High Country Life

National parks offer stunning landscapes that are best captured during spring. Be it ribbon-like waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs or colorful bacterial mats enveloping steaming hot springs, national parks offer mesmerizing scenes.

These 10 national parks provide photographers with an abundance of beautiful settings in which to capture unique vantage points during spring.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and make for one of the premier locations for landscape photography in eastern North America. Offering majestic peaks, cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers and abundant wildlife species – they make photography enthusiasts’ lives a delight all year long; but spring is especially picturesque in these picturesque mountains.

Springtime brings with it an abundance of beautiful wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, from delicate trilliums and colorful azaleas to vibrant redbuds and vibrant redbuds, offering striking contrast to the deep evergreen forests of the Smokies. Additionally, river and waterfall levels reach their highest levels this time of year, offering ideal photographic opportunities.

The Smoky Mountains are breathtaking throughout the year, but especially striking during spring when their soft golden light casts its spell over mountain streams and rivers – creating spectacular waterfall photography opportunities!

Hiking is another popular activity in the Smoky Mountains. Hikers will find hiking trails in good condition that allow them to easily traverse all their routes. In particular, some famous waterfalls such as Laurel Falls, Tom Branch Falls and Ramsey Cascades await those willing to trek along well-maintained hiking trails in search of these waterfalls – they provide great rewards!

Backcountry Journeys’ Smokies photo workshop offers photographers of all skill levels an unforgettable photography tour experience of these majestic mountains in springtime. We will teach you how to capture some of the most renowned mountain scenes while our experienced guides offer coaching and critiquing throughout.

2. Fish Creek Falls

This majestic waterfall can be found in Routt National Forest near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A paved half mile trail leads to an overlook of Fish Creek Falls’ 283 foot drop during its spring runoff – an experience not to be missed! The hike itself is easily done with stroller or wheelchair and no technical skills are necessary; plus dogs are welcome (on leashes).

This waterfall is an absolute must see destination when visiting Northwestern Colorado. Springtime offers optimal conditions, when water volume is at its highest and no ice has formed on its surfaces; fall months are also great times to visit due to beautiful golden aspen color changes in the area.

Popular among both locals and visitors alike, the waterfall is an impressive sight year-round; however, late spring through summer are peak months for viewing it at its best and most stunning. Hikers flock there during these months too, so be sure to arrive early if possible to avoid crowds!

An idyllic overlook is located near the parking lot, and two trails allow for visitors to get close to the waterfall. The most popular route is the National Recreation Trail which winds its way to the base of the waterfall and crosses Fish Creek via bridge; another shorter option is Overlook Trail for easier viewings of its natural wonder.

Both trails lead to a lovely picnic area where you can sit back, take in the scenic views, and savor a meal under shaded picnic tables – an oasis from the heat of summer sun!

Though Shenandoah National Park may be some distance from Washington DC, the trip is well worth your while. Home to breathtaking mountains, waterfalls and wildflowers; among its 75 scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive that offer panoramic views of mountains and valleys within Shenandoah NP; in spring especially its wildflower blooming at its finest makes the views even more striking!

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an artist’s delight during spring. Wild animals abound, adding life and color to an already breathtaking landscape, while blooming wildflowers fill meadows and burst with color while herds of elk and bighorn sheep search for partners during their mating season known as the “rut”.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s natural wonders include 77 mountain peaks with elevations over 3,658 meters (12,000 feet), numerous alpine and subalpine lakes, and waterfalls galore – drawing visitors both for its breathtaking scenic vistas as well as for wildlife photography opportunities.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers visitors another stunning experience in fall: vibrant yellow aspens adorn the park, providing a striking visual against its towering peaks. Elk reach their mating activity peak around this time, giving photographers an amazing opportunity to capture pictures of bull elk competing over cows!

Summertime in Rocky Mountain National Park can be an amazing experience, but be wary that afternoon thunderstorms and snow may still exist at higher elevations. Additionally, it’s the busiest season at RMNP, so you may jostle with other photographers for space on popular trails; to avoid crowds on hiking excursions consider choosing less traveled routes instead.

The park’s 355 miles of hiking trails provide plenty of picturesque vantage points to photograph. Take the trail up to Emerald Lake for stunning alpine lake scenes, featuring Hallett and Flattop Mountains as a backdrop; or hike Chasm Falls along Old Fall River Road for up-close images of this waterfall’s cascading waters.

4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an idyllic destination for any photographer, featuring breathtaking rock formations, waterfalls and views that span an amazing array of terrain. Famous among visitors for its giant ancient sequoia trees as well as Tunnel View that showcases towering Bridalveil Falls and granite cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan. Additionally there are shops, restaurants, lodging options as well as Ansel Adams Gallery that displays his legendary black-and-white landscape photographs.

Yosemite National Park offers amazing photos at any time of year, but the optimal time depends on the kind of shots you want to capture. If you want stunning sunrise and sunset scenery under clear blue skies, spring and summer are great times to visit, though this peak tourist season makes finding good locations hard.

To capture Half Dome’s eye-catching reflection on Mirror Lake, it is best to visit during spring or summer when snowmelt water fills this temporary lake. Also be sure to arrive early so as to catch its last rays as they set behind El Capitan’s peaks.

Glacier Point’s famed switchback provides an open vista of Half Dome framed by trees – this location is highly sought-after among photographers so be sure to arrive early for best results. To secure a spot here, arriving early will ensure success!

Yosemite National Park offers some truly remarkable photo opps, with the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias standing out as an unforgettable destination. This magnificent collection of ancient trees can make for stunning imagery; hiking through its dense forest surroundings can make reaching it even more rewarding.

Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and lush meadows, not to mention rock climbing mecca El Capitan. Spring and summer meadows boast lush green hues while providing expansive views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls – ideal conditions for wildlife photography! Using telephoto lenses you can easily capture images that show climbers ascending El Capitan. Meadows during these months offer lush green views over Half Dome and Yosemite Falls which give way to spectacular photographs that showcase Half Dome and Yosemite Falls!