Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming each have their own special corners, perfect for reconnecting with wide open spaces, natural wonders, and that deeply satisfying sense of freedom and energy.
1Pend Oreille Lake, Idaho
With its sapphire lakes and winding rivers, Idaho’s waterways are among the most spectacular scenic spots and ideal for endless adventures. In Idaho, at Pend Oreille Lake—the fifth deepest lake in the United States—in the community of Sandpoint, surrounded by the northern Rocky Mountains and dense forests of fir and pine, you can capture a sky full of stars. There’s no shortage of colors and textures to inspire your camera! The powerful waters of the Snake River carve through Idaho’s central mountains, creating Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the U.S. Here, the land is as beautiful as it is rugged, filled with legends, spectacular scenery, and some of the nation’s best whitewater for rafting adventures.
2Glacier Country, Montana
Some places in the world are so stunning they seem almost unreal. Western Montana is one such place. Glacier Country overflows with breathtaking landscapes and picture-perfect vistas. Traveling along Highway 93 from Missoula to Polson, you’re greeted by the towering Mission Mountains. Favorite photo spots for this range include the top of the Ravalli hill just south of St. Ignatius (use the designated pull-off for spectacular shots), and Ninepipes Lodge in Charlo. In a completely different area, the Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area in south-central Montana rewards visitors with dramatic scenery, solitude, wildlife, and opportunities for hiking, camping, and boating.
3Pembina Gorge, North Dakota
North Dakota offers countless ways to experience the state’s natural diversity and explore brilliant scenery in the majestic Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Take a scenic drive and immerse yourself in the nature of the state’s western side. For a change of scenery, head to the far northeast where the rushing waters have carved Pembina Gorge through soft marine shales, creating one of North Dakota’s deepest and most untouched river valleys and its largest blocks of uninterrupted woodland. At least 65 unique natural features have been recorded here, including 30 plant species and 21 animal species considered “rare” in the state.
4Badlands, South Dakota
Known as the land of stone and light, the Badlands are a must-see in South Dakota for those seeking truly unique photographs. Be sure to arrive before sunrise or at sunset to capture the park’s most magical light. Linger after dark here to enjoy unmatched views of the constellations and the Milky Way. In the state’s northeast, the Nicollet Tower in Sisseton invites you to climb up for sweeping prairie views stretching across three states—North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The observation tower honors Joseph N. Nicollet, the French cartographer who explored the Coteau des Prairies in the 1830s. Pristine beauty and endless horizons.
5Carbon County, Wyoming
Sheridan County in northern Wyoming offers a pair of scenic drives as your starting point for an epic adventure. The Bighorn Scenic Byway begins in Dayton at the beautiful Tongue River Canyon, surrounded by peaks, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and sweeping views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Medicine Wheel Scenic Byway starts at Burgess Junction atop the mountain, stretching toward the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and features the mysterious Native American Medicine Wheel, waterfalls, and hundreds of kilometers of pristine backcountry terrain. Sheridan’s historic downtown, with its classic American architecture, neon signs, charming corners, over 100 pieces of public art, King’s Saddlery, and the Sheridan Inn, is an Instagrammer’s delight. In the south, Carbon County, with fewer than 15,000 residents and very low light pollution, offers ideal stargazing conditions—perfect for a night under the stars. Set up your tent and camera for a stunning timelapse of majestic skies.
6Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, Denver
The gateway to the Great American West, Denver is a visual feast for photographers. Don’t miss the views from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Sky Terrace: the Anschutz Family Sky Terrace offers incredible panoramas of The Mile High City. The best time to visit is on a clear morning, right as the museum opens. Just outside the city, the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre features a 9,000-seat amphitheater carved into towering red sandstone monoliths over 90 meters tall. Photograph the venue and its legendary stage—host to major music acts each summer—as well as Denver and the plains from the top of the amphitheater.
