Wilderness Photo Contest 2026 · Winners
The Winners
Announced on National Public Lands Day. Six judges, hundreds of entries, four photographs that made the case for what we’re protecting.
Grand Prize Winner
“Kit foxes in Onaqui Herd Management Area, Utah”
Photo by Brian Clopp
$5,000
Category Winners
Scenery & Landscapes
“Fog in Redwood National Park, CA”
Photo by Zack Stanton
$1,000
Life Outdoors
“Angler in Shoshone National Forest, WY”
Photo by Bill Sincavage
$1,000
Wildlife
“Mountain goats in Gallatin National Forest, MT”
Photo by Kelly Burnham
$1,000
Honorable Mentions
Scenery & Landscapes
“Fog in Grand Canyon National Park, AZ”
Photo by Peter Coskun
Life Outdoors
“Skier in San Juan National Forest, CO”
Photo by Liam Doran
Wildlife
“Bobcats on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM”
Photo by Parker Bolstad
Scenery & Landscapes
“Lupine field in Redwood National Park, CA”
Photo by Zack Stanton
Life Outdoors
“Kayaker in Kenai Fjords National Park, AK”
Photo by Mark Bilak
Wildlife
“Orca in Kenai Fjords National Park, AK”
Photo by Mark Bilak
Beyond the Contest
Public Lands: Hand ’Em Down. Not Over.
Every image on this page exists because someone cared enough about a wild place to show up for it. Public lands stay public because people keep showing up — through comment periods, calls to Congress, and everyday advocacy. Here's how to join in.
Take Action for Public Lands →All winning and selected images will be featured in TWS advocacy campaigns, publications, and the 2027 annual wilderness calendar. Congratulations to every photographer who entered — see you next year.