Travel advice needed around Las Vegas

[Redneck]

I'll go to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks. I've been there three times already but I never made it out of the city.

This time I'd like to see and shoot something of surrounding areas. I just have no clue what "makes sense".
I'll be going with friends from Germany (non-photogs but typical tourists) and we'll rent a vehicle for a day. We don't want to drive for too many hours, meaning the Grand Canyon is out of question.
However I would like to see the Hoover Dam but since we're on the road anyway I'd like to cover one or two other attractions.
I'm guessing we'll be leaving the city around 10am and would like to return maybe between 3 and 6pm.

Can anybody recommend a route that would make sense and cover something else nice or spectacular?

[r0xikat]

Red Rocks Canyon is only 20 miles west of Las Vegas. I went last year and it provides some spectacular views.

Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association

:)

[ronocnikral]

Red rocks is cool. I was there last March, very convienent, lots to hike, see and do. I know it by the climbing areas. Mescalito on the Southern end of the loop has some more remote places. A lot can be seen from the car driving the loop and it can be done in a couple of hours. Below are some snapshots with our P&S.









I am biased, and especially having German friends (more Europeans visit this site than Americans), I would go see the wave. 4 hr drive, one way. Totally worth it. Once in a lifetime experience. Some pics I posted on "TPF" from there. I'm schemeing a trip to the Coyote Butte South next fall. Permit will be troublesome for you, but I would risk it (getting issued a walk in). If you do decide to risk it, worse case scenario is the world's longest slot canyon - buckskin gultch (can enter over the cockscomb at same place you would if going to the wave). if dry, 4wd not needed, we rode in on my "slammed" Grand AM badly in need of new shocks.

Zion Nat'l Park is within reach.

Other than that, Valley of Fire State Park. Has some cool stuff.

There is suppose to be some amazing thing near Vegas that some nature photogs we met at the wave were talking about. Will let you know if I can figure it out.

[Redneck]

Thanks so far.
Red Rock - yeah, maybe. It looks like going back and forth if you want to visit Hoover Dam and Red Rock.

I've heard about the wave and German travel websites are full of images of it but that's definitely too far away. I'm guessing it has to be in a 50 mile radius of LV to keep the stress level in balance. I hate driving when I'm on vacation.

Please keep it coming.

[Orogeny]

Red Rocks, Valley of Fire State Park and the Hoover Dam.

[JJOC]

Too bad you are not up for more of a drive. Just about 2.5 to 3 hours away is Zion National Park. It is spectacular. Plus on the way you wold drive through the Virgin River Gorge on I15. It has to be one of the most spectacular stretches of road that I have driven.

We were in Zion at the beginning of November. I got some fantastic shots while there. I just need to post them to the site.

[DHaass]

If you are interested in any of these pm me and I'll send some links your way to help out. I've been to Vegas 13 times since 2000 and always rent a car, so I have an idea of what works. As some have mentioned, not having more time limits you from seeing some really nice scenery.

If you are into some HDR stuff you can try this, Nelson Nevada. It's considered a ghost town. I went on my last trip. It's 45 minutes southeast of the strip (towards the Hoover Dam too), give or take a few, and has some unusual items to shoot. They close up kind of early in the evening (it's owned by a couple) so an afternoon trip would work out best. Once you get out of town the driving is easy. You might even see some Desert Bighorn Sheep along the ridges while driving like I did. This place has all kinds of old vehicles and memorabilia. Old signs, tools, crashed plane from a movie, lots of rabbits hopping around, etc. Many area photographers use this spot to shoot engagement sessions. If you are just walking around they will ask for a donation most likely (something minimal like $5 or $10). It is privately owned, so that's how they make a little money on it. Just don't want you to be surprised by it. The camera rep in town actually recommended it to me last time.

The next option for you is Red Rock Canyon, which is about 40-45 minutes from the strip going I15 North (from the strip) to West Charleston Blvd. When you are done driving the 13 mile loop you can stop and eat at any number of places on West Charleston on the way back, if you're hungry...or wait until you are back on the strip.

The third option is Valley of Fire State Park. That's a 45 minute drive straight out I15 North; signs denote the turnoff to the park (on the right). You still have to drive back into the park with its very winding roads and sharp turns. It's like a roller coaster ride on rubber tires (I like it). Sunset photography is best (all that iron oxide in the rocks lights up) , but it's dark on the way back out (nothing but your car lights and stars until you get close to the interstate).

[snydersnapshots]

I was going to mention Valley of Fire, but others stole my thunder.

If you're near the strip for dinner, check out the Ellis Island casino..it's one block off the strip behind Bally's and Paris. Great ribs with all the fixin's for $9.95 and beer for $1.50/pint. Gotta get there early though. Much past 6 or 6:30 pm and you're out of luck on the ribs. Best bet--5 or before.

Have fun!

[SCone]

Not sure if they still have the tour of Hoover Dam, if they do it's amazing

[Redneck]

Thanks Ken, I know the Ellis Island. Used to go there for all you can eat Prime Rib Roast for $5.95 back in 05.

[lfmerrell]

Death Valley overlook, Dante's Point is about a 2.5-3 hr drive. Route we took went past the Amargosa Opera House and Motel. The Point overlooks Death Valley.
Dante's Point video:

Dante's Point - Death Valley National Park - YouTube

Dante's Point - Death Valley National Park - YouTube

Amargosa Opera House,Moshe is long dead her ghost now haunts. About 90 miles on the way towards. Dante's Point.

Amargosa Opera House - YouTube

Amargosa Opera House - YouTube

YMMV, as always check ahead.