On and near the Strip
The Waldorf Astoria Sky Bar on the 23rd floor faces west and delivers a Strip-plus-mountains view; $22 cocktail minimum. The High Roller observation wheel at the Linq costs $25 (or $50 for the open bar cabin) and takes 30 minutes for a rotation, timed right at sunset the light is spectacular. The Strat SkyPod at 1,149 feet has no drink minimum, $23 entry.
Free option: the pedestrian bridge at Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard faces west toward the Spring Mountains.
Red Rock and the western valley
Red Rock Canyon's High Point Overlook at mile 6 of the scenic loop is the classic sunset shot, but check the closing time (varies by season, 5pm winter, 8pm summer, gates lock). Calico Basin, accessible outside the paid scenic loop, is free and photogenic. Frenchman Mountain, east of the valley, gives you the sunset behind the whole Strip; drive to the top on the Sunrise Mountain access road.
Outside Vegas
Valley of Fire's Fire Wave lights up at last light in a way that does not photograph anywhere else. Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe delivers alpenglow on the Sierra Nevada across the water. Wheeler Peak Overlook in Great Basin National Park at 10,000 feet is the darkest sunset-to-stars transition in the state; sit at the picnic area and wait 90 minutes for the Milky Way to appear.
Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park faces west toward the Sierra with the city in the middle distance.
Good to know
What time does the sun set in Las Vegas?+
Roughly 4:30pm in December, 8pm in June. Golden hour lasts about 45 minutes; blue hour after another 20.
Can I see sunset from a Vegas hotel room?+
West-facing rooms at Vdara, Waldorf, and the Cosmopolitan West Tower deliver. Bellagio Fountain View faces east, no sunset.
Is it safe to be in Red Rock at sunset?+
Yes but the loop gate closes at posted time and you will be fined for staying past. Calico Basin outside the loop has no gate.
Where do photographers shoot Vegas at sunset?+
The Fremont Street welcome sign south of Mandalay Bay, the Neon Boneyard (with a paid tour), and the observation deck at the Strat.