It’s national photography month and there is no better way to celebrate than by taking photos all over the Las Vegas Territory. With photo-ops in neon and nature you are sure to have a month full of breathtaking photography experiences
1. The Strip
From space, Las Vegas is the brightest spot on Earth with a majority of the lights coming from the Las Vegas Strip. So naturally, the Strip is our number one pick for best Photo-ops in the Las Vegas Territory.
Take a ride with Maverick Helicopters for a awe-inspiring aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a Neon and Nature tour for incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon.
2. Bootleg Canyon Park – Boulder City
Bootleg Canyon provides a photography experience unlike no other with views of the Las Vegas Valley on one side and Lake Mead on the other. Hitch a ride on a shuttle to the top and explore one of the park’s 36 trails as you photograph the beautiful Southern Nevada landscape.
Your photography experience in Bootleg Canyon Park can be endless, with opportunities to photograph hiking, mountain biking, larger than life animal statues, and the nature of Southern Nevada.
3. Clark County Wetlands Park
Head to Clark County Wetlands Park for unique photos you wouldn’t expect to get in the dry desert we live in. Explore 210 acres of greenery and ponds that are home to hundreds of species of animals.
We recommend arriving at sunrise or sunset and taking a trek on one of the Duck Creek Trails. These paved trails will lead you to stunning photo-ops of the Clark County Wetlands ponds and greenery.
4. Upper Bristlecone Trail – Mt. Charleston
Fun fact: the Bristlecone pine was named the Nevada State tree in 1987. Venture up to Mt. Charleston and embrace the beauty of some of the oldest living things in Southern Nevada as you hike the Upper Bristlecone Trail.
This 6.3-mile round trip hike will lead you through a heavily forested area with white fir and aspens until you reach the exposed upper slopes filled with Bristlecone pines. Photograph views of the Spring Mountains at the top and on your way out.
5. Valley of Fire
Visit Valley of Fire State Park for 40,000 acres of breathtaking views created by the bright red Aztec Sandstone and gray and tan limestone. The park is open 24 hours, making it the perfect location to get sunrise/sunset photos, family portraits, and even photos of the night sky.
Take a hike on the Rainbow Vista trail and photograph the sun setting over the park with views of the layered rocks. Don’t forget your flashlight as this is also the perfect spot to capture a photo of the stars!
6. Camel Safari
Looking to snap a pic of some cute animals in the desert? Tucked away on a 176 acre property an hour north of Las Vegas, Camel Safari in Mesquite, NV has you covered. Camel Safari’s tours include sights of more than 30 camels, a two-toed sloth, sand cats, African-crested porcupines, woolly opossums, lamas, and tons of exotic creatures that love to pose for a photo. Private tours are available.
7. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Visitors looking for a scenic and geologic features of Southern Nevada will be impressed with Sloan Canyon’s views of 48,428 acres of the Mojave Desert. Similar to Bootleg Canyon Park, from the top, you will find incredible views of the Las Vegas Valley on one side and the Southern Nevada landscape on the other.
You can also explore lava flows, ash falls and glassy zones in the North McCullough Wilderness.
8. Symphony Park
Get the best of both worlds with a neon and nature photography experience at Symphony Park located in Downtown Las Vegas. The Pipe Dream Sculpture features 19 colors, all representing a note from the 1942 classical piece ” Fanfare for the Common Man” by American composer Aaron Copland.
Blue/green is the song’s root note (B-flat), orange is the third note (D), magenta is the fifth note (F), and the last unpainted pole represents a musical rest. The duration of each note is represented by the width of the pole, and the tallest pipe is 26 feet.
9. 7th street area Downtown Murals
For an urban and artistic photography experience head to Downtown Las Vegas and check out the many Downtown Murals. We highly recommend visiting Mural by Apexer located on 7th St. North
This brightly colored and extremely detailed mural was created for the 2015 Life is Beautiful Festival and features geometric bands weaning in and out of each other. It is close to the ground making it the perfect spot for self-portraits and wide shots of the entire mural.
10. Colorado Riverwalk Exploration Trail
Take a drive down to Laughlin and visit the Colorado Riverwalk Exploration Trail for photos of the Colorado River and Davis Dam. The park features 9 miles of trails including the Laughlin Riverwalk.
Stop at one of the areas trailheads, picnic sites, shade shelters or fishing piers for photo-ops of the Colorado River, Davis Dam and Laughlin Strip.
