Las Vegas is a major metropolitan area situated in the Mojave Desert, drawing millions of visitors each year. When discussing its location, a fundamental geographical measure is its elevation, or the vertical distance above mean sea level (ASL). Determining the exact elevation of such a large and geographically diverse city can be complex, as the number often depends on the specific point of measurement. For a sprawling city situated in a valley, a single figure is typically used to represent the average height of the developed area.
Pinpointing the Official Elevation
The most commonly cited official elevation for the city of Las Vegas is approximately 2,030 feet above sea level. This figure converts to about 620 meters and serves as the general benchmark for the city proper. The elevation used by official entities often relates to a significant, centrally located landmark, which can cause varying reports.
For instance, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), the primary gateway for visitors, is officially recorded at an elevation of 2,181 feet (665 meters). This difference highlights why specific sources may report slightly varying numbers. Since the city sits in a basin, its topography creates a range of heights that must be averaged for a single, representative statistic.
Topographical Variation in the Las Vegas Area
The Las Vegas Valley is a basin, meaning the elevation changes markedly across the metropolitan area. The surrounding geology includes mountain ranges that create a dramatic contrast with the valley floor. The lowest elevations in the developed valley can drop to around 1,657 feet, while the highest populated residential areas reach significantly higher.
Residential communities located on the periphery, such as Summerlin on the west side, are positioned on the higher slopes of the valley. These neighborhoods can be situated near or above 3,000 feet, often resulting in slightly cooler temperatures compared to the lower areas of the valley floor. This variation is a direct result of the city’s location near the Spring Mountains, whose peaks soar to over 10,000 feet and frame the western edge of the city.
Practical Implications of the Altitude
Being situated at around 2,000 feet ASL places Las Vegas in a low-to-moderate altitude range. This elevation is generally not high enough to cause adverse health effects like acute mountain sickness, which typically affects unacclimated individuals at heights above 8,000 feet. Most residents and visitors experience no noticeable physiological difficulties.
The elevation does slightly influence the physics of cooking. Since atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, water boils at a slightly lower temperature than the standard 212°F at sea level. At approximately 2,000 feet, water boils around 208.4°F, which may necessitate minor adjustments, such as longer cooking times, for baking or preparing certain foods.
Furthermore, the altitude contributes to the region’s overall hot, arid climate and low humidity, which is characteristic of a high-desert environment.