Best sunset spots in Nevada
6 places where the desert light does the heavy lifting, from the 64th floor of Delano to a $0 pullout on the Red Rock scenic loop.
Sun setting behind sandstone ridges in Red Rock Canyon
In and near Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop, High Point Overlook: pull off at the marked overlook 20 minutes into the loop. The sandstone glows orange-red for the last 30 minutes before sunset. Free with $20 park entry. Skyfall Lounge on Delano's 64th floor: south-facing panorama across the Strip. No cover, drinks $18 to $22. Legacy Club atop Circa downtown: newer competitor with a fire pit and a straight-down view of Fremont's neon lighting up as the sky goes pink.
The desert and the lake
Valley of Fire, Fire Wave: catch the last hour of light for the deepest saturation. Lake Mead at Boulder Beach: the Colorado River corridor glows at dusk. Lake Tahoe from Sand Harbor: sunset comes over the Sierra behind you and lights the water in pinks — the boulders in the foreground are the shot every photographer wants. In the north, Pyramid Lake at Popcorn Rocks 40 minutes from Reno is stark, tribal-permit territory ($10 daily fee), and one of the most alien sunset landscapes in the American West.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
One hour before sunset. The loop is one-way and you cannot backtrack if you miss your spot. Last vehicle entry is one hour before sunset year-round.
Legacy Club at Circa: yes for weekends. Skyfall at Delano: walk-in usually fine. Both take reservations on OpenTable.
Skyfall at Delano for the sweep down Las Vegas Boulevard; the High Roller observation wheel ($25) for altitude and a full turn.
Yes, once. It is 45 minutes north on Pyramid Highway and unlike anywhere else in the state — required tribal use permit is $10 per person per day.
Hotels in Nevada
More guides to Nevada
All guides
Itineraries · 7 min read
48 hours in Nevada
Two days built around the neon of the Strip and one long desert drive, with 6 anchor stops and a sunset payoff at Red Rock Canyon.
Itineraries · 9 min read
One week in Nevada
Seven days from the Strip to the pines of Lake Tahoe via 3 state parks and one very long stretch of US Route 50, the loneliest road in America.
Itineraries · 6 min read
Nevada in 3 days on a budget
Neon, red rock and free entertainment for under $400 total, including 2 nights in a downtown hotel and every meal.
Same rooms, same rates as booking direct — and every stay funds one verified tonne of carbon removal.