Let your words be few, and your photos many
Snap that pic
Learn where the greatest places to take a shot are. Read about the seasonal bounty of photogenic opportunities. See why Tahoe’s sunsets and sunrises are the stuff of legends.
Lake Tahoe Photography Spots To Snap That Shutter
Lake Tahoe’s most famous locales read like the dream team for a photographer. Emerald Bay. Cave Rock. Mt. Tallac. But as you step away from these landmarks and seek the lesser-known, you’ll realize there isn’t a single inch of Lake Tahoe that doesn’t provide an opportunity for fantastic photographs. From the hustle and bustle of the casino corridor to the quiet meadows of the Upper Truckee River, take a moment to soak in your surroundings. We guarantee you’ll find something that no one else has. Explore the top spots for Lake Tahoe photography.
The Classic Spots To Get The Photo
Need a little help to kick start your photography safari? If it’s your first-time visiting Lake Tahoe, begin with the classics like Emerald Bay. For architectural buffs, the Tallac Historic Site provides a bounty of photo ops that can’t be missed. Be sure to get out on the water for a different vantage point via a cruise on the classic M.S. Dixie II.
Hike Your Way To Photography Valhalla
Sometimes all the inspiration you need for the most amazing photo is to make that first step outside. From Cave Rock to Van Sickle there’s an assortment of quick treks that offer priceless views for that sunrise shot or for night owls that star-filled canopy under the Sierra Nevada landscape.
Fall in All its Glory
Lake Tahoe’s fall colors are a sight to behold, with vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and scarlet painting the mountains and valleys. Some of the best spots to capture the beauty of fall foliage include Fallen Leaf Lake, Spooner Lake, and Hope Valley.
Unmatched Winter Serenity
Lake Tahoe in winter is a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear waters, and serene beauty. Some of the best spots to capture the winter magic include Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay.
Stunning Waterfalls
Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, with cascading waters and stunning scenery. Cascade Falls and Eagle Falls are two of the most popular spots for photos, offering breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding mountains.
Something No One Else Has
Lake Tahoe’s unique beauty is hidden in its secluded coves, alpine meadows, and towering peaks, offering endless opportunities for extraordinary photos. With a little creativity and exploration, you can capture unique and unforgettable photos of Lake Tahoe that no one else has ever seen before.
As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.
Mark Twain
You’ve Got Options
Harvest The Seasonal Bounty
Consider when you visit. Each time of year provides photo opportunities that capture Tahoe’s beauty in a different way. In the fall, spend some time at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center to catch the salmon spawning. Tahoe is also known for its hidden fall foliage if you know where to look. Head to the alpine in the summer months and catch the visual tapestry of wildflowers blooming in places like Carson Pass. During the snowy months, even if you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, take the Heavenly Gondola to see Tahoe’s deep blue ice-free waters against the bright white peaks. As the deep snows melt from the long winter, spring comes in with a roar. That means waterfall season in places like Horsetail Falls.
We’ve got snowflakes. ❄️
The temperature is 35°F.
Ready to shred the steeps?
Insider Tips
