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Wilderness Areas to Photograph in the USA

450 wilderness areas in 41 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top wilderness areas

Isle Royale National ParkWilderness Area
Isle Royale National ParkKeweenaw County, MI
Ansel Adams WildernessWilderness Area
Ansel Adams WildernessMono County, CA
Bisti/De-Na-Zin WildernessWilderness Area
Bisti/De-Na-Zin WildernessSan Juan County, NM
Colonel Bob WildernessWilderness Area
Colonel Bob WildernessGrays Harbor County, WA
Baboquivari Peak WildernessWilderness Area
Baboquivari Peak WildernessPima County, AZ
Alpine Lakes WildernessWilderness Area
Alpine Lakes WildernessKing County, WA
Glacier Peak WildernessWilderness Area
Glacier Peak WildernessChelan County, WA
Frank Church–River of No Return WildernessWilderness Area
Frank Church–River of No Return WildernessValley County, ID
Dead MountainsWilderness Area
Dead MountainsSan Bernardino County, CA
Goat Rocks WildernessWilderness Area
Goat Rocks WildernessLewis County, WA
Mount Hood WildernessWilderness Area
Mount Hood WildernessClackamas County, OR
John Muir WildernessWilderness Area
John Muir WildernessFresno County, CA
Boulder River WildernessWilderness Area
Boulder River WildernessSnohomish County, WA
Clearwater WildernessWilderness Area
Clearwater WildernessPierce County, WA
Henry M. Jackson WildernessWilderness Area
Henry M. Jackson WildernessSnohomish County, WA
Pasayten WildernessWilderness Area
Pasayten WildernessWhatcom County, WA
Indian Heaven WildernessWilderness Area
Indian Heaven WildernessSkamania County, WA
Tatoosh WildernessWilderness Area
Tatoosh WildernessLewis County, WA
Absaroka-Beartooth WildernessWilderness Area
Absaroka-Beartooth WildernessPark County, MT
Innoko WildernessWilderness Area
Innoko WildernessYukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK
Juniper Dunes WildernessWilderness Area
Juniper Dunes WildernessFranklin County, WA
Lee Metcalf WildernessWilderness Area
Lee Metcalf WildernessGallatin County, MT
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs WildernessWilderness Area
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs WildernessCoconino County, AZ
Buckhorn WildernessWilderness Area
Buckhorn WildernessJefferson County, WA

By state

Map

How to photograph wilderness areas

Wilderness areas reward those who camp: being on location at sunrise and in the dark is the main advantage over day visitors.

  • Motorized and mechanized equipment, including drones, is prohibited in designated wilderness.
  • Group size limits and permits may apply; check with the managing agency.
  • Practice Leave No Trace — camp on durable surfaces away from lakes and streams.
  • Pack weight matters: a single zoom and a light tripod cover most situations.
  • Night skies are often among the darkest in the country.

Season: Most high wilderness is snow-free from July to September; lower deserts are best in spring and autumn.