Where are the best places to photograph Lake Tahoe? I have created the best photo locations Lake Tahoe has to offer the guide. In this article, I will show you the best photo locations in Lake Tahoe and tell you the best possible times to shoot.
Lake Tahoe is a massive freshwater lake sitting on California and Nevada’s state line. It basically splits right down the middle. Sitting at 6,225 above sea level and it is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. You can imagine the epic views to be had from this magical place.
Best Photo Locations Lake Tahoe Edition
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THE GEAR
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide-angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets, download them, and give them a try.
Lake Tahoe Photography Location Guide
1. Sand Harbor. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Tahoe. In the summer is full of tourist early in the day; however, as the sun starts to vanish, so does everyone else. Make sure you walk around as there are endless spots to shoot in Sand Harbor. The best time to shoot is Sunset.
2. The Rocks at Sand Harbor. As you make your way around Sand Harbor, remember to look back towards the beach. The best shots are not always directly in the direction of the Sunset.
3. Sand Point. This is on the other side of Sand Harbor. As you make your way around this beautiful place, you will find a photo op in just about every corner. The best place to shoot is at Sunset.
4. East Shore. Lake Tahoe’s East shore is full of epic beaches and beautiful rock formations. I like to shoot the East Shore during Sunset as all the rock formations and beaches are beautifully lit by the golden light.
5. Bonsai Rock. Bonsai Rock is one of the most beautiful locations to shot the Sunset in Lake Tahoe. In fact, it is my favorite location. It can be a bit difficult to find, but once you are there, your jaw will drop. The best time to shoot is at Sunset. Here is the exact location.
6. Cave Rock. With 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe, this place is hard to beat. Park on the street and take a small hike up the rocks. You will love it. The best time to shoot is Sunset. I shot this during the day with my Nikon 70-200 zoomed it at 200.
7. Emerald Bay. On the other side of Lake Tahoe, you will find Everal Bay. It was stunning views and energy you have to experience. The best time to shoot is the sunrise.
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8. Eagle Falls. Sitting on top of Emerald Bay Eagle falls is a must. Get here early to scout the area and set up. Be careful as the rocks are very slippery, and you can fall down the waterfalls.
9. Vikingsholm. As you shoot Emerald Bay, you have to take the trail called Rubicon Trailhead. This trail will lead you directly to Vikingsholm. Here you can take epic shots of the beach and the pier. The best time to shoot is during sunrise.
10. Fannette Island. Wher is Fannette Island you are asking? Well, Fannette Island is that small island you can see from the top of Emerald Bay. It is a cool little island you must shoot while you are there.
11. Eagle Point Treeline. Located right outside Eagle Point campground, turn left or right to get these epic views. The best time to shoot is anytime.
12. Rubicon Bay. You can find lots of piers in this beautiful bay. The best time to shoot is during the sunrise or Sunset. You can stop along the side of the road and just enjoy the scenery. I shot these during a very cold morning.
There you have it. The Best Photo Locations Lake Tahoe has to offer. I hope you can make it to some of these locations and enjoy it as much as I always do. Please leave me a comment if this was helpful in any way. That is the best way to say thank you.
Very nice, Edin. I doubt I’ll make it back out there is this lifetime of mine, but will share it with some buddies of mine that might get out there.
Sounds great Bob, I’m going to try to make it out there this summer.
Beautiful photos and great directions. I should have done the same things to those locations that I have visited over the years. Great “Service To Others” act. Will earn you a great deal of really Positive Karma. Will try those locations next week, from 09/10 to 09/14/18 and let you know. Really appreciated. Vu
Sounds great, I’m sure you will love these locations as much as I do :) It is so beautiful out there.
Thank you for the precise locations! I look forward to visiting those spots when I visit. Thanks for the presets on offer too.
My pleasure, happy to help :)
WOW Edin this is epic, thanks for sharing your knowledge. With such a tight schedule visiting Tahoe these tips will help my visual cause. much appreciated
No prob, its my pleasure, let me know how it goes :)
Is there access 24/7 or just when Park is open?
There is access 24/4 to all locations.
Thank You Great Intel on Bonsai To k area😎
My pleasure, I’m glad you found it helpful.
Hello Edwin, outstanding work! My family and I are heading to Tahoe early Thursday morning.Your blog entry and photographs are most helpful.
Thank you,
Stephen
Hi Stephen, thank you for dropping in and checking it out. I am glad it helps you out :)
How much of this can be covered in 2 1/2 days.
You can cover most of these in 2 days. However, I would make sure I would get Emerald bay and Bonsai rock.
Beautiful shots and recommendations! Going there in a few weeks for the first time, and am very new to landscape photography. You have helped take some of the guess work out of where I should go in the very limited time I have there to shoot some photos. Thanks!!
It’s my pleasure, I am happy to help. Have fun out there :)
Thank you for sharing these locations and your beautiful images. I will be visiting S. Lake Tahoe (and family) in late October. I am really looking for some guidance on wildlife photography and locations as that is my current obsession. Do you have any insight there or know someone I can reach out to? I’m not bringing much up through online searching. Thanks! Vicki
Hi Vicki, it’s my pleasure. I do not know anyone out there that can point you in the right direction, unfortunately, however with some luck, you can get some birds from Emerald Bay, the views there are stunning :)
Excellent.. thanks a lot
My pleasure, thank you for dropping by :)
Great shots! Thank you for the helpful tips. Is it easy getting to Bonsai Rock? If so, how can I find it? Thanks in advance.
Hi Larisa, I did a post just on that. Check it out: https://blog.edinchavez.com/lake-tahoe-bonsai-rock-location/
Excellent work. Love the Island Pic!
Thank you so much :) I love that island I want to take a boat to it :)
your recommendations are excellent, the hard part for me now it’s to decide which spot I need to be at Sunrise … so many great ones.
Thanks Edin, definitely enjoyed this! any recommendations for maternity photos? going up there this Sunday 12/20/20 the bridge looks good to shoot. I am going in the morning so sun rise time, is there any spaces there that you recommend for morning shoot possible even before high noon
My pleasure. Emerald Bay is the best for that. It is stunning and you can not get a bad shot from there.
which are the best months to photograph lake Tahoe? (not in the winter)
I like March, April, May, however, in the warmer months you can expect more crowds.