Locations Near Carson City, NV That Show Off Fall Colors

Lake Tahoe?

There's a reason this heavenly hideaway is a famous destination for locals and visitors alike who are looking to unwind from the stresses of their busy lives. Nature is always alive and well in beautiful Lake Tahoe , just 25 minutes outside of Carson City. With colorful trees, peaceful waters, and sky-scraping mountains, you'll have plenty of awe-inspiring backdrops to choose from when you take fall family photos at the lake.

Lake Tahoe's pretty big, so you might wonder where you can get the best shot. If you want some firs in the background that will let you use your fall family photos for your holiday card, head to Secret Cove. This quiet stretch of the beach overlooks the water and gives you a clear shot of wintry greenery. Maybe you want the widest angle possible and you're not afraid of heights. Head up to Monkey Rock, take a seat on a boulder, and smile. The stretch of colorful trees in the distance will handle the rest.

Carson River Park

Carson River is a sight for sore eyes when the leaves change. If you're dreaming of a landscape of sparkling blue waters and warm yellow trees,Carson River Park is your destination. Consider setting up a tripod and posing your family along the water to capture the beauty of a crisp north Nevada fall. You could also take your photos along one of the winding walking trails to capture rows and rows of orange trees and miles of winding hills. These shots are beautiful if you enjoy depth in your photos.

Carson River Park is also a great place to snap some sneaky shots of local wildlife. It's especially a dream if you're a birdwatcher. Carson River is home to owls, woodpeckers, quail, pigeons, and even the occasional turkey, so point your camera towards the sky and see who flies by. When you're done taking your photos, stroll through the park to enjoy the natural sights and sounds of the historic Carson River on a crisp fall day.

University of Nevada, Reno

Many people associate college campuses with fall. The back-to-school energy is in the air, and the regal architecture of campus libraries and museums comes to life when surrounded by warm fall foliage. Take an afternoon stroll around the University of Nevada, Reno's beautiful campus for an academic photo shoot with friends or family. One of the most scenic spots on campus is the Frandsen Humanities building, an ivy-coated brick building with massive columns supporting it. The Mackay Science building also features brilliant pilasters, inspired by Georgian architecture. Plus, it's flanked by massive trees that just might turn for the season.

You can't leave without snapping a photo or two in the Quad. Like on many iconic college campuses, the Quad is the university's primary gathering place. Lay out a picnic blanket and smile for the camera. This tree-lined grassy spot captures the atmosphere of college life, so there's no better place to get your Ivy League-inspired autumnal photo.

Nevada Capitol Building

For a historic and picturesque autumn afternoon, plan an outing to the Nevada Capitol Building here in Carson City. Built in 1870, the building is the second-oldest capitol building in history west of the Mississippi River, so it's worth snapping a few photos. If you enjoyed the academic architecture on display at the University of Reno, Nevada, you might also enjoy the views at the Nevada Capitol Building. It's not just the Capitol Building, either. The complex includes other stately buildings, such as:

• The State Library and Archives.
• The Legislative Building.
• The Supreme Court of Nevada.

Not only is the capitol complex a beautiful place to take photos of fall leaves and time-honored architecture, but it makes for a budget-friendly outing for history buffs. On the second floor of the State Capitol is a free museum with two key areas: Born Battle Hall and Trailblazing Nevada. In Born Battle Hall, you can explore five exhibits tracing the history of the area from its establishment to the present day. Trailblazing Nevada celebrates the titans and icons who guided the state's most legendary moments and meaningful developments.

Governor's Mansion

Some say spirits walk among us in Carson City. Maybe the city just has a lively history. The Governor's Mansion is supposedly the fourth most-haunted place in Nevada. It's also architecturally stunning, with loads of vintage charm and plenty of colorful fall trees and bushes nearby. Locals deck it out with spooky decorations and autumnal haystacks in the fall, too.

Believers say the ghosts of former Governor Danver S. Dickerson, his wife, and his daughter, who all called the mansion home in the early 20th century, still roam the halls. If you'd rather avoid the eeriest areas, stage your photo in the yard, surrounded by red, orange, and yellow trees. If you're brave enough to get close, take a seasonal photo on the steps of this historic home. Make it quick, though, or you could find a masked figure in the background of your picture.

Washoe Lake

If you're dreaming of a sunset photo to remember autumn, we can't recommend a better spot than Washoe Lake. The scenery at Washoe Lake is more reminiscent of the Nevada desert than some of the other spots in town. If you prefer open fields, wildflowers, and sparse trees over the lush forests of Tahoe or Carson River, head to Washoe Lake.

Don't put the camera away too soon, though. Lake Washoe is also a lovely spot for some outdoor action shots. Famous for horseback riding, you can get in the saddle for a fun and adventurous family outing. Before you head home, take some photos with the majestic horses as a memento of your day in the autumnal sun.

That concludes Carson City Hyundai's recommendations of the best places for fall pictures in Carson City. Do you know of a hidden gem where you can capture the wild and historic beauty of north Nevada? Tell us all about it. If you're looking for a fresh vehicle to take you leaf peeping, check out our inventory of new and used vehicles at Carson City Hyundai.