If you like modern military hardware, then Nellis AFB has a few good viewing spots around its boundaries.
Cheyenne Ave, about 200 yards east of Nellis Blvd is a good bet, espeacially in a southerly wind. The spot is less than 1/2 mile from the southern threshold of the runways. However, the local cops have been known to move people along from there.
The corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Hollywood Blvd outside the speedway at the north-western end of the base is also good. Most of the larger aircraft (B-1B, AWACS, tankers etc) take off to the north, but if you're planning on taking photos, bring the big lens! Again, depending on their mood, the cops will probably check you out and possibly ask whether you're carrying a weapon! Make sure you have your passport handy!
Plenty of locally based F-16s, F-15s, A-10s and even F/A-22s to be seen. Next Red Flag dates are 8 August to 2 September, so lots of other aircraft will be around, including...
Red Flag 05-4.1 (08/08/2005 - 08/19/2005)
Wing Squadron Home Base
57WG 64AS Nellis AFB, NV (F-16 Aggressors)
131FW 110FS St Louis, MO (F-15)
325FW 2FS Tyndall AFB, FL (F-15)
102FW 101FS Otis AFB, MA (F-15)
159FW 122FS New Orleans, LA (F-15)
388FW 421FS Hill AFB, UT (F-16)
7BW 9BS Dyess AFB, TX (B-1B)
52FW 81FS Spangdahlem AB, GE (A-10)
ALLY - Italy (Tornado)
ALLY - Denmark (F-16)
ALLY - Norway (F-16)
20FW 79FS Shaw AFB, SC (F-16)
3WG 962AACS Elmendorf AFB, AK (AWACS)
57WG 15RS Nellis AFB, NV (Predator)
Red Flag 05-4.2 (08/19/2005 - 09/02/2005)
Wing Squadron Home Base
57WG 64AS Nellis AFB, NV (F-16 Aggressors)
1FW 71FS Langley AFB, VA (F-15)
120FW 186FS Great Falls, MT (F-16)
140FW 120FS Buckley, CO (F-16)
150FW 188FS Kirtland AFB, NM (F-16)
28BW 37BS Ellsworth AFB, SD (B-1B)
57WG 422TES Nellis AFB, NV (F-15)
ALLY - Canada (CF-18)
4FW 336FS Seymour Johnson AFB, NC (F-15E)
ALLY - Turkey (F-16)
366WG 389FS Mountain Home AFB, ID (F-15E)
USN VAQ-142 Whidbey, IS (EA-6B)
552ACW 965AACS Tinker AFB, OK (AWACS)
57WG 15RS Nellis AFB, NV (Predator)
ALLY - NATO (AWACS)
114GSAB Oklahoma USANG (F-16)
If you have a day or two to spare and a rental vehicle, take a drive about 2 hours north of Vegas to a viewing point called Coyote Peak near the town of Rachel on Route 375. On the way, top up with petrol at Alamo, as there often isn't petrol available at Rachel.
At Coyote, you see Tornados, F-16s, A-10s, B-1s fly past you in the passes on both sides of the viewing point which is a half hour gentle hike off the highway. Plenty of fighters and bombers up high as well, and sonic booms galore!!!
The locals in Rachel can direct you to the peak if you can't find it, but avoid the UFO conspiracy theorists if you can. If you feel lucky, be really careful in the area west of Coyote Peak, as there is a VERY secure facility in there!
Feel free to Email me if you'd like more info.
Enjoy...I did!
Magoo
