Top wilderness areas
Wilderness AreaAbsaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Wilderness AreaLee Metcalf Wilderness
Wilderness AreaSelway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Wilderness AreaBob Marshall Wilderness
Wilderness AreaAnaconda-Pintler Wilderness
Wilderness AreaCabinet Mountains Wilderness
Wilderness AreaGates of the Mountains Wilderness
Wilderness AreaScapegoat Wilderness
Wilderness AreaGreat Bear Wilderness
Wilderness AreaRed Rock Lakes Wilderness
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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.