North of Las Vegas lies a vast stretch of desert mountains, military land, hidden canyons and quiet wildlife refuges. Running across this lonely countryside is State Route 375, which enterprising locals have dubbed the "Extraterrestrial Highway," after the association these remote hills have gained with UFOs, alien abductions and other paranormal phenomenon. While the famed Area 51 is still a top-secret, inaccessible military base, plenty of roadside tourist attractions cater to starstruck flying saucer fans in this quirky part of the country.
But off the highway are a smattering of remote and beautiful destinations, many over a hundred miles from the nearest large city. Kershaw Ryan State Park & Rainbow Canyon protects a sheltered desert oasis surrounded by deep, sinuous canyons. The lakes and marshes of the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge play host to hundreds of species of migratory birds. Cathedral Gorge, Echo Canyon, Spring Valley: the attractions here are quiet, remote, and serenely beautiful.
The Extraterrestrial Highway area is located north of Las Vegas in southern Nevada. For more specific information, please select an area of interest from the links on the left.
