OK, any list that starts with "Top 10 States for...", immediately risks enraging everyone in the other forty, so let's start by saying that there are GREAT photography opportunities in every corner of every state in the nation. But if you're planning a trip - either solo or with friends and family - we believe these ten states provide the top locations and subjects for great landscape images. Now, putting them in order is another challenge, but we've done our best! Please leave a comment and let us know what we got right (or wrong!).
10. New Hampshire
Jewel of the northeast, New Hampshire is beautiful any time of year, although it is truly spectacular in the fall when the vivid colors and flowing waterfalls are in their glory. Driving around the state, and particularly on the scenic Kancamagus highway, you will find no shortage of mountain vistas, wildlife or flowing water that cause you to pull off the road and pull out your camera. For a water-filled treat, head to Flume Gorge, a natural 800 ft gorge where numerous waterfalls await, or drive, hike or take the cog railway to the top of Mount Washington and enjoy fantastic views across the surrounding Presidential range. Mind the weather though - Mount Washington has some of the most changeable and sometimes severe weather in the US. In 1934 the Mount Washington observatory recorded a wind gust of 231 mph - still the strongest ever recorded in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. The all time low temperature was a perishing -47 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of -97 degrees Fahrenheit. Oh my!
9. Hawaii
With eight main islands to explore, Hawaii is a feast for the eyes with beautiful beaches, spectacular volcanoes, lush forests and some of the best waterfalls anywhere. Each island has its own must see sights, from Diamond Head, Makapuu lighthouse and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Oahu to the raw power of the lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. On Kauai, be sure to check out Waimea Canyon and take in the impressive gorge and canyon views or enjoy Na Pali Coast State Park with its towering sea cliffs. If you find yourself on Maui be sure to drive the Road To Hana, a fantastic scenic route through tropical rainforests or hike the Kapalua coastal trail from Kapalua Bay to Namalu Bay. Just stunning!
8. Alaska
If you're looking for fantastic wildlife, serene solitude, really big mountains and one of the last remaining truly wild places, Alaska is for you. The state covers a huge area and you'll need to plan your travels well, but there are a a number of National Parks that provide stunning views and experiences that make the travel and planning more than worthwhile. Chief among these is the six million acres of Denali National Park. Dominated by the Denali mountain, which at 20,310 feet is the highest mountain peak in North America and with terrain of tundra, spruce forest and glaciers, the park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep.
Alaska is a wildlife photographer's dream so in addition to Denali, plan a trip to Silver Salmon Creek in Lake Clark National Park or the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary to see the world's largest concentration of wild brown bears. The bears are attracted to the McNeil River in early July through mid-August by the salmon and congregate at McNeil River Falls or nearby Mikfik Creek where you'll be able to observe and photograph them from a variety of sites on or near the water.
It's tough to upstage the bears in Alaska, but the caribou migration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge might just manage it. Every year, in late spring and early summer, 120,000- 200,000 caribou arrive on the coastal plain in a breathtaking spectacle. Take the time if you can and plan a once in a lifetime trip.
7. Washington
Back to the lower forty-eight for our #7 pick - Washington state. Home to Seattle, one of the country's most photogenic cities and if that's the start of your trip to Washington, you won't have to travel too far to explore a number of other great locations dominated by three of the most impressive mountains in the US. Olympic National Park, a couple of hours West of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula, encompasses nearly a million acres of spectacular, yet distinctly different, ecosystems - everything from the glacier-capped Mt. Olympus, to old-growth temperate rain forests, to over seventy miles of wild coastline - Olympic is as diverse a National Park as you could wish for. Take in the big landscape vistas of Hurricane Ridge, head to Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful waterfall among the moss and ferns of the forest and don't forget to explore the small miracles left in the tide pools of Kalaloch Beach and Mora’s Hole.
Not to be outdone, Mount Rainier National park, a couple of hours drive South of Seattle, has its own stunning portfolio. Visit Tipsoo lake, Narada Falls, Reflection Lakes, Myrtle Falls, Paradise, and High Rock lookout – particularly at sunrise. In addition to these named spots, take any one of the numerous hiking trails to discover your own magic moments. A little further south is Mount Saint Helens – another photography paradise. There are the great mountain and crater views that you might expect, but try the Johnston Ridge observatory area for fantastic wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, penstemon and Lupines. Use them as a compelling and colorful foreground element to the mountain towering above. Of course, you may get (un)lucky and capture billowing ash clouds - after all, Mount Saint Helens is the most active volcano in the contiguous United States!
6. Wyoming
A couple of iconic National Parks in the North West of the state catapult Wyoming to the #6 slot - Grand Teton National Park, and the first National Park, Yellowstone. Both parks are blessed with beautiful signature locations - the Grand Prismatic Spring, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Upper Geyser Basin (including Old Faithful Geyser) in Yellowstone and Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row in Grand Teton.
These Parks are close neighbors allowing a real concentration of world class photo opportunities in a relatively small area. The wildlife in both parks is fantastic with elk, mule deer and prong horns frequently seen in Grand Teton and if you're lucky you may spot a shy moose. In Yellowstone, bison and deer are easy to find, with the wolves requiring patience and a good spotter scope. American bald eagles can also be readily seen in both parks so keep a telephoto lens on hand if you have one.
As wonderful as these National Parks are, they are not the only photographic superstars in Wyoming. In the North Eastern corner of the state near the South Dakota boarder is Devils Tower National Monument. Devils Tower was the very first official United States National Monument, proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Photographers have long been fascinated with this unique rock formation, but they are not the only ones. Climbers from all over the world consider Devils Tower to be a premier climbing area with about 5000-6000 visiting climbers each year.
5. Arizona
Arizona is a favorite of many landscape photographers due to its unique and highly recognizable landscapes, but Arizona has more to offer than just desert scenes. We'll call out a few favorites here, but let's start with one of the the most recognized locations in the world - the Grand Canyon (photo below). Although there are endless amazing photographic opportunities at the Grand Canyon, some planning is needed to get the most out of your trip as the Grand Canyon National Park is a huge area. Head to the South Rim, which is open year round, for views from Yavapai Point, Mather Point, Yaki Point and the Desert Watchtower, being mindful of the best sunset and sunrise options. The North Rim is a little harder to get to but still heavily visited, with Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal and Toroweap being favorites.
A great road trip option is to combine a North Rim trip with a visit to stunning Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation or head farther north to the city of Page and visit the dual photographic hot spots of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. From Page continue north east to iconic Monument Valley, a photographer's paradise with its sandstone formations towing over 1,000 feet. Or if you're lucky enough to get a permit, head West to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument to hike and shoot Coyote Buttes and The Wave. Don't forget the wonderful cacti at Saguaro National Park or the red rocks of Sedona; Canyon de Chelly National Monument or Petrified Forest National Park, or.... or... or. The list goes on and on in spectacular Arizona.
4. California
California, home to nearly 40 Million people is also home to nine (yes, nine) of the most beautiful National Parks in the nation. Chief among these are the trio of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia in the High Sierra. These neighboring parks contain spectacular waterfalls, rivers that alternative between slow flowing meander and full on white water rapids, and of course giant sequoia trees that are the largest living things on the planet. Iconic vistas such as tunnel view are only part of the story as mile upon mile of hiking trails allow each visitor to discover his or her own park experience. As if these parks were not enough, there are six more to explore in California that will take you to the extremes of Death Valley, the desert ecosystems of Joshua Tree, the steaming fumaroles, wildflower meadows, mountain lakes and volcanoes of Lassen Volcanic, and the towering spires of Pinnacles. But perhaps the greatest star in all of California is the always spectacular pacific coast. From La Jolla, to Channel Islands National Park, Big Sur and the Marin Headland - it's California Dreamin' all the way on one of the world's great road trips!
3. Colorado
When it comes to mountain photography there are few locations, if any, better than Colorado. This Rocky Mountain state is home to some iconic destinations but there are plenty of other lesser-known locations throughout the state where you can make amazing images. A relatively short drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is, as its name suggests, a great place to find beautiful mountain scenery. Drive Trail Ridge Road and stop at the many overlooks that provide easy access to some great views and use it as a starting point for one of the numerous hikes in the park parts of which sit 12,000 ft above sea level. With all the great mountains and lakes, don't forget the wildlife within the park which includes black bears, coyotes, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, cougars, and pikas. Among the other great locations in Colorado, be sure not to miss the view of Maroon Bells from Maroon lake in Aspen as well as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve which features the tallest sand dunes in North America at an amazing 750 ft above the San Luis Valley (photo below).
Less visited but no less spectacular is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The canyon of the Gunnison River is about 48 miles long and about 12 miles is contained within the national park. These 12 miles are the deepest and most dramatic section of the canyon, in fact some parts of the gorge are so deep and narrow that they only receive about 30 minutes of sunlight per day, which is the origin of the name “Black Canyon”. In Southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park, protects a well preserved Ancestral Puebloan site of historical significance and also provides interesting composition opportunities. Rounding out our top picks are Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and the spectacular Colorado National Monument.
2. Utah
Nearly claiming the top spot is the great state of Utah. Utah is a paradise for landscape and nature photographers and simply spectacular to drive or hike, camera in hand, where your only care in the world will be what to see next and how you're going to fit all these images on your memory card! Any discussion of photography in Utah has to start with the Mighty Five - the five national parks of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capital Reef and Canyonlands - but there's more to Utah, with state parks and scenic drives galore and some of the darkest nigh skies anywhere for astrophotography. So our advice is to immerse yourself in this beautiful state and take a once in a lifetime trip through the high desert plains.
The sheer rock faces of Zion canyon and the beautiful Virgin River that flows through it plus the must do hikes of Angels Landing & The Narrows mean there is something for everyone in Zion. A trip to Zion is almost always combined with Bryce Canyon National Park where the hoodoos of the amphitheater are not to be missed. Bryce Canyon is relatively small so take time to hike into the canyon and find your own unique take on the classic Thor's Hammer or use a Bristlecone Pine (the oldest living thing on earth) as a main subject.
Having taken in Bryce Canyon, drive one of the most scenic routes in the world, UT 12, towards Arches National Park stopping at Kodachrome Basin State Park and the other-worldy and breathtaking landscape of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This area is larger than the state of Delaware and includes arches, hoodoos, and sandstone formations that are as beautiful as they are impressive.
Speaking of impressive, Arches National Park is a must see. Drive the scenic road or jump out of the car and hike among the more than 2,000 arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, to capture the size, color and texture of this unique landscape. Close to Arches, is Canyonlands, not always as popular as Zion, Bryce and Arches, but full of huge vistas of the canyons created by the Colorado and Green Rivers. You'll need to plan well as the park is divided into four main districts with no connecting roads. While it is not the easiest park to move around in, it is well worth the effort. Rounding out the Mighty Five, is Capital Reef with it's massive cliffs, canyons, red rock, white domes, and layers of stone - again no shortage of shot choices and significantly quieter than the other parks.
In addition to the National Parks, you'll find more beauty in many of the state parks - favorites include Dead Horse Point State Park with it's amazing overlook of the gooseneck in the Colorado River; Natural Bridges National Monument which is home to the second largest natural bridge in the world and Goblin Valley State Park with its countless strange hoodoos.
1. Oregon
The undeniable beauty and amazing diversity of the Oregon landscape make it our top pick. The state features everything from a beautiful coastline, amazing waterfalls, and striking mountains, to historic fossil beds, vast wilderness and even marble caves.
Oregon is home to many fantastic waterfalls and you won't find a better collection than in the Columbia River Gorge which sits on the border between Washington and Oregon and runs for about 80 miles through the Cascade Range. The Historic Columbia River Highway is a good starting point for exploring the area. In addition to the many waterfalls, such as Multnomah, take a trip to Crown Point and Vista House which provides a fabulous view of the river and gorge.
Equally as stunning as the Columbia River Gorge is the Oregon coast, characterized by broad sand beaches, towering sea stacks and photogenic lighthouses. Driving the full length of the coast makes for a fabulous road trip, just remember to take time for some favorite stops - the wreck of the Peter Iredale, Cape Kiwanda, the Devil's punchbowl, Ecola State Park, Haystack Rock and the Needles on Cannon Beach, Thor's Well, Haceta Head Lighthouse, Samual Boardman State Park to name a few. The list goes on and on!
If you prefer lakes and mountains to the ocean, Oregon has you covered there too. Crater Lake National Park in Southwest Oregon has a range of great subjects - from the beautiful blue lake to Wizard Island and Phantom Ship to old growth forest. Be sure to take Rim Drive around the rim of the Caldera for some awesome views.
The Northwestern US has a few iconic mountains, and Oregon's Mount Hood is certainly among them. About 50 miles east of Portland, Mt Hood is the highest peak in Oregon and it's snow-capped peak, several glaciers and snow fields, make for excellent photographs. The peak is visible from up to 100 miles away, so there are plenty of locations to choose from - Trillium Lake to the South and Lost Lake to the northwest are both excellent options.
Crater Lake may be the only national park in Oregon, but the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in east-central Oregon should not be overlooked. The amazing colors of the landscape in the Painted Hills area are stunning and you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in Arizona or Utah. Adding to the diverse photographic opportunities and the sheer magic of Oregon is the unique Oregon Caves National Monument in the southern part of the state where the tour of the deep marble caves is well worth a visit.
So, there you have it - that's our take on the Top 10. We hope you get out and about to see these and other great locations and share your memories and images with friends and family. Happy shooting!