The landscape steals the frame with these top Instagram spots at Lake Tahoe! Take a scenic drive from season to season capturing everything from panoramic views of the Lake to historic bridges and rock formations! Whether you're cozied up in your Tahoe vacation rental or exploring all that the area has to offer outdoors, you're going to want to make sure to budget some time to capture beautiful photographs at these amazing locations. Get ready to stretch your legs in the great outdoors at the best vistas at Lake Tahoe!
Historic Stateline Fire Lookout
Get ready for panoramic views of North Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach! This mostly paved trail near Crystal Bay straddles the Nevada-California state line. The steep incline at the beginning leads to a flat loop at the top and a lookout well worth the easy to moderate hike. Pack a picnic and learn about the logging history on the educational plaques along the way or come at sunset for a breathtaking view.
Bonsai Rock
See the infamous 4 trees growing out of Bonsai Rock! This sheltered swimming cove is a magical spot with its Zen like serenity as unique as the
rock itself. Capture epic sunsets all year round by positioning yourself lower than the rock to give it a grand scale in the frame. Find Bonsai Rock between Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor, and look for pullouts about 1 mile south of Sand Harbor.
DL Bliss Beach
This secluded white sand beach looks like the tropics in summer and is solitary bliss in winter! The turquoise waters make every photo pop, and there’s plenty to see at D.L. Bliss Park from the balancing rock to the wooden tepee! Come back in summer or fall to hike the Rubicon Trail as you’ll want to see this place in every season.
Donner Summit Bridge (Old 40 Lookout)
This concrete bridge, also known as Rainbow Bridge, built in the 1920s offers gorgeous views of Donner Summit and Donner Lake! Dedicated to the pioneers who blazed the Overland Trail, this beautiful structure is a reminder of the area’s rich history. Park in the parking lot and use the pedestrian pathway to walk down the hillside to frame a gorgeous view of the bridge and Donner Lake. Return in summer to see the 4th of July fireworks and to access old railroad tunnels and trails leading you to ancient Petroglyphs on the rockface of the China Wall!
Eagle Rock Trail
Take this trail straight to the top for phenomenal views overlooking Lake Tahoe! This family-friendly, out-and-back 1 mile trail near Homewood is ideal for hiking and snowshoeing. The steep hike to the top is easy aside from a bit of mud and ice on the rocks and well worth the rock formations and colors you’ll see along the way.
Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley
The cooler seasons bring vibrant fall foliage to Alpine Meadows! See the Sierras erupt in fiery color from views at the top of the mountain. As the leaves change, so does the weather providing endless photo opportunities amidst stunning backdrops and lookouts. When fall gives way to winter, snowy vistas at Squaw Valley turn into prime photo spots! From posed pictures to action shots on the mountain, you’ll be the focal point in any wintery landscape photo.