Must Shoot: Best National Parks for Winter Photos

Dec 29, 20204 min read

While summer is by far the most popular time to visit our national parks, a winter visit is a great way to see familiar sights from a new perspective and with the added benefit that the busy tourist season will have given way to smaller - although not non-existent - crowds. If capturing the natural landscape with your camera is a big reason for your visit, the off season offers many advantages. Here's our take on the best national parks for winter photos.

Yosemite National Park – California

Yosemite in winter makes you wonder why anyone would come in the summer months. Not only are the millions of summer visitors missing but winter means the arrival of snow - what could be better for the landscape photographer? Of course, the snow does bring with it some challenges and while the park is quieter, you will not be alone - especially around Christmas and New Year when ski season is in full swing. Also road closures to some of the parks best vistas are also a drawback but hiking trails are never more beautiful.

Snow-covered landscape with a calm river reflecting trees and mountains. Blue sky above, creating a serene winter scene. — A beautiful winter view of El Capitan.

Snow-covered mountain with vertical cliff, surrounded by pine trees. Colorful sunset sky with clouds in the background. Serene mood. — Sunrise sky and a moody shot of a snowy Half Dome.

Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

As with all the national parks, there really is no bad time to visit, but seeing the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon dusted with snow is truly a special sight. The spectacular rock formations come alive in the winter light with the red of the rock and the white of the snow making the season merry and bright. For the energetic there are plenty of opportunities for winter sports and if you time your trip just right the famous Bryce Canyon Winter Festival is a real treat.

Snow-covered Bryce Canyon with orange hoodoos under a bright blue sky, creating a serene and vibrant landscape. — The famous hoodoos provide a stunning color contrast in the winter sun.

Arches National Park - Utah

Not far (relatively) from Bryce Canyon is another of Utah's Mighty Five - Arches National Park. A winter visit means escaping the big crowds and hot temperatures of the summer season and taking in the landmark rock formations in a cooler, less crowded atmosphere. Iconic scenes abound for the photographer, with Balanced Rock, North Window, Delicate Arch and Fiery Furnace being personal favorites. But don't stop shooting when the sun goes down as there are few better locations in the US for astrophotography.

Red rock arch with snow leads to another arch in distance. Clear blue sky above, creating a peaceful desert scene. No text present. — Turret Arch taken through the North Window.

Acadia National Park - Maine

Acadia National Park transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and rugged coastlines, offering breathtaking landscapes for photographers. With its more northern latitude, winter in Acadia features unique soft winter light which coupled with few visitors makes classic park locations such as Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Boulder Beach and the ever-popular Bass Harbor Light simply irresistible.

Rounded boulders on a stormy beach with foamy waves crashing. Overcast sky; dark clouds enhance the moody atmosphere. — Boulder Beach in the snow under a stormy winter sky.

Brown eagle landing on snowy rock with wings spread wide. Blurred mountain background enhances the dynamic pose and natural setting. — Winter is a great time to capture wildlife like this golden eagle.

Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

The Grand Canyon becomes simply stunning in winter, with the contrast between white snow and the canyon's bright hues creating striking images that draw the eye. The winter sun brings long shadows and vibrant colors during sunrise and sunset, creating dramatic lighting conditions. Winter also brings more interesting weather and atmosphere as snow showers and storm clouds add depth and mood.

Snow-covered cliffs and trees overlook a misty canyon under a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene winter landscape. — While the vistas at the Grand Canyon are epic, try picking out a smaller detail, like this rocky outcrop, to create depth in your photos.

Snow-covered Grand Canyon cliffs under a partly cloudy sky. The vast canyon stretches into the distance, creating a serene and dramatic scene. — Winter weather can change rapidly at the altitude of the canyon rims so be on the lookout for ways to incorporate the weather and moodiness in your scenes.

Zion National Park - Utah

Zion National Park offers stunning winter landscapes with dramatic cliffs and canyons contrasted against snow, creating breathtaking visuals as the soft winter sunlight enhances colors and textures. Fewer visitors mean photographers can capture serene scenes without crowds. Winter also offers unique wildlife sightings and transformations in flora and fauna, providing diverse subjects. Iconic locations like Angels Landing, The Watchman and The Narrows offer fresh perspectives in winter.

The snow-covered Watchman framed by winter trees in Zion National Park. — Framed by winter trees, this sunset view of the Watchman is made more special by the dusting of snow.

A green cactus pad with sharp spines emerges from the snow. The bright light creates a contrast against the cool blue and white background. — Unexpected details can make for great images, like this cactus poking up through the snow.

Yellowstone National Park – Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

Rounding out our list are the neighboring parks of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Yellowstone is ridiculously popular year round, but winter is a unique time to see the plentiful wildlife including the big bison and elk, and if you are lucky you may even spot wolves wandering the snowy landscape. The parks other main attraction - the spectacular geothermal formations - are also beautiful and different in winter, with steam erupting into clear blue skies and the residual heat keeping visitors and wildlife alike a little warmer. Like many of the parks, don't expect everything - including some of the roads - to be open, but for the winter sports and photography enthusiast, there is still plenty to marvel at in the frozen terrain.

American bison on the move in a snowy Yellowstone National Park. — Well adapted for the cold weather, American Bison make a compelling winter subject.

Steaming blue geothermal terraces with mineral deposits, set against snowy mountains and a clear sky. A solitary bare tree stands nearby. — Mammoth Hot Springs at the northern end of the park is well worth the drive.

Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming

Last but definitely not least is beautiful Grand Teton National Park. A perennial favorite of photographers and for good reason. The snow-blanketed peaks of the Teton Mountain Range make an ideal backdrop for elk and moose viewing as well as scenes of Jenny Lake and the Snake River. Nearby Jackson Hole provides options for lodging as well as some of the best photography studios in the country.

Snowy mountains and trees reflect on a calm lake beneath a cloudy sky, creating a serene winter landscape. Mood is tranquil and majestic. — Winter air is often calm allowing for great reflection photos that capture the serene calm of the season.

Moose standing in a snowy forest, looking back. Its antlers are prominent. The scene is serene with frosted trees and white ground. — One of the great joys of winter photography in the western national parks is the opportunity to capture wildlife like moose, foxes and wolves that stand out against the snow.

Take Your Own Journey

These are just a sampling of the fantastic winter locations available coast to coast in our National Parks. We hope you make these national treasures part of you next winter photography adventure!