Top 10 National Parks for Wildlife Photography: A North American Guide

For a wildlife photographer, a National Park is more than just a protected landscape; it is a living gallery. From the "Serengeti of North America" to the misty swamps of the south, these ten parks offer the best opportunities to capture the continent's most iconic species in their natural habitats.

1. Yellowstone National Park (WY, MT, ID)

Often called the crown jewel of wildlife photography, Yellowstone is unparalleled for its diversity.

• The Stars: Grizzly bears, grey wolves, bison, and elk.

• Top Spot: Lamar Valley at dawn. This is where you’ll find wolf packs and grizzly bears on the move.

• Pro Tip: Use a 400mm–600mm lens. The park is vast, and many of the most dramatic predator-prey interactions happen at a distance.

2. Denali National Park & Preserve (AK)

Denali offers a raw, subarctic wilderness that feels like a journey back in time.

• The Stars: The "Big Five" Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.

• Top Spot: Thorofare Pass is a legendary location for spotting grizzly bears feeding in the alpine tundra.

• Pro Tip: Take the transit bus deep into the park. The further you go from the entrance, the higher your chances of seeing elusive predators like the lynx.

3. Everglades National Park (FL)

If you prefer feathers and scales over fur, the Everglades is your paradise.

• The Stars: Roseate spoonbills, American alligators, manatees, and the rare Florida panther.

• Top Spot: Anhinga Trail. It’s a boardwalk that gets you incredibly close to wading birds and alligators.

• Pro Tip: Visit during the dry season (November to April). As water levels drop, wildlife gathers around the remaining pools, making them easy to locate.

4. Katmai National Park (AK)

Katmai is the world’s premier destination for bear photography.

• The Stars: Coastal brown bears fishing for salmon.

• Top Spot: Brooks Falls. During the July and September salmon runs, you can photograph up to a dozen bears standing atop the falls, catching fish mid air.

5. Grand Teton National Park (WY)

Famous for its jagged peaks, the Tetons offer a dramatic backdrop that makes every wildlife shot look like a work of art.

• The Stars: Moose, pronghorn, and bald eagles.

• Top Spot: Oxbow Bend. Visit at sunrise to capture moose wading in the water with the Teton Range reflected in the background.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN, NC)

The most visited park in the U.S. is also a hotspot for forest-dwelling species.

• The Stars: Black bears, elk, and wild turkeys.

• Top Spot: Cades Cove. The 11-mile loop road is famous for black bear sightings, especially in the early morning mist.

7. Glacier National Park (MT)

Known as the "Crown of the Continent," this park is the best place to find high-altitude specialists.

• The Stars: Mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

• Top Spot: Logan Pass. Goats often linger near the visitor center and the Hidden Lake Overlook trail.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)

This is the ultimate destination for elk photography, especially during the autumn "rut."

• The Stars: Massive bull elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.

• Top Spot: Moraine Park. During September and October, you can hear the haunting bugles of bull elk as they compete for mates.

9. Olympic National Park (WA)

A diverse park where you can photograph animals from the coast to the rainforest.

• The Stars: Roosevelt elk and black bears.

• Top Spot: Hoh Rain Forest. The moss-draped trees provide a magical, moody setting for elk portraits.

10. Acadia National Park (ME)

The rugged Atlantic coast offers a different kind of wildlife experience.

• The Stars: Peregrine falcons, seals, and white-tailed deer.

• Top Spot: Precipice Cliffs. This is one of the best spots in the East to photograph nesting falcons.