I visited both gates back in 2016 including the one that requires a 20 mile car ride down a dead straight dirt road with fine, crushed powder (security can see you coming the minute you turn off the main road - my truck was kicking up dust about 30 ft in the air). It was amazing to actually go to the remote gate as I love aviation and Groom Lake is where all the cool planes get tested. There was no one else around when I got to the "gate" but could see the camo dudes parked on a high hill and watching my father and I from up high. I turned my truck around to face the other direction so they know I had no intention of driving past the marked line. I also had the opportunity to tour the Nevada Test site which sites directly to the west of Groom Lake. The actual base is a very long way from anything and the area is extremely remote. I stayed the night in Rachel, watched Dr. Strangelove, and did some stargazing. It was a great experience but couldn't imagine being in that area with thousands of other people. It was a really cool thing to do and I highly recommend going if you get the chance, just do it when no one else is around

Next time you fly into Las Vegas, check out the Area 51 planes that take employee to Groom Lake (Called JANET flights - just another non-existent terminal). They are located on the side of the airport nearest Luxor (giant pyramid) and the planes are white with a red strip down the side. They get priority for takeoff and landing over civilian traffic.

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