10 Best Places in the U.S. to View and Photograph Wildlife

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or a nature enthusiast eager to capture the raw beauty of the animal kingdom, the United States offers an abundance of stunning locations. From sprawling national parks to secluded wildlife refuges, here are the 10 best places in the U.S. to view and photograph wildlife.

1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone National Park is a nature photographer’s paradise, known for its geothermal features and diverse ecosystems. With vast landscapes and a variety of animal species, it’s an iconic destination for capturing the essence of American wildlife.

Bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves roam freely in this pristine wilderness, providing ample opportunities for photography. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times to spot and photograph animals, as they’re most active during these periods.

Highlights

• Home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states.
• Iconic species include bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves.
• Unique geothermal features like hot springs add an otherworldly backdrop to your shots.

2. Alaska’s National Parks

Alaska’s national parks provide so many opportunities for photographers that we’re listing them together. Parks like Denali, Katmai (shown in the photo above), and Lake Clark offer unparalleled opportunities to photograph some of the most majestic wildlife in North America. The state’s rugged terrain and remote locations create a pristine environment for capturing stunning images.

The most challenging part of photographing in Alaska is simply getting there. While some parks, like Denali, are relatively easy to access, others, like Lake Clark, are more difficult because they do not have road access.

Highlights

• Witness brown bears fishing for salmon in Katmai National Park.
• Capture the grandeur of moose and caribou in Denali National Park.
• Spot bald eagles soaring over the pristine waters of Kenai Fjords National Park.

3. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem of subtropical wetlands, offering a haven for a wide range of wildlife species. From alligators to vibrant birdlife, the Everglades provide endless opportunities for captivating photographs.

Photographers will find the Everglades’ landscape as fascinating as its wildlife. The park is characterized by vast sawgrass marshes, winding mangrove forests, and serene freshwater sloughs, creating a dynamic backdrop for wildlife photography.

Highlights

• Spotting alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
• Observing a diverse array of bird species, including the roseate spoonbill and great blue heron.
• Exploring the park’s mangroves and marshes by boat or kayak.

4. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs and ancient sequoias. Beyond its dramatic landscapes, Yosemite is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a prime location for nature photography.

Photographers visiting Yosemite can expect to encounter a range of species, from black bears and mule deer to elusive bobcats and a variety of birdlife. The park’s diverse habitats, including lush meadows, dense forests, and tranquil streams, provide ample opportunities to capture animals in their natural environments.

Additionally, the changing seasons offer unique photographic opportunities—whether it’s the vibrant colors of spring and fall or the serene, snow-covered landscapes of winter.

Highlights

• Capture black bears foraging in the meadows.
• Photograph mule deer against the backdrop of Yosemite’s iconic rock formations.
• Discover the beauty of the park’s waterfalls and rivers, teeming with life.

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Its lush forests and misty mountains provide the perfect setting for wildlife photography.

The park is well known for its rich biodiversity. It hosts an array of species, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and an impressive variety of birds, such as the scarlet tanager and the northern saw-whet owl.

The Great Smoky Mountains’ old-growth forests and flowing streams create an idyllic setting for capturing stunning wildlife photographs. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, wildlife enthusiasts have numerous vantage points to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat.

Highlights

• Encounter black bears and white-tailed deer in their natural habitat.
• Discover a rich variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker and the scarlet tanager.

6. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park boasts breathtaking alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. From elk to bighorn sheep, the park offers photographers an array of subjects against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will also find their photography enriched by the park’s dramatic seasonal changes. The vibrant wildflower meadows in spring and summer give way to the striking golden hues of aspen trees in the fall, while winter blankets the rugged terrain in pristine snow.

This seasonal diversity provides photographers with a constantly changing palette, ensuring that each visit offers new and unique photographic opportunities.

Highlights

• Witness the annual elk rut in the fall.
• Spot bighorn sheep scaling rocky cliffs.

7. Custer State Park (South Dakota)

Custer State Park is a gem in South Dakota, known for its scenic beauty and thriving wildlife populations. The park’s diverse landscapes, from rolling prairies to pine forests, make it a fantastic location for photography.

The park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world, offering photographers a rare chance to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the park’s winding roads and numerous picturesque viewpoints provide ample opportunities to photograph other wildlife, such as pronghorns, burros, and prairie dogs.

Highlights

• Photographing the park’s famous bison herds.
• Spotting pronghorn antelope and wild burros.

8. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (New Mexico)

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly known for its winter migrations of sandhill cranes and snow geese. The refuge’s wetlands and desert landscapes offer a unique backdrop for wildlife photography.

In addition to its famous winter migrations, the refuge offers exceptional photographic opportunities throughout the year. Visitors can capture images of various resident bird species, such as the American avocet and the cinnamon teal, along with other wildlife, including bobcats and mule deer.

Highlights

• Witnessing the spectacular sunrise flights of sandhill cranes.
• Capturing the vibrant colors of various waterfowl species.
• Exploring the refuge’s diverse habitats, from marshes to arid plains.

9. Olympic National Park (Washington)

Olympic National Park is a land of diverse ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines. This variety makes it an exceptional destination for wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture both terrestrial and marine life.

The lush rainforests are home to animals such as Roosevelt elk and black bears, while the rocky coastlines shelter tidepool creatures and seabirds like puffins. The park’s alpine regions also provide opportunities to photograph mountain goats against stunning backdrops.

Highlights

• Spotting Roosevelt elk in the lush Hoh Rainforest.
• Photographing sea otters and seals along the park’s coastline.
• Discovering a variety of bird species, including the charismatic tufted puffin.

10. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park is a rugged wilderness area known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. From grizzly bears to mountain goats, the park offers photographers a chance to capture some of North America’s most iconic species.

The park’s challenging terrain and remote locations mean that patience and perseverance are key for photographers aiming to capture its splendor. Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness and document the resilience and beauty of wildlife in their most untouched habitats.

Highlights

• Photographing grizzly bears and black bears in their natural habitats.
• Capturing the agility of mountain goats navigating steep cliffs.
• Exploring the park’s pristine lakes and alpine meadows.

Final Thoughts

Exploring these top wildlife photography destinations in the U.S. will enhance your portfolio and deepen your appreciation for the natural world. Each location offers unique opportunities to capture the beauty and diversity of wildlife.