The Salton Sea, California Photography Hot Spot
We traveled to the Salton Sea and brought you all the details you need for a successful photography trip.
Waterfall Photography Simplified
Quickly learn how to shoot waterfall photography
The Salton Sea, California Photography
The Salton Sea is a bird photographer’s paradise. As the vivid colors of sunset graced the area, we were entranced by its beauty. Yet beneath its picturesque portrait lies a sinister truth that reeks of desolation and death.
Once bustling with life as a thriving resort community, this lake was abandoned—the result of a dead fish stench filling the air like a plague. We shuddered at our surroundings, unnerved by these crumbling trailers that seemed to be scattered about randomly. In addition, we slowly became aware of our proximity to the Mexican border.
For those who aren’t easily scared away, explore this post-apocalyptic-looking town and uncover mysteries hidden behind the shadows of death. The Salton Sea stretched like an endless expanse of sparkling diamonds, beckoning us to explore its secrets. We hit up the wildlife refuge on the southern side to capture that perfect shot of the salt-encrusted terrain. As we drove around, we couldn’t help but feel drawn to the north shore, with its colorful avian inhabitants and bustling activity.
BEST TIME TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY HERE
We traveled here in both December and October. October was very hot, while December was perfect. For optimal conditions, the best time to visit the Salton Sea is between December and February. During this time, temperatures are mild and comfortable. October-November and March-April are also suitable, but expect more bugs as summer draws near. Traveling during summer is not recommended due to scorching temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH THE AREA
We spent the entire day at this location. We took many photos of birds around the lake. We enjoyed our time here from early morning until late afternoon, even staying to do some beautiful sunset photography, which you can see in the picture above in pink. “see in the image above in pink.”
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING
You can bring your wide-angle and zoom lenses. This is a top birding location, but you also want to photograph the entire landscape. This is also a Milky Way location. However, we didn’t have the opportunity to do Milky Way photography here. Make sure you bring your tripod and your Milky Way gear if you go during the Milky Way season. Visit our Milky Way photography page if you’re unsure of the season and how to do Milky Way photography.
WHAT ELSE TO BRING
Remember to pack organic bug spray and sunscreen if you plan to visit during the warmer months. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin like we do. Being in Southern California, just on the border of Mexico, means the sun can be pretty intense. So, it’s best to take all necessary precautions to protect your skin.
HOW TO GET THERE
We like the northern side of the lake the best. Travel in on Highway 111. Begin your exploration of the Salton Sea at the Mecca Visitor Center. They have a wealth of knowledge, including tips and directions for prime birdwatching spots.
The Salton Sea is 30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111, located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, about a three-hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, take the 86S exit, turn left at Avenue 66, and right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
Take Highway 78 east from San Diego, then leave (north) on Highway 86. Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY
We highly recommend visiting Joshua Tree National Park. There is too much to see in a single day, so plan to spend a few days in the region. Additionally, you can enjoy the stunning Milky Way skies in this area. If you are uncertain about the Milky Way season and how to take pictures of it, please visit our Milky Way page for more information.
And, one more adventure is to be had—Coyote Road, a winding path that leads away from the sea and into the heart of the high desert. The images photographed here were breathtaking, with ominous clouds looming overhead like something from a sci-fi movie. It was a road we had to travel down.
HOW BUSY DOES IT GET
The many times we were here, we barely saw any other humans. How we like it.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
The basics of what to know before you go.
SHUTTER PRIORITY:
When photographing birds at this location, you will want to shoot in shutter priority to ensure your shutter speed is high enough to have your subject in sharp focus. Approximately 1/250th of a second is appropriate for people walking by, and adjust your ISO accordingly. If they are moving fast, increase your shutter speed to about 1/500th of a second. A fast bird flying by would be shot at about 1/1000th of a second. If it’s a bright sunny day, go as high as 1/1200th of a second. Remember, the higher your shutter speed, the less light comes into the camera. For More Details, see our Shutter Priority Page.
MANUAL MODE:
You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots if the wind moves the water around. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and your neutral density filter. You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f/22 or the highest f-stop your camera will allow. Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Roll your shutter speed until your meter reads zero. (In the center) Use your shutter release or 2-second timer to prevent camera movement when exposing. You will want at least a 2-second exposure for milky water. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun.
We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. Long-exposure photography with moving waters can make the difference between lifeless images and outstanding, dynamic images.
APERTURE PRIORITY:
Aperture Priority is often used to blur the background of your images and control your depth of field (how much from the subject to the background is in focus). For more information on this, see our Aperture page
ISO:
The higher you set it, the more light is when exposing an image. The higher the number, the more digital noise, so stay below 800. If you need to go higher to get the shot, you can use Topaz Denoise to filter out the digital noise later. See the ISO page here.
WHITE BALANCE:
Be sure to set your white balance each time the lighting changes. Auto mode is not always accurate on many cameras, and we prefer to set it manually. It’s one of the easier basics of photography to master. If you need more help, you can get some more details here. See the white balance page here.
Announcing our PhotographyContest
All of the winners will have their photo featured in our Magazine Lots of Prizes
PARK AREA AND INFORMATION – SALTON SEA
Entrance Fees: Day use – $5.00, Boat Launch $3.00
Area: Day-use area for fishing, visitor center, picnic, birding, and sightseeing
The headquarters have full RV hookups
New Camp developed a campground
Boat Launch
These park areas will be subject to summertime Off-Season closures (Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep).
HOTEL INFORMATION
We like this one for the mature crowd. If you have many kids in tow, see our other pick.
Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
10595 Hot Mineral Spa Rd.
Niland, California 92257
RESTAURANTS
There is a Subway on your way to the north tip of the Salton Sea. There isn’t much food out there, so grab something before you go. You should always bring snacks and, of course, water—lots of water. This is the desert, you know. They are stores that are not always open, so be prepared!
Subway – North Side
90480 66th Ave., Mecca, CA 92254
Buckshot Deli & Diner – North Eastern Side
8120 CA-111, Niland, CA 92257
Alamo Restaurant – West Side
2100 Marina Dr., Thermal, CA 92274
Camping
These park areas will be subject to summertime Off-Season closures (Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep)
Mecca Beach campground
Corvina Beach
Salt Creek primitive campground
Open during the In-Season Oct.-Nov.-Dec.-Jan.-Feb.-Mar.-Apr.-May.
Visitor Center – Summer Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun.
– Off Season hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun
OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY LINKS
Photography Lessons
Photography, Lessons, Workshops and Classes.
Photography Contests