The Nevada State Parks has published a 2011 calendar containing full-color images of many of Nevada’s beautiful state parks, including photos from places such as Cathedral Gorge, Lake Tahoe, Berlin-Ichthyosaur, and the Valley of Fire. Many of the images were submitted by visitors.

Their submissions were part of the park system’s 75th anniversary photography contest. The contest had been divided into three categories: park scenery, park wildlife, and family fun. Any photos submitted prior to September were considered for the calendar. However, photos may still be submitted through the end of December for prizes.

"This presents a unique opportunity for visitors booking trips with TourGuy.com because our operators travel to many areas just off the beaten path near or in our state parks," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "The Valley of Fire is especially popular right now, given the cooler temperatures and fewer visitors this time of year."


Hoke said several parks are close to Las Vegas, including Spring Mountain Ranch (which is located near Red Rock National Conservation Area), the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, and Valley of Fire, which is the largest and oldest park in Nevada. It was founded in 1935 and is best known for its renown rock formations, petrified trees, and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs.

"The tour also includes a stop at the Lost City of the Anasazi, which most people miss when they travel to the park on their own," said Hoke. "But mostly, the guides will help you find some of the most remarkable photo opportunities in southern Nevada."

Lost City Museum & Valley of Fire Ground Tour departs Las Vegas daily and includes lunch. Visitors can expect to be returned to their resorts shortly after 2 p.m. The tour is perfect for families with children under 12 traveling to Las Vegas during the holiday season. Hoke said there are considerably fewer visitors in the winter so all adventure and eco-tours from Las Vegas are especially attractive.

To enter the state-sponsored contest, photos must have a resolution of at least 1.0 megabytes (MB) to be considered. Photos can then be emailed to the State Parks’ 75th Anniversary Photo Contest with an entry form per the guidelines.

The photo entry form can be found here. Photos must be submitted separately and each much have its own form.

Hoke said it would be a remarkable way to be forever remembered as a participant (and perhaps winner) during the Nevada State Parks’ 75th Anniversary. Winners will also receive any number of prizes. He added that a portion of the proceeds directly benefit the parks. TourGuy.com is only providing this information as a public service.