In a previous article, I discussed the top 10 U.S. destinations for wildlife photography. In today’s article, we’re going to do the exact same thing, but this time with a focus on landscape photography.

Landscape photography offers a unique opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of nature. The excitement of witnessing stunning vistas, the patience required to capture the perfect light, and the joy of preserving a moment in time make landscape photography a deeply fulfilling pursuit and form of expression. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, exploring and photographing diverse landscapes and experiencing the serenity of nature is always rewarding.

The United States, with its vast and varied terrain, offers countless destinations that are perfect for landscape photography. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the depths of the Grand Canyon, the U.S. is home to quite a diversity of stunning and iconic landscapes. In today’s article, we'll explore a curated list of 10 of the absolute best U.S. destinations for landscape photography, each offering unique and spectacular opportunities to capture nature's magnificence.

Let’s get right into it and take a look at the top 10 U.S. destinations for landscape photography!

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Why It's Great: The jagged and towering peaks of the Teton Range provide a dramatic and striking subject matter for landscape photography. The park's diverse habitats, including alpine meadows, river valleys, rolling planes of sagebrush, and pristine lakes, offer endless opportunities for a great diversity of stunning shots. The ever-changing light conditions, especially during sunrise and sunset, add a magical quality to your photos. Grand Teton National Park truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the landscape photography here is nothing short of world-class.

Key Shot Locations:

• Schwabacher Landing: A serene spot with reflections of the Tetons in the Snake River.

• Oxbow Bend: A classic location for capturing the majestic mountains and the stunning Snake River.

• Jenny Lake: Offers beautiful views of the Tetons and is perfect for sunrise shots.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in the Tetons!

Glacier National Park, Montana

Why It's Great: Glacier National Park's iconic mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers and permanent snowfields, lush forests, and vast wilderness make it a paradise for landscape photographers. The park's remote and untouched beauty provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. In the fall photographers are treated with yellow, orange, and red leaves in the valleys, and in the spring the entire landscape explodes into vibrant colors with the blooming of flowers. If you want iconic Rocky Mountain scenery and abundant landscape photography opportunities you simply must visit Glacier National Park.

Key Shot Locations:

• Hidden Lake Overlook: Offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

• Many Glacier: Known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful reflections.

• Logan Pass: A high-elevation area with stunning vistas and abundant wildflowers.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in Glacier!

Yosemite National Park, California

Why It's Great: Yosemite National Park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, lush valleys, alpine meadows, and ancient sequoias. The park's diverse landscapes offer a wealth of opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. Whether you’d like to capture the grandeur of the absolutely massive El Capitan or the dynamic energy of Yosemite Falls, there’s no shortage of world-class landscape shots here.

Key Shot Locations:

• Tunnel View: Iconic viewpoint with panoramic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

• Glacier Point: Provides stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.

• Mariposa Grove: Home to giant sequoias that create a magical atmosphere.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in Yosemite!

Death Valley National Park and the Alabama Hills, California/Nevada

Why It's Great: Death Valley's otherworldly landscapes, vast sand dunes, and dramatic canyons make it a unique destination for landscape photography. If you want to capture the harsh yet beautiful nature of one of the most extreme landscapes on earth, you have to visit Death Valley. The nearby Alabama Hills offer a striking contrast with their unique rounded rock formations and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Key Shot Locations:

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Perfect for capturing sweeping sandscapes and dramatic light.

• Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America with surreal salt flats.

• Mobius Arch (Alabama Hills): Iconic rock formation framing Mount Whitney in the background.

Explore our world-class Death Valley & Alabama Hills photography workshop!

Zion National Park, Utah

Why It's Great: Zion's towering red and white cliffs, deep canyons, vibrant cottonwood trees, and countless hiking trails provide a stunning canvas for landscape photography and exploration. The park's unique geology and vibrant colors make it a favorite destination amongst landscape photographers far and wide. If you want to capture stunning images of one of the most incredible desert landscapes on earth you have to make the journey out to Zion National Park!

Key Shot Locations:

• The Narrows: A dramatic slot canyon with towering walls and the Virgin River.

• Angels Landing: Offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon.

• Canyon Overlook Trail: Provides a stunning view of the park's iconic landscapes.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in Zion!

The Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tennessee/North Carolina

Why It's Great: The Great Smoky Mountains' misty forests, rolling hills, and diverse ecosystems make it a captivating destination for landscape photography. Whether you’d like to photograph the many pristine waterfalls and streams winding through the park, or the iconic shot of layers of mountains and ridgelines fading into the distance, this is a truly exceptional destination for landscape photography. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic drives with numerous overlooks and trails. As you travel along this roadway, you’ll find stunning overlooks and fields of wildflowers in the spring. If you’re looking for one of the last remaining areas of pristine and stunning wilderness in the Eastern U.S. then this is where you need to go!

Key Shot Locations:

• Cades Cove: A picturesque valley with historic buildings and abundant wildlife.

• Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park with panoramic views.

• Waterrock Knob (Blue Ridge Parkway): Offers stunning sunset views and expansive vistas.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Why It's Great: Bryce Canyon's unique hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and vibrant colors create a surreal landscape that’s unlike anything else on Earth. These incredibly unique geological formations that have slowly formed over millions of years create top-notch photography opportunities. And the park's high elevation and clear skies make it perfect for capturing expansive views extending far off into the distance.

Key Shot Locations:

• Sunset Point: Offers a panoramic view of the Bryce Amphitheater and its hoodoos.

• Thor's Hammer: A striking hoodoo formation that is a favorite among photographers.

• Bryce Point: Provides expansive views of the park's unique geological features.

Explore our world-class photography workshops in Bryce Canyon!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Why It's Great: Acadia National Park's rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and pristine lakes offer a diverse spectrum of landscapes to photograph. The park's many coastal views and dramatic cliffs make it a truly special and unique destination. And in the fall, the entire landscape erupts into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Acadia National Park is a truly incredible place and should be on the shortlist of anyone passionate about landscape photography!

Key Shot Locations:

• Cadillac Mountain: The highest point on the U.S. East Coast, perfect for sunrise shots.

• Jordan Pond: Known for its clear waters and picturesque views of the Bubbles.

• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: An iconic lighthouse perched on the rocky coast.

Explore our world-class Acadia National Park photography workshop!

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Why It's Great: The Grand Canyon's immense scale, dramatic cliffs, diverse geologic layers and formations, and vibrant colors make it one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. Carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, there really isn’t anything else like it on earth and it’s a place that everyone should visit given the chance. Grand Canyon National Park offers numerous viewpoints and hiking trails for capturing breathtaking landscape images.

Key Shot Locations:

• Mather Point: A popular viewpoint with panoramic views of the canyon.

• Horseshoe Bend: A dramatic bend in the Colorado River offering stunning vistas.

• North Rim: Provides unique and less crowded viewpoints of the canyon.

Explore our world-class photography workshops visiting the Grand Canyon!

The Colorado Rockies, Colorado

Why It's Great:
The Colorado Rockies' towering peaks, alpine meadows, rushing streams and rivers, and crystal-clear lakes offer a stunning setting for landscape photography. From the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park in the north to the jagged and dramatic San Juan Mountains in the south, Colorado offers some truly special and dramatic mountain landscapes. And the constantly changing seasons provide endless opportunities to capture a spectrum of vibrant colors and shifting landscapes.

Key Shot Locations:

• Maroon Bells: Iconic twin peaks reflected in Maroon Lake.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Offers a variety of landscapes, from alpine tundra to lush valleys.

• Garden of the Gods: Dramatic red rock formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Explore our world-class Colorado Fall Colors photography workshop!

Conclusion

These top 10 destinations across the United States offer unparalleled opportunities for landscape photography, each with its unique charm and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're capturing the rugged beauty of the Tetons or the surreal landscapes of Death Valley, these locations provide the perfect canvas for your next photographic journey. So, pack your camera, embrace the adventure, and explore the stunning landscapes that await you. Your next great shot is just a trip away!

Happy shooting, and I’ll see you on the next one!

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.keenanhurshphoto.com