Genre: Landscape
Trip Duration: 7 days
Travel Radius: 50 miles one-way
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly
Summary
Las Vegas, NV, is renowned for its vibrant cityscape, but its surrounding natural landscapes offer stunning opportunities for photographers. In October, the weather is mild, making it ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead. These locations provide diverse landscapes, from dramatic rock formations to expansive desert vistas. Wheelchair-accessible trails and viewpoints are available at many sites, ensuring inclusivity.
Attractions at or within 2 Miles of Central Las Vegas
Trophy Locations
| Name | Latitude | Longitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The High Roller | 36.1183 | -115.1683 | Wheelchair accessible; iconic observation wheel for cityscape photography. |
| Bellagio Fountains | 36.1125 | -115.1770 | Wheelchair accessible; best during Golden Hour for water reflections. |
Hidden Gem Locations
| Name | Latitude | Longitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wetlands Park | 36.0903 | -115.0783 | Wheelchair-accessible trails; great for bird and nature photography. |
| Spring Preserve | 36.2933 | -115.2483 | Wheelchair accessible; historic and natural landscapes. |
References:
- TripAdvisor.com
- Google.com/maps
Attractions within 50 Miles of Las Vegas
Trophy Locations
| Name | Latitude | Longitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon | 36.1544 | -115.4378 | Wheelchair-accessible scenic drive and trails; stunning rock formations. |
| Valley of Fire | 36.4558 | -114.5308 | Wheelchair-accessible viewpoints; vibrant red sandstone landscapes. |
| Lake Mead | 36.1894 | -114.8108 | Wheelchair-accessible marinas; great for seascapes and sunsets. |
Hidden Gem Locations
| Name | Latitude | Longitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Charleston | 36.2716 | -115.6511 | Limited wheelchair access; cooler temperatures, pine forests, and vistas. |
| Eldorado Canyon | 35.9872 | -114.9572 | Wheelchair-accessible areas; historic mine and desert landscapes. |
References:
- nps.gov
- stateparks.com
Golden and Blue Hours Shoot Plan
| Day | Golden Hour | Blue Hour | Recommended Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sunrise: 6:30 AM | Sunset: 6:00 PM | Red Rock Canyon (Trophy) |
| Day 2 | Sunrise: 6:32 AM | Sunset: 5:58 PM | Valley of Fire (Trophy) |
| Day 3 | Sunrise: 6:34 AM | Sunset: 5:56 PM | Lake Mead (Trophy) |
| Day 4 | Rest Day | – | – |
| Day 5 | Sunrise: 6:38 AM | Sunset: 5:52 PM | Mount Charleston (Hidden Gem) |
| Day 6 | Sunrise: 6:40 AM | Sunset: 5:50 PM | Eldorado Canyon (Hidden Gem) |
| Day 7 | Sunrise: 6:42 AM | Sunset: 5:48 PM | Wetlands Park (Hidden Gem) |
Climate Conditions (October)
| Metric | Average |
|---|---|
| Precipitation | 0.2 inches / 5 mm |
| Temperature | 65°F / 18°C |
References:
- weather.com
Shot Types to Consider
- Leading Lines: Use roads or rock formations at Red Rock Canyon.
- Silhouettes: Capture desert plants against the sunset at Valley of Fire.
- Reflections: Photograph Lake Mead during calm mornings.
Gear Checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Camera | DSLR/Mirrorless, Wide-angle lens, Telephoto lens, Tripod |
| Accessories | ND filters, Remote shutter release, Extra batteries, Memory cards |
| Mobility | Wheelchair-accessible backpack, All-terrain wheels for tripod |
Health, Safety, and Road Conditions
- Hydration: Carry ample water, especially in desert areas.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, hats, and lightweight long sleeves.
- Roads: Most roads are well-maintained, but check for closures in remote areas like Mount Charleston.
Daily Shoot Plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Rock Canyon (Trophy) | Bellagio Fountains | High Roller (Trophy) |
| 2 | Valley of Fire (Trophy) | Spring Preserve | Lake Mead (Trophy) |
| 3 | Lake Mead (Trophy) | Eldorado Canyon | Rest |
| 4 | Rest | Rest | Rest |
| 5 | Mount Charleston | Wetlands Park | High Roller (Trophy) |
| 6 | Eldorado Canyon | Red Rock Canyon (Trophy) | Valley of Fire (Trophy) |
| 7 | Wetlands Park | Spring Preserve | Lake Mead (Trophy) |
References:
- visitlasvegas.com
- nps.gov