This year we’ve truly been blown away by the quality and quantity of beautiful vistas, epic outdoor adventures, and intimate wildlife encounters you submitted to the contest!
It was a tough decision, but after much deliberation our judges have picked the winners of the 2026 Photo Contest.
Thank you for everyone who participated, and if you don’t see your photo here, there is a good chance you will see it on our social media channels as we share the many incredible photos we received throughout the year.
Tonto National Forest, Arizona
On a scenic drive on the Apache Trail last January, I was lucky enough to spot a herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep from the road. This male seemed to be the leader of the herd keeping a close eye on me as I stood on the road. He was in a great position with some halo lighting while flying insects occupied the background with the sun about to dip behind the canyon wall.
Photo by Charles Lovely
1st Place
Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado
Following his grandma along the trail toward Strawberry Lake, my son hurries to catch up. Exploring the mountains together has become a family tradition, creating memories across generations in Arapaho National Forest.
Photo by Brittany Knotts
2nd Place
Colville National Forest, Washington
There is something magical about an early morning paddle at Little Pend Oreille Lakes. Mist rises from the glassy water as the first sunlight reaches the lake, wildlife begins to stir, and for a little while the day feels wonderfully quiet. Kayaking lets you slip into that world almost unnoticed. It’s one of my favorite ways to begin a morning and you can even bring your coffee.
Photo by Joanie Christian
3rd Place
Tonto National Forest, Arizona
Hinterland and Home.
A self portrait I took from my camp atop Mazatzal Wilderness’s Mount Peeley. I climb the mountain from the Deer Creek trail. The blue mountains behind me standing tall, teaching humanity equality.
Photo by Skyler Hardy
1st Place
Colville National Forest, Washington
A Common Loon family comes together at feeding time as one parent returns with a freshly caught fish. One chick rides securely on the other parent’s back while its sibling waits alongside. A wonderfully intimate glimpse of the teamwork involved in raising two young chicks.
Photo by Joanie Christian
3rd Place
Coronado National Forest, Arizona
Green Heron fully alert while on the prowl.
Photo by John Barwell
1st Place
Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
Sunrise glow in the mountains.
Photo by Paul Brennan
2nd Place
Coronado National Forest, Arizona
Saguaros in a rare spring snowfall in the Coronado National Forest.
Photo by Jake Senne
3rd Place
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
Sunset at Deep Lake in the Wind River Range of western Wyoming. The high alpine lake at 10,507 ft elevation is crystal clear and in a picturesque setting tucked below Temple and East Temple Peaks with Haystack Mountain to the north. Panoramic views of the Cirque of the Towers can be seen behind the lake with countless other peaks in sight. The lake has been stocked for nearly 100 years with trout and is a great camping spot for backpackers, hikers and climbers.
Captured this sunset at Deep Lake in Wind River Range of Western Wyoming in the Bridger Wilderness Area of Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Photo by Kyle Spradley
Known as “Browngirl Green”, Kristy Drutman is a media host, educator, and co-founder of the Green Jobs Board — a climate tech startup building a more diverse environmental movement. She’s spent her career proving that the best stories come from the people who show up.
Breckenridge-based photographer and filmmaker Joseph Large has spent his career chasing the shot no one else could get. As one of the first FAA-licensed commercial drone pilots in the nation, he has had his work featured on National Geographic, BBC Earth, the Discovery Channel, and PBS—and has caught Nikon’s attention along the way. From the peaks of Peru to America’s most remote landscapes, Joseph tells stories through a lens that makes you feel like you were there.
Known as @ladylockoff, Irene Yee is a West Coast-based adventure photographer and National Geographic Adventure contributor whose work has appeared in Climbing Magazine, Outside, and Alpinist. With clients such as The North Face and the Honnold Foundation, she’s built a career on finding inspiration in passion rather than muscle — and she brings that same energy to judging. Everyone’s shot is worth taking.
We share the breathtaking photos you submitted to the Photo Contest on social media all year long.
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