Extraterrestrial Highway Backcountry
Extraterrestrial Highway Backcountry is a easy Various off-road trail near Rachel, NV. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, Extra fuel (5+ gal), Satellite communicator and is best run March - May, Sept - Nov. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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The Extraterrestrial Highway and its branching BLM roads cross one of the emptiest landscapes in the American West, a region where the nearest neighbor might be a classified military installation. The terrain is classic Great Basin desert: sagebrush flats, dry lakebeds, and distant mountain ranges creating an almost infinite sense of space. The roads themselves are generally easy, but the extreme remoteness creates genuine adventure. With zero cell service, zero services, and minimal other traffic, this is as close to true solitude as you can find in the lower 48.
Fun Facts
Nevada officially designated Highway 375 as the 'Extraterrestrial Highway' in 1996.
Rachel, the closest town to Area 51, has a population of about 54 people.
The nearby Nevada Test Site conducted 928 nuclear tests between 1951 and 1992.
Area 51 remains officially classified, though its existence was acknowledged by the CIA in 2013.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Rachel, NV
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.