Lincoln County Excursions launches inaugural Area 51 Tour

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Lincoln County Excursions (LCX), formerly Lincoln County Adventure Center and Lincoln County Adventure Outpost, hosted an inaugural Area 51 tour on Aug. 5. LCX welcomed special guests including Caliente Mayor Steve Rowe, First Lady Jaelyn Rowe and Cortney Bloomer from Travel Nevada.

The tour offered participants a first-hand experience of Lincoln County’s extraterrestrial attractions, with tour guide Jessica Hernandez providing engaging facts and stories about Area 51, its history and local UFO lore. Marcia Hurd, LCAT director and driver, navigated the new 12-passenger tour van through the scenic route as guests enjoyed the stories and added their own knowledge to the venture.

Courtesy Photos
Cortney Bloomer with Travel Nevada, Caliente Mayor Steve Rowe, Caliente First Lady Jaelyn Rowe, LCAT Director Marcia Hurd and LCX Coordinator Jessica Hernandez pose in front of Alien Mural.

The tour began at the Historic Caliente Train Depot. The group loaded up and headed toward the iconic Extraterrestrial Highway. After some souvenir photos and a stop at the Alien Research Center, the tour group arrived in Rachel, Nevada. Guests then enjoyed the famous Alien Burger at the Little A’Le’Inn before approaching the highly secure gates of Area 51. As the van neared the gates, lights on either side suddenly illuminated, alerting the group that they were not alone at the edge of the military base.

Mayor Rowe, who had never visited the gates before, shared his experience during the Aug. 7 city council meeting. 

“After approaching the gates, before we could get to the main road, we got a call from the sheriff,” stated the mayor through chuckles. “These guys do watch the gates pretty close. It was very good, and I think it’s going to be something that’s going to bring tourism in.”

The tour concluded with stops at the Alien Cowpoke Gas Station, the Black Mailbox and E.T. Fresh Jerky, where guests grabbed souvenirs, read messages from the unknown and grabbed alien-themed treats before returning safely to Caliente.

Lincoln County Excursions plans to schedule monthly tours from Caliente to Rachel, Nevada. Tour dates and updates will be posted at https://lincolncountynevada.com and on the Lincoln County Excursions Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/16o4K6Qqhf/.

Visitors should be aware that Area 51 is a highly secure federal facility. Approaching the gates, entering restricted areas, or attempting to take photographs near the gates is illegal and strictly prohibited. Trespassing can result in fines, arrest, or other legal consequences. Guests on tours are advised to remain in authorized areas and follow all instructions from tour guides to ensure a safe and legal visit.