Tikaboo Peak is famous (infamous?) for being the only place left where you can see the base known as Area 51 with your own eyes.  The base itself is located within the much more expansive 4,500 square-mile Nevada Test & Training Range (NTTR) and is about 26 miles from the summit.  So, you’ll definitely need a telephoto lens and binoculars.  While we did see some weird lights in the sky while camping (silent, slow moving and then they disappeared), we figured it was probably a security drone checking us out.  Even though it seems like you’re out in the middle of nowhere all by yourself, there are some not-so-hidden monitoring devices (if you keep your eyes open).

Besides seeing Area 51, it’s a beautiful hike in the Pahranagat Range (Lincoln County).  It’s about a 28-mile off-road drive, starting by the Pahranagat Lakes in Alamo, NV.  The drive starts in the low desert, slowly working your way up the elevation to high pine country.  Most of the off-roading is relatively easy (although, watch out for some sections where the sand can get quite deep) until the last 5 – 8 miles, which will require a high-clearance 4-wheel drive.  The hike is somewhat short, but has some pretty challenging sections.  There’s a 1.1 mile section that is very steep, made up of loose scree…it feels like for every 2-steps you take, you slide back down 1.

Please click on the images below – please note the video below the pictures: