Lonesome Highway — Extraterrestrial Highway to Rachel via Tikaboo Valley and Coal Valley Crossing
Nevada's loneliest corridor. Eyes on the sky.
Nevada State Route 375 earned its “Extraterrestrial Highway” designation for good reason — this stretch of asphalt and associated dirt connectors crosses some of the most isolated terrain in the lower 48. But the real overland run isn’t on the pavement. The backcountry spur through Tikaboo Valley pushes east off the main highway and crosses Coal Valley on dirt two-track toward Tikaboo Peak, where on clear nights you can see the glow of Groom Lake facilities 26 miles out. The approach to Tikaboo Peak itself via Pahranagat Valley back roads involves rocky switchbacks, loose shale, and no help for 50 miles in any direction if something goes sideways.
This is a moderate-to-difficult route depending on which spurs you chase — the main valley crossings suit a capable stock 4WD, but the Tikaboo summit approach demands high clearance and ideally a locker. The Nevada desert sits at 4,500 to 7,000 feet through this corridor, making temperatures more tolerable than Death Valley neighbors, but summer still bakes. Best run in spring or fall. Fuel up in Alamo or Tonopah; Rachel has a gas pump but don’t count on it. Zero cell service. Carry your own water — springs are few and not reliable. This is a for-the-curious, for-the-committed route.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 99.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7574 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Rachel, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management — Ely District Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Ely District Office |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without any lift or mods?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and will get through in dry conditions. Aired-down tires help on the softer lakebed sections of Coal Valley, but no lockers or skid plates are required.
When should I avoid this trail, and what does a bad weather day actually mean out here?
Avoid after any significant rainfall — the dry lakebeds in Coal Valley turn into axle-deep clay traps that'll swallow a vehicle and hold it there. Best windows are March–May and September–November; summer heat in this basin is serious and August monsoons can close crossings fast.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp out here?
No permit required — this is BLM land managed out of the Ely District Office, and dispersed camping is allowed. Follow Leave No Trace, stay on existing tracks, and don't camp within the NTTR (Nevada Test and Training Range) boundary near the western end — that land is restricted military.
What's the hardest section and what am I actually dealing with when I hit it?
The Coal Valley crossing is where trips go sideways — it's a broad, flat playa that looks driveable and isn't after rain. Even when dry, the surface can be deceptively soft in spots. Take it slow, read the ground, and if it looks wet at all, turn around.
How much fuel do I need, and is there any water or services between the Extraterrestrial Highway and Rachel?
Plan for the full 62 miles with zero services — there is nothing between the start and Rachel. Fill up before you leave Route 375, carry at minimum a 5-gallon auxiliary fuel reserve, and bring all your own water. Rachel has the Little A'Le'Inn but don't count on fuel availability there without calling ahead.
Trail track
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