Fall Fun: Foliage Southern Nevada Neighborhoods

Rainbow Family Park, Las Vegas, NV (November 2012)

Looking to Capture Autumn in Southern Nevada?

As a mother of two, I stay active looking for ways to capture each amazing moment. Two ways I celebrate my children's lives are to find engaging events and to record their experiences with photography. Fall Fun: Foliage Southern Nevada Neighborhoods was inspired by posts I read in one of my Facebook groups where mothers asked, "Where are the best places to take photos this fall?" Over the past few years, I have scoured websites, searched maps, and driven throughout the Las Vegas Valley seeking out locations and events. Las Vegas and its neighboring cities and towns have plenty of places to celebrate autumn.

Rainbow Family Park in the Canyon Gate, 89117 neighborhood (November 2012)

Here eight neighborhoods in Las Vegas, Nevada to find fall foliage:

1. Canyon Gate, 89117: Rainbow Family Park at West Oakey Boulevard and Belcastro Street (one block east of South Tenaya Way).
2. Paradise, 89121: Paradise Park at East Tropicana Avenue and Harrison Drive (next to McCleod Drive).
3. Rancho Charleston, Spanish Oaks, and Scotch 80's, 89102: Bob Baskin Park at West Oakey Boulevard and South Rancho Drive (east of South Valley View Boulevard).
4. The Willows at Summerlin, 89135: Willows Park at 2775 Desert Marigold Lane (South Hualapai Way and Count Deiro Drive). Trails intertwine and connect Desert Marigold Lane to South Town Center Drive).
5. The Gardens at Summerlin, 89135: Gardens Park  at 10401 Garden Park Dr. (West Desert Inn and Hualapai Way). A selection of photographs are posted to this map and review site.
6. Stone Mountain Ranch, 89131: Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary at 8103 Racel Street (Grand Teton Drive and North Durango Drive).

Las Vegas and Beyond the City Limits for Fall Fun

Fall foliage surrounds the Las Vegas Valley. You just need to look for deciduous trees. Still looking for family fun?  If you are looking for more adventure and great photo opportunities, put on comfortable shoes, pack up a wagon, and get ready to explore.

• North: 89131 Gilcrease Orchard (photo taken October 14, 2012)
• South: 89004 Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• East: 89122 Wetlands Park and Nature Preserve
• West: 89136 Calico Basin
• Central: 89107 Springs Preserve

Still Have Questions about Fall in Southern Nevada? Ask a Master Gardener

The Master Gardner program in southern Nevada, is part of the social horticulture programming of Cooperative Extension. The Master Gardeners will celebrate 20 years of volunteer service to the community in 2012. There are many ways to become involved in activities in southern Nevada for all family members. You can call (702) 257-5555, complete an online request form, or visit them in person at Master Gardener Program, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Road or one of the many farmers markets where volunteers attend.

Written by: Clairin DeMartini