| Spot A: Sunset Viewing Area

Views: Views here of runway 25L arrivals, 25R departures, 7L and 7R departures.

Directions: Take Las Vegas Boulevard south past Mandalay Bay. Make left at major intersection (Sunset Rd) and proceed east about a mile. Viewing area is on the left at the southeast corner of the airfield.There is a little parking lot with a view where aircraft touch down on runway 25L.

Security: Famous place for locals to spot, shoot, have lunch. Airport operations and police will be very friendly and there are never encounters.

Photography: You will need a truck and or ladder due to the perimeter fence though pictures are possible through the fence by placing lens close as you shoot. This area gets you close so any lens can be utilized for the specific shot you are looking for. This location is great from sunrise till early afternoon.

Notes: A very spotter friendly location.

Some photos shot from this location:


Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

| Spot B: Parking Garage

Views: Runway 1L and 1R departure views possible from here, as well as gate and ramp shots.

Directions: Enter the airport and follow signs for long term parking (Green Triangle) once you get there drive all the way to top of the garage and park. You then need to walk west toward the terminal elevators in which you will cross a walkway. Stay to the right and walk as far west as you can go to the last set of elevators. The spot is to the right of those elevators.

Security: Again a spot which is frequented by spotters often and is tolerated.  You may get approached by airport security but once they see you are taking pictures they will be fine.

Photography: You need all you have here. A big zoom (400mm or more) is required for the famous rotation shots with the casino backdrop. If you would like to try ground stuff you can get away with less but heat haze is a big problem at this airfield. This spot is only good sunrise to late morning.

Notes: N/A

Some photos shot from this location:


Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

| Spot C: Jack In The Box Resturant Las Vegas Blvd

Views: Views of runway 1L and 1R arrivals, 25R departures. Runway 19R departures are possible but tend to get a little too high.

Directions: On Las Vegas Blvd just south of Mandalay Bay and next to Bali Hai Golf course. Located right next to a Terribles gas station.

Security: Police rarely give us any attention but act accordingly and have ID if approached.

Photography: For departures you will need a good zoom (300-400mm) Arrivals are quite close and will only need 18-200mm. You should park and walk to the sidewalk for the runway 1 arrivals and 19 departures. If you are going to try runway 25R departures you need to walk a little south down Las Vegas Blvd.

Notes: Another very basic spotting location. The Terrible’s food mart is great for snacks and food etc.

Some photos shot from this location:


Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro

Photo by Nicholas Vollaro