Founder Disabled Photographer Denise Vasquez Photographed by Randy Martinez ©2023
I'll never forget the first time I visited the Redstone picnic area. I am a disabled photographer, so I'm always searching for accessible locations where I can photograph the landscape, and review for my project: The Disabled Photographer Project & How Accessible Is Accessible Series.
I usually plan ahead when exploring new areas, but when the area is close to home, sometimes I love being spontaneous, going with the flow, and seeing where adventure takes me! While driving 45 minutes East of Las Vegas into the Pinto Valley Wilderness, I noticed these big beautiful red sandstone formations, and decided to stop and explore the location. I couldn't help but stand in awe smiling cheek to cheek, photographing the landscape as the sun lit up the rocks. Everything seemed to be glowing, which makes for spectacular photographs especially during sunrise or sunset.
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2023
The location offers accessible parking, accessible vault restrooms, paved walkways with a few interpretive signs leading to 3 covered picnic tables, and 3 grills. Be sure to pack a picnic & bring lots of water! There is no water available anywhere in the area. During the summer months where temperatures reach over 100 degrees, I highly recommend visiting this area during sunrise or morning hours. Don't forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bring your walking sticks and wear good hiking boots! To view more in this location, watch my Tiktok video here https://www.tiktok.com/@denisevasquezphotography/video/7408221187676966186?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7381176150784509470
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2023
The Redstone Picnic Area is in a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your Access park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect. Don’t know about the Access Pass? The Access Pass is available to permanently disabled people at no charge when obtained in person. The Access pass is available at most park entrance stations and visitor centers. You can learn more about the Access pass in my blog here
Denise Vasquez Photography
If you walk behind the picnic area, there is an unmarked trail you can follow while exploring these ancient sand dunes that formed millions of years ago, and are now sandstone. This trail is not paved, and the terrain is sandy, rocky and can be uneven from time to time.
While exploring the location I noticed big animal paw prints that looked like they could've been mountain lion tracks. Be aware that wildlife and reptiles frequent the area such as mountain lions, bobcats, longhorn sheep, wild horses, coyotes, chuckwallas and rattlesnakes. If you see any wildlife, keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet, and remember to respect the area, do not move the rocks or remove anything, and leave no trace.
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2023
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope my research, exploration of the area, and sharing my personal experience has been helpful! I started my project over six years ago while I was in a wheelchair, using rolling walker and from time to time I’m still using my walking sticks, because personally, I’ve experienced too many times while visiting parks, being told things like “this park is not Accessible”, even though I’ve discovered on the contrary, Accessible places outdoors do exist!
Rather than be discouraged, angry or frustrated, I’ve learned over the years, that sharing updated information not only helps me, other disabled people, elderly people, or people with limited mobility, it helps bring awareness to people working at the parks.
If you're interested in Hiring me for consultations, photography, content creation,workshops, panels…feel free to message me using the form on my contact page.
It takes a lot of time, money and energy for me to keep this project going, I have put my heART, soul and everything I have into it, and knowing that what I’ve been doing has been making a difference inspires me to keep it going.
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