Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Basin, Nevada · 6,976 ft
Aspen riparian stands ringing a small lake on the Nevada shoulder of the Tahoe basin, with Jeffrey pine holding the slopes dark behind them. A flat two-mile loop keeps water on one side the whole way, so the same grove can be worked backlit and front-lit in one morning.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 24 – Oct 2
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Off US-50 near Spooner Summit at the junction with NV-28. A two-mile trail circles the lake and the park is the portal to the Marlette Flume Trail and 13 miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Entrance fee.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- Jeffrey pine
- lodgepole pine
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 28Typical color progression for Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. No change from Aug 21 to Sep 7. First color from Sep 7 to Sep 16. Approaching peak from Sep 16 to Sep 24. Peak from Sep 24 to Oct 2. Past peak from Oct 2 to Oct 12. Bare from Oct 12 to Oct 26.
Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is typically at approaching peak on this date.
Light at peak
Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on September 28, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:26 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 92° | 6:52 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:28 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:50 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:12 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 268° | 6:47 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:14 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 11h 55m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.