I just found out I will be attending a convention in Las Vegas in early December. I'll have 3 days to shoot before the convention starts. I'm considering Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. Is Arches and Monument Valley too far away to consider for this time frame? Also what is the weather like at this time of year?
Lately I've been more of a macro shooter than a grand landscape photographer. Are there any good macro locations nearby at this time of year?
For research I have Volumes I & II of Photographing the Southwest and the complete edition of Photographing America. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.
TIA,
Ken
Considering the time restraints, Red Rock, Boulder Dam, and Lake Mead. If it's in the budget, rent a boat and spend a day on the lake. Arizona isn't that far either. Lots of nice desert in the area and find maps with the various ghost towns and smaller towns listed. Hell, Nevada isn't too far if I remember. My grandfather worked on the dam project and I spent many summers in Boulder City as a kid.
Days are usually mild, but it can get very cold once the sun sets. Be prepared for anything.
Depending on the vehicle, stay off of dirt roads. And if you see rain clouds anywhere, even on the horizon, stay clear of low spots(washes). Driving to Boulder from Vegas one day we saw three cars disappear in front of us in a flash flood, and it wasn't raining where we were. And when walking around in the desert, be alert for mine shafts. Most are just an unmarked hole in the ground. Very deep holes in the ground.
Even in the winter, when traveling the unbeaten paths out in the desert, carry a days water, some food, and plenty of warm cloths.
Don't mean to scare you, I've enjoyed many trips to the desert, but it's an unforgiving environment.
If you can find a library with back issues of Arizona Highways, it's an excellent resource.
