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The Top 10 National Parks for Landscape Photography
by Keenan Hursh
In today’s chaotic and crazy world, I find myself thinking about what makes me proud to be an American. As a population, we’re being fed a constant stream of negativity and it feels like we’re more divided than ever before. On top of that, the US is made up of so many diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, and social groups that it would seem nearly impossible for us to agree on anything. That it’s becoming harder and harder to find things that unify us as a nation.
If there is one thing, in my opinion, that most Americans can agree on and get excited about, it’s the existence and protection of our U.S. National Parks. I can’t really think of another country on the planet with such a diversity of incredibly special and magical places accessible to everyone.
Not only are America’s National Parks great for experiencing the natural world but they are also exceptional places for photography. When it comes to stunning landscapes that stand out from their surroundings and have great access our National Parks are hard to beat.
In today’s article, we’re covering the top 10 National Parks for landscape photography. These 10 parks are true pieces of art created by the processes of nature and are perfect for capturing stunning moments through the lens of your camera. So, let’s get into it.
If there is one thing, in my opinion, that most Americans can agree on and get excited about, it’s the existence and protection of our U.S. National Parks. I can’t really think of another country on the planet with such a diversity of incredibly special and magical places accessible to everyone.
Not only are America’s National Parks great for experiencing the natural world but they are also exceptional places for photography. When it comes to stunning landscapes that stand out from their surroundings and have great access our National Parks are hard to beat.
In today’s article, we’re covering the top 10 National Parks for landscape photography. These 10 parks are true pieces of art created by the processes of nature and are perfect for capturing stunning moments through the lens of your camera. So, let’s get into it.
Yosemite National Park
In the heart of California lies Yosemite National Park, a symphony of natural wonders where towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and serene meadows harmonize in perfect unity. From vertical granite cliff faces as sheer as glass to the Merced River constantly ebbing and flowing through the valley and shaping this dramatic landscape, there really isn’t anything quite like Yosemite Valley.
With its iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, Yosemite offers a plethora of opportunities for shutterbugs to capture its stunning beauty. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, winter, spring, or fall you’ll find ample opportunity to capture jaw-dropping landscape shots.
In the heart of California lies Yosemite National Park, a symphony of natural wonders where towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and serene meadows harmonize in perfect unity. From vertical granite cliff faces as sheer as glass to the Merced River constantly ebbing and flowing through the valley and shaping this dramatic landscape, there really isn’t anything quite like Yosemite Valley.
With its iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, Yosemite offers a plethora of opportunities for shutterbugs to capture its stunning beauty. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, winter, spring, or fall you’ll find ample opportunity to capture jaw-dropping landscape shots.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a paradise for landscape photographers, a canvas of nature's most breathtaking artwork. It is undoubtedly a top location for landscape photography
Its towering red cliffs rise like cathedral spires, sculpted by time and weather into soaring arches and imposing towers. The Virgin River weaves through the canyon floor, carving out a sinuous path that reflects the sky like a polished mirror.
In spring, the park erupts in a riot of color as wildflowers carpet the valley floor, while in fall, the hillsides blaze with the fiery hues of changing leaves.
With each season, Zion's landscape transforms, revealing new facets and nuances, beckoning photographers to capture its ever-shifting beauty.
Zion National Park is a paradise for landscape photographers, a canvas of nature's most breathtaking artwork. It is undoubtedly a top location for landscape photography
Its towering red cliffs rise like cathedral spires, sculpted by time and weather into soaring arches and imposing towers. The Virgin River weaves through the canyon floor, carving out a sinuous path that reflects the sky like a polished mirror.
In spring, the park erupts in a riot of color as wildflowers carpet the valley floor, while in fall, the hillsides blaze with the fiery hues of changing leaves.
With each season, Zion's landscape transforms, revealing new facets and nuances, beckoning photographers to capture its ever-shifting beauty.
Glacier National Park
In the wilds of Montana, Glacier National Park paints a picturesque landscape of glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows. With over 700 miles of breathtaking trails, this national park offers an abundance of opportunities to capture the raw beauty of nature. Some of its most famous sights include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, and Lake MacDonald.
It's one of the most dramatic parks in the United States, and one of our favorites for landscape photography.
If you’re looking to capture massive peaks carved by ancient ice as well as stunning wildflowers and clear alpine lakes, then you’ll want to check out Glacier National Park.
In the wilds of Montana, Glacier National Park paints a picturesque landscape of glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows. With over 700 miles of breathtaking trails, this national park offers an abundance of opportunities to capture the raw beauty of nature. Some of its most famous sights include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, and Lake MacDonald.
It's one of the most dramatic parks in the United States, and one of our favorites for landscape photography.
If you’re looking to capture massive peaks carved by ancient ice as well as stunning wildflowers and clear alpine lakes, then you’ll want to check out Glacier National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
The towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming rise to great heights far above the valley below, painting a mountainous masterpiece with vibrant foliage, alpine lakes, and scenic trails scattered throughout.
As the tallest peak in the Teton Range, Grand Teton provides an unrivaled view of nature's grandeur and reigns supreme over all else. Between the mountains and the valley, there is always something to shoot, from spring wildflowers to golden aspens in the fall.
The Tetons are an excellent location for both landscape and wildlife photography. Want to capture a photo of a bull moose covered in frost with stunning mountains in the background? Then this is the place!
The towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming rise to great heights far above the valley below, painting a mountainous masterpiece with vibrant foliage, alpine lakes, and scenic trails scattered throughout.
As the tallest peak in the Teton Range, Grand Teton provides an unrivaled view of nature's grandeur and reigns supreme over all else. Between the mountains and the valley, there is always something to shoot, from spring wildflowers to golden aspens in the fall.
The Tetons are an excellent location for both landscape and wildlife photography. Want to capture a photo of a bull moose covered in frost with stunning mountains in the background? Then this is the place!
Arches National Park
In Utah's red rock country, Arches National Park stands tall, showcasing over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that are a testament to the power of time and nature. Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the many trails that lead photographers to capture the beauty and wonder of these stunning formations.
I can’t think of a better embodiment of capturing a moment in time. On the geologic time scale arches exist but for a fleeting moment and to be able to capture this in a photograph is truly something special.
Arches may just be America's finest desert landscape for photography.
In Utah's red rock country, Arches National Park stands tall, showcasing over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that are a testament to the power of time and nature. Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the many trails that lead photographers to capture the beauty and wonder of these stunning formations.
I can’t think of a better embodiment of capturing a moment in time. On the geologic time scale arches exist but for a fleeting moment and to be able to capture this in a photograph is truly something special.
Arches may just be America's finest desert landscape for photography.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In the heart of the eastern United States lies an untouched pocket of wilderness giving us a glimpse into the past, a doorway to these lands before they were settled and industrialized by the hand of man.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides photographers with a plethora of subjects from ethereal waterfalls, to rolling ridgelines, to stunning wildflowers and wildlife. This is also a great place to experiment with macro photography, especially during the spring when plants come to life and are often coated in dew drops.
Whether it's the soft light of dawn or the warm glow of sunset, the Great Smoky Mountains never fail to captivate the eye with their beauty.
In the heart of the eastern United States lies an untouched pocket of wilderness giving us a glimpse into the past, a doorway to these lands before they were settled and industrialized by the hand of man.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides photographers with a plethora of subjects from ethereal waterfalls, to rolling ridgelines, to stunning wildflowers and wildlife. This is also a great place to experiment with macro photography, especially during the spring when plants come to life and are often coated in dew drops.
Whether it's the soft light of dawn or the warm glow of sunset, the Great Smoky Mountains never fail to captivate the eye with their beauty.
Mount Rainier National Park
Rising into the heavens where the Pacific Ocean meets the North American continent in Washington lies a dormant giant in a deep slumber. A magnificent mountain that can be seen for miles in every direction is a lasting artifact of the volcanic powers that hide beneath the earth’s surface.
Mount Rainier is arguably the most iconic mountain in the Pacific Northwest, a place where grandeur takes center stage. The mountain is simply jaw-dropping.
In summer, you'll find the hillsides of Rainier bustling with wildflowers blooms, providing perfect compositions for landscape photographers.
Mount Rainier National Park is our favorite national park for capturing alpine wildflowers, with a massive glaciated mountain in the backdrop.
Rising into the heavens where the Pacific Ocean meets the North American continent in Washington lies a dormant giant in a deep slumber. A magnificent mountain that can be seen for miles in every direction is a lasting artifact of the volcanic powers that hide beneath the earth’s surface.
Mount Rainier is arguably the most iconic mountain in the Pacific Northwest, a place where grandeur takes center stage. The mountain is simply jaw-dropping.
In summer, you'll find the hillsides of Rainier bustling with wildflowers blooms, providing perfect compositions for landscape photographers.
Mount Rainier National Park is our favorite national park for capturing alpine wildflowers, with a massive glaciated mountain in the backdrop.
Grand Canyon National Park
In the center of the American Southwest lies a dramatic and deep crack in the earth's crust. A portal into the past revealing layer upon layer of our planet’s geologic history. The Grand Canyon is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the entire planet and offers ample opportunity for landscape photography.
The canyon's colors are a testament to the beauty of time and change, with its brilliant oranges, deep reds, and rich browns revealing the geological layers of the land. Whether basked in the warm light of dawn or painted in the warm hues of sunset, the Grand Canyon never fails to inspire.
Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to capture the majesty of the American Southwest. It's one of those places where it's impossible to take a bad photograph.
In the center of the American Southwest lies a dramatic and deep crack in the earth's crust. A portal into the past revealing layer upon layer of our planet’s geologic history. The Grand Canyon is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the entire planet and offers ample opportunity for landscape photography.
The canyon's colors are a testament to the beauty of time and change, with its brilliant oranges, deep reds, and rich browns revealing the geological layers of the land. Whether basked in the warm light of dawn or painted in the warm hues of sunset, the Grand Canyon never fails to inspire.
Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to capture the majesty of the American Southwest. It's one of those places where it's impossible to take a bad photograph.
Redwoods National Park
Tucked away in the far north of California, Redwoods National Park is home to some of the most impressive, iconic, and enduring trees on earth. Tread lightly through this endless maze of sleeping giants as you work your way through curtains of mist and blankets of moss and wildflowers.
Towering redwood trees surrounded by a lush and vibrant understory of plant life create incredibly unique photography opportunities. In spring, you'll find these ancient forests filled with ethereal fog and blooms of rhododendron. Add some light and you have a recipe for the top forest location in the United States for landscape photography.
Tucked away in the far north of California, Redwoods National Park is home to some of the most impressive, iconic, and enduring trees on earth. Tread lightly through this endless maze of sleeping giants as you work your way through curtains of mist and blankets of moss and wildflowers.
Towering redwood trees surrounded by a lush and vibrant understory of plant life create incredibly unique photography opportunities. In spring, you'll find these ancient forests filled with ethereal fog and blooms of rhododendron. Add some light and you have a recipe for the top forest location in the United States for landscape photography.
Alaska's National Parks
No list is complete without mentioning the wild, untamed National Parks of Alaska.
Alaska is a land of endless possibilities where nature's grandeur reigns supreme. It's home to not just the best photography in the United States, but the best photography in the world.
From the glaciers and ice fields of Kenai Fjords, to the rugged beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias, to the wildflowers and glaciers of Denali, Alaska's parks offer so many diverse and beautiful of landscapes, just waiting to be captured.
You will be hard-pressed to find more dramatic landscapes across the park system. The old adage is true, everything is bigger in Alaska!
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AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshmedia.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.