Discover Nevada

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

Mt. Judah Loop Trail
85/100

Mt. Judah Loop Trail

Mount Judah Loop Trailhead, Donner Summit, Tahoe National Forest, California, USA

A trail offering sweeping views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains, ideal for sunrise or sunset photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Empire Mines State Historic Park
85/100

Empire Mines State Historic Park

10791 East Empire Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945, United States

Features an early 1900s estate mansion, rustic mining buildings, and gardens. Great for architecture and historical photography.

ARCHITECTUREHISTORICAL
Rainbow Bridge Viewpoint
83/100

Rainbow Bridge Viewpoint

Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, ideal for sunrise photography.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Donner Lake
82/100

Donner Lake

Donner Lake, Truckee, California 96161, United States

Donner Lake is a smaller lake near Lake Tahoe, offering serene landscapes and reflections. It is a great spot for capturing peaceful natural scenes.

South Yuba River State Park (Historic Center)
80/100

South Yuba River State Park (Historic Center)

17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

The historic center features the longest single span covered bridge in the world, an old barn, and a vintage Shell station. These structures are particularly photogenic during the fall when the surrounding trees change colors.

HISTORICALLANDSCAPE
Eagle Lakes Rd
80/100

Eagle Lakes Rd

Eagle Lakes Rd, California, United States

Ideal for winter photography, this area offers breathtaking views of the Yuba River and surrounding mountains.

LANDSCAPEWILDLIFE
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
75/100

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

23579 North Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, California 95959, United States

A historic mining site with scenic views of the surrounding landscape and unique architectural features, ideal for capturing history and landscape photography.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
South Yuba River State Park (Riverbanks)
70/100

South Yuba River State Park (Riverbanks)

17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946, United States

The river offers a scenic walk with opportunities for capturing milky waters over rocks, ideal for long exposure shots.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)
70/100

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States

A unique spot for architecture and landscape photography, featuring historic tunnels and surrounding mountains.

Lake Englebright Recreation Area
65/100

Lake Englebright Recreation Area

Lake Englebright Recreation Area, 12371 Marysville Rd, Smartsville, California 95977, United States

This area offers opportunities for outdoor activities and photography, including wildlife and landscape shots.

WATERSCAPEWILDLIFE
Yuba River
65/100

Yuba River

Yuba River, near Dobbins, Dobbins, CA 95935, United States

The Yuba River offers scenic views with its tranquil riverbanks and surrounding landscapes, making it a great spot for capturing serene natural vistas and potentially wildlife like birds and fish.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Englebright Reservoir
65/100

Englebright Reservoir

20900 Englebright Dam Rd, Smartsville, CA 95977, United States

A popular spot for both nature and wildlife photography, offering scenes of water, trees, and wildlife like birds and deer.

Lake Wildwood
62/100

Lake Wildwood

Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, California 95946, United States

Lake Wildwood offers serene water views and opportunities for capturing nature and landscape photography.

WATERSCAPENATURE
Cascade Canal Trail
60/100

Cascade Canal Trail

Cascade Canal Trail, Penn Valley, California, United States

Part of the larger trail system, this spot offers scenic hiking trails and opportunities for capturing nature and landscape photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Black Swan Trail
60/100

Black Swan Trail

Penn Valley, California, United States

Located in Penn Valley, this trail offers serene landscapes and opportunities to capture wildlife, especially birds. The area is a result of historical gold mining, creating unique landforms.

NATUREWILDLIFE
Lake Francis
60/100

Lake Francis

Lake Francis, California, United States

A serene spot for nature and wildlife photography, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment.

Secret Forest Clearings
60/100

Secret Forest Clearings

Tahoe National Forest, Secret Forest Clearings, Truckee, California 96161, United States

Hidden areas within the Tahoe National Forest offering serene and unique opportunities for nature photography.

Donner Pass
60/100

Donner Pass

Donner Pass, California, United States

A scenic mountain pass with historic significance, offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Nevada City Historic District
60/100

Nevada City Historic District

Broad Street, Nevada City, California 95959, United States

Known for its well-preserved historic architecture, ideal for street and architecture photography.

Martis Creek Wildlife Area
60/100

Martis Creek Wildlife Area

Martis Creek Wildlife Area, Truckee, California 96161, United States

A protected area providing habitats for diverse wildlife, ideal for capturing images of birds and other animals.

Castle Peak Trailhead
60/100

Castle Peak Trailhead

Castle Peak Trailhead, Sierra County, California, United States

A trailhead offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains, ideal for landscape and nature photography.

North San Juan Historic District
55/100

North San Juan Historic District

North San Juan Historic District, North San Juan, CA 95960, United States

This historic district offers vintage architecture and a quaint small-town atmosphere, perfect for capturing street and architectural photography.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Soda Springs
55/100

Soda Springs

Soda Springs, California, United States

A scenic area with natural beauty, suitable for landscape and nature photography.

Scott's Flat Lake
55/100

Scott's Flat Lake

551 Scotts Flat Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, United States

A scenic lake offering views and opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.

Prosser Creek Reservoir
55/100

Prosser Creek Reservoir

Prosser Creek Reservoir, Truckee, CA 96161, United States

A tranquil reservoir offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, particularly for capturing birdlife.

Boca Reservoir
55/100

Boca Reservoir

Boca Reservoir, Truckee, California, United States

A scenic reservoir offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography, particularly during sunset.

South Yuba River
55/100

South Yuba River

South Yuba River, Nevada County, California, United States

The South Yuba River offers beautiful landscapes and is ideal for capturing river scenes and nature photography.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Penn Valley
52/100

Penn Valley

Penn Valley, California, United States

Penn Valley is a scenic area with rolling hills and countryside views, suitable for landscape photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Glenshire Bridge
50/100

Glenshire Bridge

Glenshire Bridge, Glenshire Drive, Truckee, California 96161, United States

A scenic bridge offering views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing reflections and river scenes.

Lake Englebright
50/100

Lake Englebright

Lake Englebright Road, Smartsville, CA 95977, USA

Lake Englebright provides picturesque views of the lake and surrounding hills, offering opportunities for landscape and waterscape photography.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Gray Pine Winery
50/100

Gray Pine Winery

3900 Grey Pine Dr, Penn Valley, CA 95946, United States

Part of the Sierra Vintners Trail, this winery offers a scenic backdrop for photography, especially those interested in capturing wine country landscapes or vineyard settings.

LANDSCAPEARCHITECTURE
Bullmastiff Brewing
50/100

Bullmastiff Brewing

2740 Sandy Wolfe Ln, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

A local brewery that provides a unique setting for capturing the local craft beer scene.

STREETATTRACTIONS
Twelve 28 Kitchen
45/100

Twelve 28 Kitchen

12329 Rough and Ready Hwy, Penn Valley, CA 95946, United States

An upscale restaurant offering artistic food presentations, ideal for capturing culinary photography.

STREETATTRACTIONS
Hideaway Park
40/100

Hideaway Park

1970 Skillman Lane, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

A community park offering green spaces and potential for capturing local life and family moments.

URBANSTREET
Western Gateway Park
40/100

Western Gateway Park

18555 Western Gateway Park Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

A community park offering green spaces and potential for capturing local family moments and landscapes.

URBANLANDSCAPE
Vista Park
40/100

Vista Park

Vista Park, 1700 Vista Drive, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

Another community park with opportunities for capturing local life and scenic views from higher elevations.

URBANLANDSCAPE
Penn Valley Farmer's Markets
40/100

Penn Valley Farmer's Markets

Penn Valley Farmers Market (Seasonal), Penn Valley, California, United States

A seasonal market offering vibrant colors and local products, ideal for capturing street photography and community events.

STREETEVENTS
Tack Room Restaurant
35/100

Tack Room Restaurant

12345 Rough and Ready Hwy, Penn Valley, CA 95946, United States

A traditional western-style roadhouse offering rustic charm and potential for capturing local life and food scenes.

STREETARCHITECTURE
Head to Heal Day Spa
30/100

Head to Heal Day Spa

12335 Rough and Ready Hwy, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA

While not a traditional photography spot, opportunities for capturing serene indoor environments and local wellness practices.

STREETURBAN