Watching sunrise and sunset over the water in Lake Tahoe is a magical experience that is not to be missed. For photographers, sunrise and sunset are best times of day to shoot. The ideal lighting and fewer crowds make for beautiful landscape photo opportunities. In this guide, we share the best sunrise and sunset photography spots in Lake Tahoe to help you get the perfect shot.
Best Sunrise & Sunset Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe
Sunrise Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay is a stunning spot to photograph sunrise. The reflection of the sky in the still water surround Fannette Island is an iconic Lake Tahoe landscape.
There are many vantage points of Emerald Bay and all of them are only a short walk from where you’ll park along Highway 89. Our favorite Emerald Bay sunrise spots are the stone wall along Highway 89, the lower portion of Eagle Falls just below Highway 89, and a spot that’s a short walk east of the lower portion of Eagle Falls.
Bonsai Rock
Bonsai Rock is another iconic feature of Lake Tahoe. Sunrise is an ideal to shoot Bonsai Rock because the water is still during this time and you’ll likely have this spot to yourself. The crowds start flooding in once the sun is up.
Bonsai Rock can be reached by parking along Highway 89 and hiking down the footpaths to the shoreline. The hike is steep so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.
Sunset Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is one of the more convenient spots to photograph sunset in that there is no hiking required. There are several vantage point options at Sand Harbor just a short walk from the parking area, including a sandy beach and a beach with granite boulders.
There is an entrance fee for Sand Harbor, however, the parking receipt is good for the full day. We highly recommend spending time at the beach during the day time for swimming, SUP, and kayaking.
Chimney Beach
Chimney Beach has a unique feature that happens to be its namesake – a chimney! The stone chimney is a remnant of a cabin that once stood there along the lake shore.
The chimney provides a point of interest for photography, and the angle of Chimney Beach is well-suited for sunset photography.
To get here, park at the Chimney Beach parking lot and hike about 1 mile round trip. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes for the hike since it’s fairly steep. Be sure to bring a light with you for the hike back to the parking lot after sunset.
Cave Rock
Head to the top of Cave Rock to enjoy a birds-eye panoramic view of the Lake Tahoe. The sunset views from Cave Rock are especially incredible.
Be sure to arrive at the trailhead parking well before sunset as the number of parking spots is limited. Parking is free here.
The hike to Cave Rock is about 1 mile round trip. The final climb to the top is steep and rocky so we recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes. Be sure to bring a light with you for the hike back to the parking lot after sunset.
Photography Gear Recommendations
- Camera & Lenses
- Tripod: Be sure to use the self-timer setting to reduce camera shake in your photos.
- Camera Bag: We recommend using a padded camera bag to carry your gear to spots that require hiking like Bonsai Rock, Cave Rock, and Chimney Beach. Peak Design makes excellent camera gear, including camera bags like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack (Amazon | REI).
- Warm Clothing: Even in the summer, nights in Lake Tahoe can get chilly.
- Hiking Shoes: Some sunrise and sunset spots require hiking to get to. The trails can be steep so we recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes.
- Headlamp: Photographing sunrise or sunset in remote places means that there’s going to be some hiking in the dark. Be sure to bring along a headlamp or other light source.
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Other Posts on Lake Tahoe:
- Lake Tahoe Packing List: Summer Vacation Edition
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe This Summer
- Lake Tahoe 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend a Long Summer Weekend on the Water
- Top Hikes in Lake Tahoe for Your Summer Trip
- The Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe for Your Summer Vacation