The Ten Best National Parks For Landscape Photography

The Ten Greatest National Parks For Photography

National Parks have been a part of the United States’ history since Yellowstone was founded in 1872. Since the National Park Service’s founding in 1916, they have been integral to the preservation of America’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and access to outdoor recreation and education for future generations of Americans and visitors from around the world. Few places on Earth match the majesty and splendor of the natural wonders of our National Parks.

There is no doubt that United States National Parks showcase some the most beautiful, diverse and vast natural beauty that the world has to offer. It's no surprise that landscape and nature photographers flock to the parks year round to explore and photograph the incredible American landscape. From the rugged grandeur of the Rocky Mountains to the otherworldly geothermal process of Yellowstone, each of these parks has a powerful story to tell.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual nature enthusiast, these National Parks are sure to leave you in awe. So, without further ado, let’s begin our virtual tour through some of America’s most extraordinary landscapes and discover the sheer beauty of the natural world.

Mt Rainier National Park | Washington State

Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is a majestic testament to the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty, centered around the iconic, snow-capped Mount Rainier. Standing at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and an active stratovolcano, offering a dramatic backdrop to the park's diverse ecosystems. Encompassing over 369 square miles, the park boasts old-growth forests, subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and pristine alpine lakes. The diverse landscape provides a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers alike.

My home is in the State of Washington, just over 2 hours from my front door. From the months of July through October, Mt Rainier National Park is one of my favorite destinations for photography. In late July and August, the alpine meadows of the park erupt in beautiful wildflowers, drawing countless visitors every day. Due to this increase in popularity, Mt Rainier will start a reservation system in 2024, following in the footsteps of parks like Glacier National Park and Yosemite.

Arches National Park | Utah

This 76,000-acre park is a testament to the powerful forces of nature and boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches – many of which have gained global notoriety. Arches National Park in Utah showcases a stunning array of iconic red rock arches, balanced rock formations, and towering sandstone monoliths. Visitors can hike trails, marvel at the spectacular landscape, and witness the surreal beauty of these rock formations firsthand. Beyond the arches, this park also offers opportunities for stargazing, photography, and wholesome communion with the natural world.

For breathtaking photographs, start your journey at Delicate Arch, an emblem of the park standing proudly against the azure sky. Capture its silhouette against the setting sun for a dramatic shot. Move on to the Windows Section, where North Window and Turret Arch frame the distant La Sal Mountains, offering a perfect sunrise opportunity. Don't miss the fiery hues of Balanced Rock at sunset, or the surreal textures of Devil's Garden, where a labyrinth of sandstone fins and arches unfolds under the expansive desert sky. Each location within Arches National Park promises a unique visual feast, blending natural beauty with a photographer's dream canvas.

Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado

Encompassing over 415 square miles of untouched wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to soaring mountain peaks, crystalline alpine lakes, lush, rolling meadows, and a vibrant diversity of wildlife. Despite its remoteness and mountainous terrain, what sets Rocky Mountain National Park apart is its accessibility; visitors can explore its wonders via a well-maintained road system. Whether you want to take on one of the more challenging hikes or you’d prefer to drive along the Rail Ridge Road to take in some awe-inspiring vistas, this park has a little something for every adventurer.

When photographing during sunrise, must see locations include Sprague Lake, Moraine Park and Dream Lake. At sunset, check out Forest Canyon Overlook, Rock and Gorge Range Overlook, all accessed via Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake.

Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona

There aren’t many places on the planet that are as easily recognizable as the Grand Canyon. An iconic American treasure, Grand Canyon National Park is a geological masterpiece etched by the mighty, meandering Colorado River over the course of millions of years. This sprawling chasm, which spans 277 miles in length and is up to a mile deep, reveals Earth’s geologic past in breathtaking layers of rock. Mesmerizing vistas like the ones at Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station provide visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the pure wonderment of the natural world.

If you find yourself fortunate enough to visit this park with a camera in hand, locations to consider for photography include Mather Point, Hopi Point, Yaki Point, the Bright Angel Trail and the Desert View Watchtower.

Glacier National Park | Montana

Tucked away in the Montana Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is a pristine wilderness of glacier-carved valleys, glacial lakes, and craggy peaks. Spanning over a million acres along the Canadian border, it’s appropriately named for its numerous glaciers. The park itself offers over 700 miles of hiking trails, each with breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife – including grizzly bears and mountain goats. Its iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road winds through the heart of the park and reveals stunning vistas from end to end.

Another incredible National Park within a days drive from my home, Glacier National Park truly is a nature photographers paradise. From the rainbow colored stones of Lake McDonald, to the incredible views from the Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park never disappoints. Other notable locations for landscape photography include Swiftcurrent Lake, Iceberg Lake, St Mary Lake & Avalanche Gorge. The park also is home to wildlife including Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Lynx and Mountain Lions around others.

Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

America’s first national park is a geothermal wonderland and a haven for wildlife in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Encompassing nearly 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park boasts an astonishing array of natural geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots – with Old Faithful as one of its most recognizable (and reliable) attractions. Yellowstone is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including bison, wolves, grizzly bears, bald eagles, and much more. Visitors can hike an extensive labyrinth of trails, marvel at the numerous canyons and vistas, and find tranquility in pristine lakes and rivers.

Many photographers and tourists combine a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks together. These two parks combined make for a high number of amazing natural scenes to soak in with your eyes and your camera. I personally find Yellowstone the more challenging of the two parks to photograph, however if you enjoy abstract photography like I do, this is the perfect park for creative intimate photographs of nature. My favorite locations in the park include Artist Point, the Grand Prismatic Overlook, Upper Geyser Basin and for wildlife, check out Lamar Valley.

Yosemite National Park | California

Renowned for its colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves, Yosemite National Park is a cherished wilderness that has captivated hearts for generations. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome challenge rock climbers and inspire awe, while Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls dazzle visitors with awesome displays. With a network of trails, stunning vistas, and serene meadows, Yosemite National Park offers an unrivaled opportunity to connect and commune with nature’s grandeur and find solace amid these breathtaking landscapes.

Yosemite National Park is a nature photographers dream thought the year. Without a doubt, Tunnel View tops the list of places to photograph the sheer size and natural wonder of Yosemite. The El Capitan Meadow, the Merced River and Yosemite Falls as seen from the swinging bridge will all keep your head spinning and the shutter of your camera clicking. You probably already know, but just in case you don't, the park is an absolute zoo in the summertime and even with reservation systems in place, the single route of travel through the main part of the part can easily get backed up leading to exhausting wait times.

Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming

Located in western Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a symphony for the senses of earthen beauty and natural elegance. Looming like great sentinels over the Snake River Valley, the Teton Range dominates the landscape, with its titular Grand Teton peak rising over 13,700 feet. The park’s immaculate lakes – including Jenny Lake – reflect the splendor of the mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the world-class hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Elk, moose, grizzly bears, and other large mammals roam the wild terrain. The park’s serenity and grandeur make it a haven for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking a quintessential American wilderness experience.

A must see park with any travel to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park showcases the wild untamed vastness of Wyoming like no other. Popular photography locations inside the park include Schwabacher Landing, the Mormon Row Historic District and Jackson Lake. For a beautiful drive, the 42 mile scenic loop will cure your cravings for mountain vistas and a 7.6 mile hike around Jenny Lake offers beautiful trails and sights as well as boat tours, overlooks and a visitors center to help you make the most of your time.

Zion National Park | Utah

Situated in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is a breathtaking menagerie of towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic narrow canyons, and a lush oasis in the desert. The park’s crown jewel, Zion Canyon, is a mesmerizing chasm carved by the Virgin River, flanked by colossal formations like Angel’s Landing and the aptly named Narrows. Visitors can go on thrilling hikes (like the challenging climb to Observation Point or wading through the river that winds through The Narrows). The landscape’s fiery reds and oranges provide a striking contrast to the emerald green of the Virgin River’s riparian zone. With its arresting scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, Zion National Park is easily one of the best national parks in the American Southwest – let alone the rest of the country and is also one of my personal favorites for photography.

My favorite photography locations are topped by the Narrows, a unique and beautiful reprieve from the heat full of endless changing displays of light and its interaction with water and the canyon walls. Angels Landing, a popular and for some a bit daring area of the park, leads to a jaw dropping Vista with an expansive view of the park. Court of the Patriarchs may be the shortest trail in Zion National Park but boasts incredible views of the trees, canyon walls and surrounding mountains that in the right light are truly incredible. A short drive from the park will lead you to Kanarra Creek, another slot canyon that is a must see hike when visiting Zion. After all the sights and sounds of Zion, it's time to head to the last stop on our list, the awe inspiring Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, characterized by a vast array of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion. These unique geological formations, predominantly found in Bryce Amphitheater, display vibrant hues of red, orange, and white, creating stunning vistas that are particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The park spans over 35,000 acres and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing, thanks to its clear, dark night skies. Visitors can explore the Rim Trail for panoramic views or venture into the canyon on trails like the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden. Established as a national park in 1928, Bryce Canyon continues to captivate visitors with its striking beauty and distinctive rock formations, making it a cherished natural treasure.

Bryce Canyon is simply an amazing place to see for yourself and learning that it formed through a process of freezing and thawing makes it that much more of a geological wonder to me. If photographing Bryce Canyon, you must stop at both Inspiration and Sunset Point at a minimum. Other jaw dropping locations include Natural Bridges, Bryce Point and Thors Hammer as well as many other incredible stops along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

Treasure Our National Parks!

Our National Parks are one of the greatest gifts we can share with future generations through the adventure and the natural beauty that they provide. Natural places that inspire, enrich and bring joy to all our lives. Our National Parks are playgrounds for Nature and Landscape photographers who look to showcase their natural beauty in new and engaging ways every day, in an effort to share this beauty with the world. Take care of them and remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.