You, E.T., and Edwards Air Force Base: A Not-So-Close Encounter
So, you've just crash-landed in your saucer (don't worry, it happens to the best of us interplanetary travelers) and for some reason, Edwards Air Force Base is on your itinerary. Maybe you heard they have a great selection of spaceship fuel, or perhaps you're looking to snag a selfie with a real, live alien (they come in all shapes and sizes at Edwards, trust me). But before you blast off for a quick Earth pitstop, there's one burning question: How far exactly is Edwards Air Force Base from Los Angeles?
The Short Answer (for impatient space tourists): It depends on your definition of "close." Think "close friend you haven't seen in a while" rather than "phone charger that fell behind the nightstand." We're talking somewhere between 85 and 110 miles, depending on the route you take (more on that later).
The Long Answer (for curious E.T.s): Buckle up, because unlike your hyperdrive, this answer has a few twists and turns. Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, and Edwards Air Force Base is, well, an Air Force Base out in the Mojave Desert. Think Hollywood glitz vs. Death Valley heat. Not exactly next-door neighbors.
The Scenic Route (Not recommended for those in a hurry): If you're looking for a galactic road trip with Martian-esque landscapes, this is your jam. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and crank up the David Bowie because this route stretches for about 110 miles.
The Freeway Flyer (For the efficient E.T.): This route shaves off some distance, clocking in at around 85 miles. Just be warned, Los Angeles freeways can be a bit of an adventure (think rush hour on a comet with a broken tail light).
Important Note: No matter which route you choose, landing your spaceship directly at Edwards Air Force Base is probably a bad idea. Let's just say they might not be too thrilled about an unidentified flying object dropping in unannounced. (Unless you bring some of that spaceship fuel we mentioned earlier. We hear they're running low.)
The Good News: Even though Edwards Air Force Base isn't exactly around the corner from LA, it's still a manageable distance, especially for a spacefaring species like yourselves. Besides, think of the stories you'll have for your next intergalactic social gathering!
So, dust off your spacesuit, pick your route, and get ready for a terrestrial adventure! Edwards Air Force Base awaits (and maybe even Hollywood, if you've got some time to spare).
