Desert Photo Explorers

The Natural Wonders of Gold Butte

Sat, Apr 11 · 10:30 AM PDT

Gold Butte Road & Riverside Road, Nevada, NV, US

Gold Butte National Monument is a gold star location for outdoor photographers and on April 11 we’ll see about creating some golden images!

There are several incredible photo locations inside this National Monument, far more than we could ever visit in a single trip…

But we have broken the trip into two parts, where the first part is suitable for most vehicle types and the second part requires 4WD vehicles to access.

Part 1 - Whitney Pocket
After meeting at our starting location, we will first make the 40 minute drive to this region that is suitable for most vehicle types. This region contains several arches of a variety of colors to explore within a short 1/2 mile walk from the trailhead. You can climb into several arch formations, explore The Cistern, and see an arch-within-an-arch!

Part 2 - 4WD Regions of Little Finland, Seven Keyholes, and More
From Whitney Pocket, those without a high-clearance 4WD will have to ride with someone who does own one.

We may stop along the way for some bonus locations as well. But our main goal will to be at Little Finland around the golden hour so we can catch the beautiful late afternoon light and sunset with these magnificent formations. Depending on cloud cover, we could stay for a bit of astrophotography for those interested once the stars come out to play.

MEETUP INFO:
We will meet at 10:30pm in the dirt parking lot at the the intersection of Gold Butte and Whitney Pass Roads.

This is around a 1hr and 10min drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time.

Plan to pack a light dinner, snacks and plenty of drinks as we will be miles away from restaurants during this Meetup (literally)! This will be one of the more physical DPE Meetups so please read the section below regarding the activity level.

MEETUP FEES:
There is a $10 fee for this event to help cover the costs of running this Meetup. Please plan to pay the organizer in CASH when you arrive. If you are carpooling with a 4WD driver a little help with the cost of gas might be appreciated.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
There could be multiple hikes carrying your gear up to 1-2 miles over unpaved desert terrain as we explore the various locations, possibly through uneven rocky or sandy areas with some ascents and descents.

Arches at Whitney Pocket and getting to Little Finland and some other areas require scrambling up and around rocky areas, quite steep in some parts.

Remember that Part 2 (with Little Finland) is an Offroad adventure; riding in a 4WD vehicle over rough and rocky terrain will result in being bounced and jostled around while in the vehicle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If you have a GMRS radio, please bring it so we can communicate as needed.

If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so that someone else can attend.

DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, and photography carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, property damage, or other unforeseen harm. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest(s).
2. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the requirements, and agree to participate at your own risk. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness, skills, and preparedness to participate in any event.
4. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You fur

Raiders of the Lost Shoreline (Rapids, Slots & Buttes at Lake Mead)

Sat, Apr 25 · 8:00 AM PDT

Las Vegas Bay Picnic Area, Lakeshore Road, Boulder City, NV, US

Most people think of Owl Canyon as a dry, sculpted slot—but on this route, we’ll be chasing something far more unusual: moving water. Starting from Las Vegas Bay Picnic Area, we’ll follow a series of winding shoreline trails toward a narrow slot where a steady, city-fed flow has carved out small rapids directly alongside one of the area’s sandstone buttes. It’s a rare chance to photograph an actively draining slot in the Mojave—where reflections, rushing water, and towering stone converge in a way you almost never see in Southern Nevada.

From there, we’ll continue toward two other Butte formations (Little and Big Butte) before looping back past a quirky driftwood lean-to tucked along the trail.

Our return has a detour into a lesser-known slot of Owl Canyon, climbing gradually toward Bowl Step, where we’ll find tight nooks, layered textures, and a bit of light scrambling to reach some of the more hidden vantage points.

Expect roughly 3.2 miles round trip with plenty of opportunities to explore erosion patterns, desert geometry, and the unique history of a river that flows here year-round—thanks in part to our city just beyond the hills.

View AllTrails Route Here

MEETUP INFO:
We will meet at 8am at the Las Vegas Bay Picnic Area (I will be there early in a blue Subaru). This sits just off of Lakeshore Road and is accessible for all vehicle types. There is a bathroom at this parking lot.

This is around a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time. Add in a few extra minutes to pay the entry fee (below).

MEETUP FEES:
There is a $25 fee (per vehicle) to enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are kiosks at the entrances where you can pay this charge. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, that will cover this entrance fee.

There is no additional Meetup fee for this event.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
This event requires a strenuous hike carrying your gear around 3.2 miles across a variety of desert surfaces including loose sand, dirt, and gravel. The trail doesn't have a lot of elevation (less than 100ft total), however exploratory parts into rock formations that are optional will require some scrambling knowledge. This hike is exposed to the sun for the majority of the time (with shade only in the Owl Canyon Slot region), so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat!

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DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Assumption of Risk:
You understand that participation in outdoor activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the level of care exercised by event organizers. These risks may include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, falls, uneven or unstable terrain, loose rock, wet or slippery surfaces, flowing or standing water, weather conditions, wildlife, confined canyon environments, and limited or delayed access to emergency services. You voluntarily assume all such risks, known or unknown, associated with your participation.
2. Release of Liability:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any associated individuals from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from or related to your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility:
You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the general nature of the activity, and are responsible for assessing your own physical condition, experience level, and preparedness. You are solely responsible for your personal safety and for the condition and use of any equipment you choose to bring or use.
4. Guest Responsibility:
If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their understanding and compliance.
5. Indemnification:
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your participation or the participation of your guest(s).
6. Governing Law and Severability:
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada. If any portion of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
7. Volunteer Host Status:
You understand that Desert Photo Explorers events are informal, peer-organized activities. Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) are volunteers and are not acting as professional guides, instructors, or supervisors. No participant is relying on any Organizer or Host for safety, instruction, or route guidance, and all participants are responsible for their own decisions and actions during the event.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.

Butterflies, Macro and More at Springs Preserve!

Sat, May 16 · 9:00 AM PDT

Springs Preserve, 333 South Valley View Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, US

Break out your macro or close-up lens and come chase the tiny details at Springs Preserve. From fluttering butterflies and colorful blooms to cactus textures, patterns, and all the little things we usually walk right past, this outing is all about slowing down and seeing the small stuff.

And if macro isn’t your thing, no worries! Springs Preserve also offers plenty for photographers who love architecture, leading lines, and a little creative wandering. Whether your eye goes to fine details, vibrant florals, or more artistic perspectives, Springs Preserve offers a wide range of photo opportunities that we can have fun with.

MEETUP INFO:
We will meet at 9am in front of the ticket booth at Springs Preserve. There is plenty of free parking on site.

This is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time.

MEETUP FEES:
Tickets for Springs Preserve include the butterfly habitat and are priced at:

• Nevada Residents: $9.95 adults, $4.95 children (ages 3-17), $8.95 senior (age 65+), $8.95 military
• Visitor/non-resident: $18.95 adults, $10.95 children (ages 3-17), $17.95 senior (age 65+), $8.95 military

While you can purchase a ticket at the booth, it is recommended that you pre-purchase tickets in advance. You can do that online here: https://www.springspreserve.org/visitor-information/tickets.html?lang=en

Note that Springs Preserve is a cashless facility and accepts credit or debit cards only.

There are no additional Meetup fees for this event.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
This event requires walking on flat paved or gravel surfaces up to 1-3 miles with your gear. There is shade available, but some spots are open and exposed to the sun.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so we are not waiting on you to arrive.

DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk:
You understand that participation in outdoor activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the level of care exercised by event organizers. These risks may include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, falls, uneven or unstable terrain, loose rock, wet or slippery surfaces, flowing or standing water, weather conditions, wildlife, confined canyon environments, and limited or delayed access to emergency services. You voluntarily assume all such risks, known or unknown, associated with your participation.