When I was young and (somewhat) foolish I thought I could visit a place once. As it turns out the only places I visit one time are places that turn out not to appeal to me.

I discovered a number of years ago that there are some wonderful parks within reasonable driving distance of Las Vegas, and that I can get a non-stop flight from Manchester, NH to Vegas. That means the area is often on my quick escape list.

In December, I grabbed my camera and headed west for a week-long wander in some favorite parks.

My first stop was Death Valley National Park. It's funny, but I didn't realize until I looked at my photo galleries that I've chosen Death Valley as an escape in late fall or early winter for the past four years. I wonder if that means I need to head somewhere else in late 2011. I won't worry about that now though.

Somehow, I ended up with a lot of shots of water. Yes, I really was in Death Valley.





Shadows and light late in the day were always interesting.





In the morning I was determined to drive to Ubehebe Crater before stopping for photos. Luckily for me the light stopped me not too long after I started driving.





A little more water, this time at Salt Creek...



It was time to move on. I spent 4 nights at Death Valley, then stayed at a Hampton Inn in Summerlin for the next 3 nights, chosen for good proximity to Red Rock Canyon.

I started with an afternoon at Red Rock Canyon, driving the loop road, stopping to do some walking, joining a local photographer for a chat as I saw him at what looked to be (and was) a good photo spot.





The next day was a day for a loop to the east. Valley of Fire State Park was my first stop. If you haven't been there and you're in the Las Vegas area, it's well worth the drive.

The rock structures are amazing...



And the color is amazing too, very red...





I was on a loop hike at the end point of the road when I heard what sounded like thunder. The sky didn't say storm to me, but I have to admit I thought twice about moving faster. The road I had traveled was full of curves and dips, dips marked with signs warning of flash floods. Luckily, no water fell, no floods during my visit.



I was fascinated by some photos that kdog posted in his Hoover Dam Bypass Update so I thought I'd loop back to Las Vegas by way of the Hoover Dam. Leaving Valley of Fire, I entered the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. I drove for a while before stopping at an overlook.



As I got closer to Hoover Dam I was able to stop and walk along the shore.





I continued on to the Hoover Dam, stopping to walk on the new bridge first. I find it very interesting that the walkway only goes part of the way across the bridge.



I continued down to the road across the dam, leaving my 4-wheeled vehicle in the parking garage so I could walk across the dam. This is not a great bridge shot, but...



I wish I had seen it when it was still under construction. It's truly an amazing structure, as is the dam itself.



Back to Las Vegas...

The next day I visited Spring Mountain Ranch before heading back into Red Rock Canyon. Interesting, it's a state park inside of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. My National Parks Pass got me into Red Rock Canyon, but Spring Mountain Ranch was a separate fee area. And guess what? I found more water!





Of course there was more time to wander at Red Rock Canyon.







Thanks for looking over my shoulder. If you'd like to see more, click for my words or photos.

--- Denise

Very, very nice, Denise. You got a lot of really great shots from your trip. You're not kidding about the water you found in DV. I was there the following week as it turns out, and there was nowhere near the water I'm seeing in your shots which are very special indeed. I also love the winding road shots at VoF. I know why you like it so much out here, having grown up in Mass myself. Give a holler next time you're in da hood and we'll do some shooting!

Cheers,
-joel

Wonderful. wonderful.

Originally Posted by kdog Very, very nice, Denise. You got a lot of really great shots from your trip. You're not kidding about the water you found in DV. I was there the following week as it turns out, and there was nowhere near the water I'm seeing in your shots which are very special indeed. I also love the winding road shots at VoF. I know why you like it so much out here, having grown up in Mass myself. Give a holler next time you're in da hood and we'll do some shooting!

Thanks Joel. I'd love to shoot with you sometime, and I'm sure I'll be back. My park addictions usually refuse to be shaken!

Originally Posted by aktse Wonderful. wonderful.

Thanks aktse!

--- Denise

Great pics of some truly awe-inspiring places, Denise.

I have only been Out West once, in April 2009, but I did manage to visit Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and the Hoover Dam during my trip. I really wish I had had more time at each place, and I wanted to go to Spring Mountain Ranch but didn't have time. I guess I need to get back out there one of these days...

Originally Posted by WillCAD Great pics of some truly awe-inspiring places, Denise. I have only been Out West once, in April 2009, but I did manage to visit Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and the Hoover Dam during my trip. I really wish I had had more time at each place, and I wanted to go to Spring Mountain Ranch but didn't have time. I guess I need to get back out there one of these days...

Thanks!

I highly recommend adding Death Valley to your list of "must visit" locations.

--- Denise

Originally Posted by denisegoldberg Thanks! I highly recommend adding Death Valley to your list of "must visit" locations. --- Denise

I've been several times. And each time better / different than the last. Great stuff, Denise!

Originally Posted by Andy I've been several times. And each time better / different than the last. Great stuff, Denise!

Thanks Andy.

I too see different things on each visit. I enjoy the return visits and while it's possible I won't get back in 2011, Death Valley is still staying on my must visit list.

--- Denise

Nice series!

This is really nice!

Originally Posted by Awais Yaqub Nice series!

Thanks Awais!

--- Denise

Originally Posted by cj99si This is really nice!

Thanks! That's a favorite of mine too.

--- Denise