Discover the best photo spots near Ely, Nevada, where dramatic desert landscapes and historic sites create cinematic opportunities. This guide offers practical tips and insights to help photographers capture the region’s unique beauty with confidence and ease.
Bring Adequate Water
Ely’s high desert environment demands ample hydration. Carry at least 2 liters per person, adjusting for summer heat or longer excursions.
Time Your Shots for Golden Hour
Plan to shoot early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light, when shadows accentuate textures and colors peak.
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Rugged terrain around charcoal ovens and mountain trails requires boots or hiking shoes with good grip to avoid slips on rocky surfaces.
Protect Your Gear from Dust
Nevada’s dry, dusty environment can damage cameras. Use lens caps, camera covers, and carry cleaning supplies.
best photo spots near Ely, Nevada
Explore the Best Photo Spots Near Ely, Nevada
Ely, Nevada sits as an understated gateway to high desert landscapes and rugged mountain vistas. Those seeking the best photo spots near Ely, Nevada will find an expansive canvas where geology, history, and open skies come alive to challenge the lens and sharpen the eye. Here, the land stands fiercely itself — jagged cliffs daring you to capture their raw texture, ghost towns whispering stories of days past, and wide-open salt lakes reflecting the endless sky.
The nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park offers photographic intrigue with its uniquely shaped charcoal ovens framed by mountain backdrops. These imposing stone structures contrast starkly against the soft hues of dawn or dusk, ideal for early or late light shoots. Further out, the South Ruby Mountains and the White Pine Range provide alpine lakes, rocky summits, and wildflower meadows that shift dramatically with the seasons.
Flat expanses of the Great Basin Desert stretch towards the horizon, where ephemeral water pools create mirror-like surfaces after spring rains. For wildlife photographers, these spots invite shots of native mule deer, hawks, and occasional pronghorn antelope, their movements becoming part of the storytelling through your camera.
For those planning a photoshoot, timing is crucial: golden hours deliver long shadows and rich colors, while midday light can highlight the arid textures and vastness of the landscape. Practical preparation includes sturdy footwear for uneven terrain, hydration for dry conditions, and layered clothing to adjust as temperatures swing from intense sun to cool mountain breezes.
The best photo spots near Ely mix adventure with accessible terrain, inviting both casual snappers and serious shooters to find their frame. Below this overview, you’ll also find more detailed guides on the best adventures in Ely, Nevada to help you round out an unforgettable visit with a variety of outdoor activities that complement your photographic journey.
Ely stands ready: an uncluttered backdrop where each step transports you deeper into Nevada’s rich blend of wilderness and heritage, where nature acts with its own fierce grace, inviting engagement through your camera’s eye.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near Ely
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Ely special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best times of day to photograph near Ely?
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) provide soft, angled light that enhances textures and brings warmth to landscapes and structures.
Are these photo spots accessible by car or do they require hiking?
Many spots near Ely, like Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, are accessible via car with short walks, while mountain viewpoints often require moderate hikes.
What wildlife might I encounter while photographing around Ely?
Mule deer, hawks, pronghorn antelope, and occasionally bighorn sheep are visible, especially in early morning or dusk hours.
Is there cell phone coverage in these areas?
Cell reception can be spotty in remote locations like the Great Basin Desert and mountain ranges, so plan accordingly with offline maps.
Are permits required for photography in any areas near Ely?
No general photography permits are required in most locations, but be mindful of private property and park regulations.
What footwear is recommended for accessing these photo spots?
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are advised to manage rocky and uneven terrain safely.
Recommended Gear
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Keeps you hydrated in dry, sunny conditions critical to desert environments.
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Provide ankle support and grip on rocky or uneven terrain.
Camera with Weather Protection
Protects gear from dust and sudden weather changes common in Nevada’s climate.
Layered Clothing
Adjusts to temperature swings between day and night.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "A small abandoned mining cabin off the power line road east of Ely offers unique historical photography."
- "The reflective pools on dry lake beds after spring rains create rare mirror landscapes."
Wildlife
- "Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks circling thermals and jackrabbits darting through sagebrush."
- "Owls can be spotted during twilight hours in wooded areas near the mountain foothills."
History
"Ward Charcoal Ovens were built in the late 1800s to produce charcoal for silver smelters, marking a vital chapter in Ely’s mining past."