eight miles from Rachel, NV to the manned back gate. It’s a bit more photogenic, but no more accessible. We were warned that fines of $600 to $6,000 were levied on trespassers. Some non-US citizens who took photos beyond the warning sign had their passports confiscated and were deported, without an opportunity to collect their belongings from their hotel room. They are now banned from the United States for life. The people who work at and guard the secrets of Area 51 are very serious. They will not even talk about their work with locals at the bar in Rachel. So don’t expect much. Just bring your sense of adventure (and humor).

BTW.. Verizon signals are strong in this area, but AT&T was non-existent. Apparently, visiting aliens appreciate “the network.”

Don’t waste your time.

I admit to being an X-Files fan. I loved that show! Area 51 is a fun place to say you’ve been, or been near, more accurately. Bring a picnic lunch, park along the side of the road on the “legal” side of the fence. Before you’ve even swallowed your first bite of potato salad, an official jeep, complete with armed sentries, will come along, slowing to look you over. Just wave one of your picnic carrots or a chicken wing at them and they’ll leave. (Will a photo of you be uploaded into an Area 51 database somewhere, waving a chicken part and smiling with potato salad in your teeth? Could be!) Seriously, though, don’t push your luck with those folks.

The truth is out there, and I seek the truth.

Also, the “been there & done that” tee shirt would be cool.