The 2024 Share the Experience Photo Contest received nearly 7,000 entries. The winning photos were selected based on originality, artistic composition, technical quality, photographic technique, and showcasing the best of America's recreational opportunities.

We are proud to present the winners of the 2024 Share the Experience Photo Contest.

2024 Winners

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Grand Prize Winner | Akshay J, Glacier National Park

"Nature's theatre" - Mountains and rivers perform their timeless dance near Many Glacier area

Second Place | Jean Zuo, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Come to Mama In the heart of California's high-tech industry lies a wildlife oasis in an urban sea with 30,000 acres of habitat for millions of migratory birds and endangered species. American Avocet is one of the species benefiting from Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Each Spring in the Refuge, visitors can find a few freshly hatched American Avocet chicks foraging in the wetlands with their parents. American Avocet chicks leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. Day-old avocets can walk, swim and even dive to escape predators. Still, from time to time, a baby Avocet will seek mama's belly for warmth and shelter.

Third Place | Terry Wilson, Katmai National Park & Preserve

A playful yearling bear cub in Katmai National Park in the grasslands along the coast of Hallo Bay.

Outdoors for All | Hwei Ling Ng, Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

Enjoying the expansive, rugged views from the top of Del Campo Peak - a fun scramble in the Cascades.

Everyday Adventures | Joshua Keogh, Channel Islands National Park

A scuba diver explores the underwater kelp forests of Channel Islands.

History & Heritage | Matt Ley, Cape Cod National Seashore

Full moon rising through the Highland Lighthouse at Cape Cod National Seashore, MA.

Scenery & Seasons | Jackie Rogers, Glacier National Park

I was camping at Two Medicine Campground, got up for my early morning walk, and was greeted by a sunrise rainbow. As I approached Pray Lake, clicking photos on my iPhone, it occurred to me that, if I got close enough to the lake, the whole rainbow would be captured in the reflection. It was such a beautiful sight I could barely hold my hands still to get the photos.

Night Skies | Colin Dunleavy, Bryce Canyon National Park

Milky Way seen at Bryce Canyon National Park from the Rim Trail

Wildlife | Diane Bell, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Black Bear cub in tree along the Gatlinburg trail