Top National Parks for Photography by Month
JANUARY
Everglades National Park: Nothing breaks up a cold snowy winter like some Florida sunshine. The Everglades offers a plethora of canoeing and kayaking
trips for all skill levels. From day paddles to the wilderness waterway. There are also numerous photo opportunities reachable by car. January is in the
middle of the dry season, but the park is never really crowded. For more information, check out the official park site for
Everglades National Park. Camping is the best way to see the park, because the nearest hotels
are over an hour away in Homestead.
Check out some photos of Everglades National Park.
FEBRUARY
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hit the Appalachian Trail through this park before it gets overrun with thru-hikers. Although the weather can be
a little dicey and snow is not out of the question, you will be rewarded by solitude and great views from the wooded ridges before the trees leaf out.
To plan a trip, check out the website for Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The 70 odd miles that run through
the park is one of the best sections on the trail. And if running across a couple thru hikers is too much to bear, the rest of the trails are virtually
empty.
Check out some photos of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
MARCH
Death Valley: At about the size of the state of Delaware, this park is the largest in the lower 48. If enough precipitation has fallen over the previous
six month, March is when the flowers will bloom. A good 4WD vehicle coupled with some car camping is the best way to explore the park. For more information
check out the website for Death Valley National Park.
Check out some photos of Death Valley National Park.
APRIL
Grand Canyon National Park: Most people have the idea that it doesn't snow in Arizona, but visit the Grand Canyon in January and you find out otherwise.
at 7,000-8,000ft of elevation on the rims, its really not alot of fun camping here before April. On the flip side, if you're going into the canyon(and you should),
temperatures climb into the triple digits by June. April into May provides a nice window betweein the two. To plan a trip see the website for
Grand Canyon National Park. The crowds as well as the heat can be oppressive after Memorial Day. If you have to visit
then, make sure to go to the North Rim. It's a little out of the way, but less crowded and cooler(it's 1000ft higher). The only drawback in April can be high
winds on the rim. If this bothers you, a fall trip works as well, but be forwarned, there is zero in the way of fall foliage. All pine trees here.
Check out some photos of Grand Canyon National Park.
MAY
Rocky Mountain National Park: There is still plenty of winter snow in the park without the winter temps. Plus as an added bonus there is some degree of solitude
before the summer rush, at least on weekdays. To plan a trip see the website for Rocky Mountain National Park. The downside
is that the Trail Ridge Road across the park is not yet open, so you're going to have to pick one side or the other. Snowshoes are a must.
Check out some photos of Rocky Mountain National Park.
JUNE
Yosemite National Park: The best time to see this magnificant park is late May into early June. The snowmelt peaks and sends torrents of water pouring over
the majestic waterfalls. By July most of the snow has melted and these great waterfalls virtually dry up. Check out the website for
Yosemite National Park. Make sure you make campsite or other resevations well in advance. The park is very popular
and campsites and other accomodations sell out well in advance.
Check out some photos of Yosemite National Park.
JULY
Gates of the Arctic National Park: Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? This park located in the Brooks Range north of the Artic Circle is just the ticket.
No roads lead into the park, so access is by bush plane only. In addition to the many great backpacking opportunities, you can raft or canoe down one of the three main rivers
that cut through the park. See more at Gates of the Arctic National Park. This area has the distinction of being the
last area in the 50 states to be mapped. A feat not accomplished until the 1930's by legendary explorer and conservationist Bob Marshall, and not much has changed
since then. There are no developed trails in the park.
AUGUST
Glacier National Park: Located in the northern Rockies along the Canadian border, the snow doesn't melt from some of the passes until mid July. The low tree line this far
north and up (as in altitude) make for spectacular vistas. A well developed trail system enables easy movement around the wilderness and a vendor run shuttle service eliminates
the need to do your own shuttle. Visitation is moderate due to it's out of the way location. More information is availible at
Glacier National Park. Winter comes early here and snow is not uncommon in mid September.
Check out some photos of Glacier National Park.
SEPTEMBER
Isle Royale National Park: Although this park has fairly low visitation, it's small size and short season can lead to a fairly dense user concentration in the
peak summer months. Ditch the crowds by taking the ferry to the island in September. The park offers excellent fall color around the last week of September
although the weather can get a little ugly this late. Here's the website for Isle Royale National Park. There are canoeing
and kayaking opportunities as well as hiking and backpacking. Also a chance to see moose and one of the historic wolf packs that populate the island.
Check out some photos of Isle Royale National Park.
OCTOBER
Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns National Parks: This duo sit practically next to each other on the Texas - New Mexico border. The spectacular caverns are a must
see, while Guadalupe Mountains have good fall color in McKittrick Canyon and includes Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Check out the website at
Guadalupe National Park. or Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Check out some photos of Carlsbad Cavens National Park.
NOVEMBER
Big Bend National Park: This is the only park on the list that I haven't been to, but my buddy Mike tells me November is the best time to visit. So, I
apologize and promise to have some up in December. For more info contact Big Bend National Park.
See you there in November!
DECEMBER
Arches National Park: Utah in December, am I crazy (depends who you ask!). This is truly the best month in my opinion, being the month in which you can get
the best evening light on Delicate Arch. You also stand a chance of getting a little snow, which can lead to photos few have. For more info contact
Arches National Park. For those of you wimps who have a problem with winter camping, fear not. The city of Moab
with its hotels and microbrewery lies just a mile or two outside of the park boundry. As a bonus, due to temperature inversions which create low cloud
banks at times during the winter, you have a chance to go to the nearby Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park and see how it got its
name.
Check out some photos of Arches National Park.
All Around Favorite
Capital Reef National Park: My personal favorite combining low visitation with spectacular scenery. See the official website of
Capital Reef National Park. Great slot canyon hiking. If you have a 4WD the loop through the desert and Cathedral
Valley is a must. A nice primitive campground is located above Cathedral Valley. The Hall Canyon Narrows is one of the best all around slot
canyon hikes in the west.
Check out some photos of Capital Reef National Park.
Copyright © 2009 Forrest Netzel
Last Revised 06/08/09