Mineral County: Photographers’ Dream
Along Highway 95, the open areas within Mineral County create a haven for amateur and professional photographers, offering something spectacular at all hours of the day. With the scenic views of the creviced mountains and billowing clouds reflected upon the glassy surface of Walker Lake, snapping photos of the wild mustangs roaming along the south shoreline becomes an added treat. Anyone with an eye for nature’s beauty will be compelled to stop and adjust their camera lens to capture awe-inspiring moments. From dramatic orange sunrises to yellow bursts at sunset, the skies create a varying palette of colors against the many backdrops of the area.
Nevada’s Bighorn Sheep breed within the mountains along Walker Lake, with herds showing up along the highway, grazing among the rock formations in a stately form. These animals blend in with the rocky landscape so well, one must stare into the mountainside to locate them by seeing their movement. Local photographers find them up against the Waussuk Mountains on the west side of Walker Lake, watching for their trademark — a white almond shape on the rear of the sheep. Currently, there are at least six to eight herds in the Mount Grant vicinity, showing off their amazing climbing and retreating skills as they maneuver through the steep rocks.
At the south end of Mineral County, enjoy photographing the retro signage or the weathered old clapboard homes of Mina and Luning, which are filled with nostalgic shots and some off-road opportunities, too.
Photographers can come into Hawthorne and ask any local resident for directions to the secret places, ranging from quirky local yard art to vintage signage, to breathtaking landscapes and wild animals, or our Patriotic memorabilia. It’s all here. Tune in and meet our local photographers who post on Facebook at “You Know You’re From Hawthorne” and examine many of our day-to-day views while enjoying an occasional black and white memory that gets posted. History and the great outdoors are the foundations of Mineral County, which loves to be photographed.
— Sheri Samson
