Image Credit: Erik Harrison

Canyons of the Southwest – Top Photos

Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl
Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl

In honor of the striking desert landscapes of the American Southwest that have long captivated photographers and scenic landscape enthusiasts alike, we are in search of the best photos that the Southwest US has to offer. This includes iconic images from the edge of the Grand Canyon’s 5,000-foot precipice, marveling at the pink spires of Bryce Canyon’s sandstone hoodoos, witnessing the plumes of water pouring off the cliffs at Zion, as well as less known images of often-unmarked locations. Here are a few of our favorites…

Grand Canyon National Park

Image credit: Alexey Stiop
Image credit: Alexey Stiop

Does it get any more iconic than this?

Zion National Park

US-National-Parks-Canyons-8-travelers-vista (1)
Image credit: Eric Rock, Natural Habitat Adventures

These Nat Hab guests look like ants next to the enormous canyon walls of Zion!

US-National-Parks-Canyons-Zion-Narrows

The Narrows – slot canyon wet hiking heaven!

Bryce Canyon

Image Credit: Eric Rock, Natural Habitat Adventures
Image Credit: Eric Rock, Natural Habitat Adventures

The most beautiful natural amphitheater in the world?

Wildlife

Image credit: Michal Ninger
Image credit: Michal Ninger

A regal golden eagle.

Image credit: James Marvin Phelps
Image credit: James Marvin Phelps

How is that for a room with a view?

Nature

Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl
Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl

Operation desert bloom!

Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl
Image credit: Peter Krahenbuhl

Please let us know what you think and share your favorite photos! Or better yet, to capture some of these iconic – and more hidden but equally beautiful – images, join an intimate Southwest photo tour. In doing so you can explore lesser-known corners of all three famed Southwest national parks, staying in historic park lodges along the way. And by traveling in the quieter seasons of spring and fall, visitors are fewer, and the light is simply amazing for capturing that once in a lifetime southwest image.

More from Nature Photography

All Nature Photography stories
  • African Safaris

    How to Get Wall-Worthy Pictures of Africa’s Great Migration

    Sep 26, 2026 · Samantha Miller

    The Serengeti and Maasai Mara are the stage for the largest overland wildlife migration on Earth, and for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Natural Habitat Adventures offers an unparalleled front-row seat to capture this thrilling event.

  • Europe

    Photographing Scotland’s Wild Edges: Highlands to Outer Hebrides

    Aug 20, 2026 · Rebecca Self

    Sometimes I struggle to describe Scotland. Moody? Rugged? Ever-changing? I have seen the Outer Hebrides on days when the whole world appeared in misty grayscale, and also on days when a bright blue sky met deep green grass in a line of stark contrast. Maybe that’s where the description lies.

  • Asia & The Pacific

    6 Iconic Shots to Capture in the Land of the Snow Leopard

    Jul 30, 2026 · Rebecca Self

    For millennia, the snow leopard has roamed the mountains of Central Asia among blue sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas and hares. Its thick white-gray coat, patterned with dark rosettes, provides camouflage against steep slopes, broken cliffs and snow-covered ridges. The snow leopard’s range extends across roughly 770,000 square miles in 12 countries.