Discover Inyo

80 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights

The Racetrack of Death Valley
95/100

The Racetrack of Death Valley

Death Valley National Park, CA

A unique spot known for its mysterious moving rocks, offering surreal landscapes and opportunities for nature photography.

Badwater Salt Flats
95/100

Badwater Salt Flats

Badwater Road, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328

Located at the lowest point in North America, this area offers unique salt formations and a surreal landscape. It is excellent for capturing abstract textures and patterns.

Mt. Whitney
95/100

Mt. Whitney

Mount Whitney Summit, Lone Pine, CA, USA

The highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering breathtaking mountain vistas and opportunities for landscape photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Dante's View
95/100

Dante's View

Dante's View, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328, United States

Located in Death Valley, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below, making it an ideal spot for landscape and sunset photography.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Mount Whitney
95/100

Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney, California, United States

The highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering stunning landscape photography opportunities. It’s particularly challenging but rewarding for experienced hikers and photographers.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Death Valley National Park
95/100

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, California 92328, United States

Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, offering unique landscapes such as sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons. Photographers can capture stunning images of these natural wonders.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Trona Pinnacles
92/100

Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles, Trona, CA 93592, United States

Trona Pinnacles are unique mineral formations that have been featured in numerous films and TV shows. The area offers a surreal landscape perfect for capturing abstract and alien-like images.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Badwater Basin
92/100

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, California 92328, United States

Located in Death Valley National Park, Badwater Basin is known for its salt flats and rich mineral deposits. It offers unique photographic opportunities with its surreal landscape.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Badwater Salt Flat
90/100

Badwater Salt Flat

Death Valley, California 92328, United States

Another iconic spot in Death Valley, the Badwater Salt Flat is the lowest point in North America. It offers unique salt formations and reflections that are perfect for landscape photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Alabama Hills
90/100

Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, United States

Known for its unique rock formations and scenic vistas, Alabama Hills is a fantastic location for landscape photography.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Mobius Arch
90/100

Mobius Arch

Movie Flat Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This naturally formed arch is a photographer's dream, as it perfectly frames Mt. Whitney. It's a short walk from the parking area and offers stunning views, especially during the spring or autumnal supermoons.

LANDSCAPENIGHTSCAPE
Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette
90/100

Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette

Artist's Drive, Death Valley National Park

A colorful canyon along Artist's Drive, Artist's Palette features rocks tinted with shades of pink, teal, beige, and orange. The slow speed limit allows for multiple stops and photo opportunities.

Lone Pine
85/100

Lone Pine

Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States

Lone Pine is a picturesque town near the Sierra Nevada, offering stunning views of the mountains and the Alabama Hills. It is famous for its unique geological formations and has been a backdrop for many films.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Dante’s View
85/100

Dante’s View

Dantes View Road, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Death Valley, particularly notable for capturing the vast expanse of the valley floor. It provides stunning vistas at sunrise and sunset.

Artist’s Palette
85/100

Artist’s Palette

Artist's Drive, Death Valley National Park

A colorful display of rock and minerals along Artist’s Drive, offering vibrant colors perfect for landscape and portrait photography.

Zabriskie Point
85/100

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point viewpoint, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328, United States

Located in Death Valley, Zabriskie Point is a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of unique badlands. It's a fantastic spot for capturing dramatic landscapes, especially during sunrise or sunset.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Artist’s Drive
85/100

Artist’s Drive

Artist's Drive, Death Valley National Park, California, United States

A scenic drive through Death Valley, Artist’s Drive offers stunning views of colorful rock formations and unique landscapes. It's perfect for capturing vivid natural colors and textures.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
85/100

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Big Pine, California

Located near Big Pine, this forest is home to some of the oldest trees in the world, offering unique opportunities for nature and landscape photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Ubehebe Crater
85/100

Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley National Park, California 92328, United States

A half-mile-wide volcanic crater located in Death Valley, Ubehebe Crater offers unique geological formations. It's a fascinating spot for capturing dramatic landscapes and geological features.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Lake Manly (Dry Lake Bed)
83/100

Lake Manly (Dry Lake Bed)

Lake Manly Rd, Death Valley National Park

A location for capturing reflections and unique textures, Lake Manly is a dry lake bed that can form a mirror-like surface after rain.

Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch
82/100

Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch

Movie Flat Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

Similar to Mobius Arch, this arch offers a unique perspective on the Alabama Hills with Mt. Whitney as a backdrop. It's a quick hike or drive from Mobius Arch.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Devil's Golf Course
82/100

Devil's Golf Course

Devil's Golf Course Rd, Death Valley, CA

A Martian-like landscape with a distinctive texture, Devil's Golf Course is a unique spot for capturing the rugged beauty of Death Valley's geological formations.

Movie Flat Road View of Alabama Hills & Barrel Cacti
80/100

Movie Flat Road View of Alabama Hills & Barrel Cacti

Movie Flat Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This spot offers a dramatic view of the Alabama Hills with Mt. Williamson in the background, complemented by iconic barrel cacti in the foreground.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Fossil Falls
80/100

Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls, near Coso Junction, Inyo County, California, USA

A unique geological site with remnants of ancient waterfalls, offering opportunities for landscape and rock formation photography.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
80/100

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California, United States

Located in Death Valley, these sand dunes are easily accessible and offer beautiful landscapes. They are ideal for capturing dynamic sand formations and desert vistas.

LANDSCAPENATURE
South Lake
80/100

South Lake

South Lake Road, Bishop, California 93514, United States

Another picturesque lake near Bishop, known for its serene natural settings and mountain vistas.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area
80/100

Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area

Big Pine, California 93513, United States

Located in the High Sierra, this area is perfect for capturing alpine landscapes and glacial features. The two group campgrounds offer scenic views of Big Pine Creek and surrounding mountains.

Onion Valley
80/100

Onion Valley

Onion Valley Road, Independence, California 93526, United States

Onion Valley offers stunning mountain vistas and is a popular spot for hiking and photography. Located in the Eastern Sierras, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic trails.

LANDSCAPENATURE
North Lake
80/100

North Lake

Bishop, California 93514, United States

A serene lake located near Bishop, offering scenic mountain vistas and opportunities for capturing peaceful natural beauty.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Telescope Peak
80/100

Telescope Peak

Telescope Peak Trailhead, Death Valley National Park, California 92328, United States

The highest point in Death Valley National Park, Telescope Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Access requires a challenging hike, making it suitable for adventurous photographers.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Alabama Hills Movie Flat Road
80/100

Alabama Hills Movie Flat Road

Movie Flat Road, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

This area provides numerous opportunities to capture the unique rock formations and desert landscapes of Alabama Hills. It's ideal for sunrise photography.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Darwin Falls
80/100

Darwin Falls

Darwin Falls, Death Valley National Park

A rare natural oasis in Death Valley, offering unique landscape and nature photography opportunities.

Eureka Dunes
80/100

Eureka Dunes

Eureka Dunes Road, Death Valley National Park, California

Located in the northern part of Death Valley, these dunes offer majestic sand formations and are ideal for capturing vast, untouched landscapes. They are remote and require planning to access.

Mount Williamson Moonrise
78/100

Mount Williamson Moonrise

Movie Flat Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

A unique opportunity to capture the moon rising over Mount Williamson, offering a dramatic and serene landscape.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Natural Bridge Canyon
78/100

Natural Bridge Canyon

Natural Bridge Canyon Rd, Death Valley, CA

A scenic canyon featuring a natural rock bridge, this location offers opportunities for capturing unique geological formations and textures.

Big Pine Lake
75/100

Big Pine Lake

Big Pine Lake, Big Pine, California 93513, United States

A scenic lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering beautiful landscapes and wildlife opportunities, ideal for nature and landscape photography.

Lake Sabrina
75/100

Lake Sabrina

Lake Sabrina Road, Bishop, California 93514, United States

Located near Bishop, this lake is a picturesque spot surrounded by mountains. It offers opportunities for landscape and waterscape photography, with reflections and scenic vistas.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
75/100

Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Death Valley National Park

A scenic canyon offering unique landscape and abstract photography opportunities with its unique rock formations.

Wildrose Canyon
75/100

Wildrose Canyon

Wildrose Canyon Rd, Death Valley National Park, CA, United States

A scenic canyon in Death Valley, Wildrose Canyon offers beautiful landscapes and unique rock formations. It's a great spot for capturing serene natural vistas.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Titus Canyon
75/100

Titus Canyon

Titus Canyon, Death Valley National Park

A scenic canyon offering unique landscape and nature photography opportunities with its unique rock formations and historic petroglyphs.

Harmony Borax Works
75/100

Harmony Borax Works

Harmony Borax Works Rd, Death Valley, CA

Historic buildings and mining equipment offer a glimpse into Death Valley's industrial past, making it a unique spot for architectural and documentary photography.

Bishop Creek
75/100

Bishop Creek

Bishop Creek, Bishop, California 93514, United States

A scenic creek surrounded by mountains and forests, offering opportunities for capturing serene landscapes and wildlife.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Furnace Creek Ranch
72/100

Furnace Creek Ranch

Furnace Creek Rd, Death Valley, CA

A historic ranch with palms and a spring-fed creek, Furnace Creek Ranch offers a scenic setting for capturing lush vegetation within the desert.

The Devil's Golf Course
70/100

The Devil's Golf Course

The Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley National Park

A rugged landscape with sharp salt formations, challenging to navigate but provides unique and dramatic photography opportunities.

Wildrose Peak Trail
70/100

Wildrose Peak Trail

Wildrose Canyon Road, Death Valley National Park, CA

A challenging hike leading to a summit in the Panamint Mountains. It offers panoramic views of Death Valley and is ideal for landscape photography.

Big Pine Lake Campground
70/100

Big Pine Lake Campground

Big Pine Lake Campground, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA

A scenic campground surrounded by mountains, ideal for nature and landscape photography.

Green Lake via Meysan Lakes Trail
70/100

Green Lake via Meysan Lakes Trail

Meysan Lakes Trailhead, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

A scenic hike offering beautiful views of the Sierra Mountains and surrounding lakes. Ideal for capturing alpine landscapes and natural beauty.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Coso Range
70/100

Coso Range

Coso Range, Inyo County, California, USA

The Coso Range offers rugged landscape photography opportunities with its unique rock formations and mountain vistas. It's a lesser-known spot that provides a chance to capture dramatic and untouched natural scenes.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Charcoal Kilns
70/100

Charcoal Kilns

Charcoal Kilns, Death Valley National Park

Historic kilns located in a remote area of the park, offering unique architectural and landscape photography opportunities.

Lone Pine Peak
70/100

Lone Pine Peak

Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

A challenging hike offering panoramic views of the Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada range. It's a great spot for capturing wide-angle landscapes and sunrises.

LANDSCAPEAERIAL
Manzanar National Historic Site
70/100

Manzanar National Historic Site

5001 Manzanar War Relocation Center Road, Independence, CA 93526, USA

A former internment camp turned historical site, offering unique opportunities for photography related to history and landscape.

HISTORICALLANDSCAPE
Stovepipe Wells Village
70/100

Stovepipe Wells Village

Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley, CA

A small oasis village with rustic architecture, Stovepipe Wells offers a unique setting for capturing the contrast between modern facilities and the desert landscape.

Mt. Whitney Viewpoint
70/100

Mt. Whitney Viewpoint

Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This viewpoint offers panoramic views of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. It's an excellent spot for capturing dramatic mountain vistas.

LANDSCAPE
Ashford Mill Ruins
65/100

Ashford Mill Ruins

Ashford Mill Ruins, Ashford Mill Rd, Death Valley National Park, CA, United States

A historic site in Death Valley, the Ashford Mill Ruins provide a glimpse into the region's past. They are a great spot for capturing unique architectural and historical subjects.

HISTORICALLANDSCAPE
Mt. Whitney Historic Fish Hatchery
65/100

Mt. Whitney Historic Fish Hatchery

Independence, California, United States

This historic site is nestled in beautiful surroundings and offers opportunities to capture photogenic buildings and wildlife, including trout ponds.

ARCHITECTUREWILDLIFE
Independence collection of the Eastern Sierra
65/100

Independence collection of the Eastern Sierra

Independence, California, United States

This area encompasses a variety of photography opportunities, including scenic mountain vistas and historic sites along Highway 395.

LANDSCAPEHISTORICAL
Lone Pine Lake
65/100

Lone Pine Lake

Lone Pine Lake Trailhead, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

A picturesque lake nestled at the base of Mt. Whitney, offering serene reflections and alpine landscapes.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Scotty's Junction
65/100

Scotty's Junction

Scotty's Junction, NV 89001

A small, isolated settlement with old structures, Scotty's Junction offers opportunities for capturing the essence of a desert town.

Panamint Springs
60/100

Panamint Springs

Panamint Springs, CA 93562

A historic settlement with a mix of old and new buildings, Panamint Springs provides a unique setting for capturing desert architecture and landscapes.

The Candy Store
60/100

The Candy Store

Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States

A collection of boulders and small spires perfect for rock climbing photography. Offers a mix of trad, toprope, and sport routes.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Echo Canyon
60/100

Echo Canyon

Echo Canyon, Death Valley National Park

A scenic canyon offering unique landscape and nature photography opportunities with its unique rock formations and abandoned mines.

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Road
60/100

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Road

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Road, Death Valley National Park

A scenic road offering unique landscape and nature photography opportunities with its historic kilns and surrounding mountains.

Inyo County Courthouse
60/100

Inyo County Courthouse

168 North Edwards Street, Independence, California 93526, United States

Built in 1927, this courthouse is a stunning example of period architecture and offers great opportunities for photography, especially during morning or late afternoon lighting.

ARCHITECTURESUNSET_SUNRISE
Furnace Creek, California, United States
60/100

Furnace Creek, California, United States

Furnace Creek, CA

Furnace Creek serves as a central hub for exploring Death Valley National Park, offering access to various photography locations. The area is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it ideal for capturing a range of subjects.

The John Muir Trailhead
55/100

The John Muir Trailhead

Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

A starting point for hikers on the John Muir Trail, offering scenic views of the Sierra Nevada and opportunites to capture hikers and wildlife.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Death Valley Junction Sign
55/100

Death Valley Junction Sign

Death Valley Junction Sign, Death Valley Junction, CA 92328, United States

A quirky roadside attraction, the Death Valley Junction Sign is a great spot for capturing unique architectural and cultural subjects.

ARCHITECTUREATTRACTIONS
Whitney Portal Trailhead
55/100

Whitney Portal Trailhead

Whitney Portal Trailhead, Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This trailhead serves as the starting point for many hikes in the area, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

LANDSCAPE
Candy Store Climbing Area
55/100

Candy Store Climbing Area

Candy Store Climbing Area, Lone Pine, California 93545, USA

This area is popular for rock climbing but also offers unique formations for photography. The mix of granite rocks and desert vegetation provides a diverse backdrop.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Slim Princess Engine No. 18
55/100

Slim Princess Engine No. 18

Slim Princess Engine No. 18 display near Inyo County Courthouse, Independence, California, United States

A historic narrow-gauge locomotive on display, offering interesting photography opportunities for those interested in vintage machinery and history.

HISTORICALATTRACTIONS
Horseshoe Meadow Road
50/100

Horseshoe Meadow Road

Horseshoe Meadow Road, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This scenic road leads to Horseshoe Meadow and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. It's a great spot for capturing natural landscapes.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Stovepipe Wells
50/100

Stovepipe Wells

Stovepipe Wells, CA

A small village offering architectural and street photography opportunities, with its unique desert landscape.

Independence Creek
50/100

Independence Creek

Independence, California, United States

This creek offers serene natural settings, with opportunities to photograph flowing water, surrounding flora, and wildlife.

NATUREWATERSCAPE
Lone Pine Creek
45/100

Lone Pine Creek

Lone Pine Creek, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

A scenic creek running through Lone Pine, offering tranquil waters and greenery for nature photography.

NATUREWATERSCAPE
Panamint Springs Resort
45/100

Panamint Springs Resort

Panamint Springs Resort, CA

A small resort offering architectural and street photography opportunities with its unique desert landscape.

Big Pine
45/100

Big Pine

Big Pine, California, United States

A charming town along Highway 395, Big Pine offers scenic views and historic sites, including a notable 'Big Pine' tree donated by President Teddy Roosevelt.

URBANHISTORICAL
Eastern Sierra Museum
40/100

Eastern Sierra Museum

Eastern Sierra Museum, 155 North Grant Street, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Eastern Sierra region. Offers opportunities for architecture and street photography in the surrounding area.

ARCHITECTURESTREET
Owens Lake
40/100

Owens Lake

Owens Lake, Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

A dry lakebed with unique geological formations and opportunities for abstract photography. It's also a site for wildlife observation.

NATUREWILDLIFE
Dehy Park
40/100

Dehy Park

Dehy Park, Independence, CA, USA

A popular community park in Independence, it offers a variety of photography opportunities, especially during local events and gatherings.

STREETURBAN
Lone Pine Historic District
40/100

Lone Pine Historic District

Lone Pine, California 93545, United States

This area features historic buildings and offers a glimpse into the town's past. It's a good spot for capturing architecture and street photography.

ARCHITECTURESTREET
Death Valley Junction
40/100

Death Valley Junction

Death Valley Junction, CA

A small town offering unique architectural and street photography opportunities with its unique desert setting.