The Most Instagrammable Spots in Nevada
Just a short drive northeast of Las Vegas lies Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a stunning natural escape famed for its vibrant sandstone peaks and dramatic desert landscapes. The scenic loop drive takes visitors past towering red rock formations that glow brilliantly during the golden hour, perfect for vivid photos. Hiking the Calico Tanks Trail, about 2.5 miles round trip and moderately challenging, rewards adventurers with panoramic views of Las Vegas framed by rust-colored cliffs. This area’s unique geology, with layers of Aztec sandstone, offers one of the most dynamic and colorful backdrops in the state, especially striking in late afternoon light when shadows deepen the textures.
Far north, about an hour and a half drive from Reno, lies the ghost town of Virginia City. This historic mining town is a living museum of Nevada’s silver rush era, with wooden boardwalks, preserved saloons, and old steam trains chugging through the hills. Photographing the quaint storefronts and vintage signs alongside the rugged surrounding hills creates an authentic Old West vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. The town’s elevated location atop the Comstock Lode gives sweeping views over the valley below, especially atmospheric at sunrise when mist lingers in the canyons. In winter, snow dusting the rooftops adds a magical quiet to this lively piece of history.
In the heart of the Great Basin, about three hours east of Ely, Great Basin National Park showcases some of Nevada’s most diverse landscapes. The Lehman Caves, a marble cave system, offers guided tours through glittering stalactites and stalagmites, providing a cool, otherworldly environment to photograph. Meanwhile, the park’s Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs to the alpine Wheeler Peak summit at over 13,000 feet, where wildflower meadows and ancient bristlecone pines create a striking contrast with the surrounding desert. Early fall here bathes the scene in warm hues, and cool temperatures often bring clear, star-filled skies perfect for night photography.
Near Carson City, just a 20-minute drive from the state capital, the Tahoe Rim Trail offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The Spooner Lake Loop, an easy 2.1-mile trail, circles a serene alpine lake framed by pine forests, ideal for reflective water shots. For more dramatic panoramas, hiking a segment of the Tahoe Rim Trail above the lake reveals rugged ridges and shimmering blue expanses that extend beyond state lines into California. Summer sunsets here paint the sky with fiery reds that reflect off the lake’s surface, creating a mirror effect that enchants photographers and hikers alike.
In southern Nevada, just 30 minutes west of Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park stands out with its fiery red Aztec sandstone formations and prehistoric petroglyphs. Driving along the 10-mile scenic loop, visitors encounter unique rock formations like Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave, whose swirling stripes create a surreal, almost alien landscape. Hiking the Fire Wave Trail, a short but captivating 1.5-mile round trip, offers close-up views of these natural sculptures. Early morning or late afternoon light intensifies the red hues, while the petroglyph sites add a human historical element that deepens the visual story.
West of Reno, the Black Rock Desert draws visitors intrigued by its vast, flat playa and dramatic desert vistas. This remote location, about 120 miles north of the city, is best known for hosting the annual Burning Man festival, but outside of event time, it offers expansive, minimalist landscapes perfect for striking horizon shots. The open sky here seems infinite, especially during sunrise or sunset when the desert floor reflects soft pastel colors. Adventurous photographers can capture the stark contrast between the sunbaked earth and distant mountain ranges, creating images that emphasize isolation and wide-open space.
Finally, in downtown Las Vegas itself, the Arts District provides a colorful urban canvas. Just minutes south of the Strip, this neighborhood boasts vibrant street murals, quirky galleries, and vintage architecture that celebrate the city’s edgy and creative side. Strolling along the district’s main street, visitors can snap photos of large-scale murals by local artists or capture reflections in the area’s retro storefront windows. The lively atmosphere shines in the early evening when neon signs flicker on, blending old Vegas charm with modern artistic expression. This spot reminds travelers that Nevada’s visual appeal is not only in natural wonders but also in its thriving cultural scenes.