When it comes to landscape photography, there’s nothing more dramatic and awe-inspiring than a mountain range. These massive formations of rock, snow, and ice have a way of drawing us in, capturing our attention, and never letting go. When you enter into the vertical, it’s hard not to want to photograph anything else. But the hard part about mountains is that they’re everywhere.
Every continent in the world has its own incredible mountain ranges that are worthy of shooting. And it’s no wonder many of them make our list of top places in the world for photography. It’s easy to become focused on planning trips to photograph mountain ranges like the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, and forget that the United States is home to some of the very best mountains on the planet. They are equally incredibly beautiful, dramatic, and picturesque.
Why is mountain photography special?
Mountains have a profound impact on people. It may be their size or vastness, but standing on top or exploring deep within a mountain range is absolutely special. It’s humbling and exciting at the same time, whether you’re photographing a United States mountain range or any mountains around the world.
Mountain photography captures that emotion and the sheer power and beauty of a mountain range. Whether you’re photographing the ever-changing weather and incredible wildlife, or the dynamic seasonal changes that these mountain ranges provide, mountain photography can be one of the most inspiring types of photography you can pursue.
Mountain photography also doesn’t have to be challenging or take multi-day treks. Several United States mountain ranges, like the Tetons in Wyoming, allow for several lookout points you can drive or walk to. That’s another reason why mountain photography is so special. You get to enjoy and photograph the mountains and it doesn’t have to involve an expedition.
So if you’re struggling right now in the summer heat, and need an alpine escape, here are the top mountain ranges to photograph in the United States. The best part is, you can visit them all year round.
Top 5 Mountain Range Destinations to Photograph in the US
The San Juans Mountains (Colorado)
This section of the Colorado Rocky Mountains located in Southwest Colorado is probably one of the most beautiful, underrated places in the country. Home to several 14,000-foot mountains like Mount Sneffels and Mount Wilson that dominate the landscape, the San Juans are jagged, dramatic, and beautiful. They are hands-down the most beautiful section of the Colorado Rockies, and the climate in this region has allowed for lush rows of pines and aspen groves to grow, creating incredible texture and color, especially in the fall months when the aspen trees turn golden yellow.
This area is also home to beautiful, historic mountain towns and ski resorts like Telluride and Ouray, which have rich history from the Gold Rush of 1849. Add in the abundance of elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep in this region, and the San Juans become the best place mountains to shoot in Colorado. Do yourself a favor, and take the longer journey south to the San Juans. It’ll be worth your while.
The Tetons (Wyoming)
The Tetons are another section of the Rocky Mountains located at the northwest tip of Wyoming. They are isolated from any large cities, and the closest town — Jackson Hole — is one of the greatest towns in America. It’s home to world-class skiing, fishing, and basically every outdoor activity you can think of.
Right on the footsteps of Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons are centered in Grand Teton National Park. They abruptly rise over 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole and the surrounding plains. These are some of the most beautiful, iconic mountains you will ever photograph. The Tetons are home to deep, crystal clear, mountain lakes. The beautiful Snake River that winds parallel to the mountains.
It’s a perfect place for landscape photography. Not to mention, this pristine, protected, mountain ecosystem is home to some of the most diverse wildlife that is unique to the American West. Bison, elk, moose, deer, and bear all make their home in the Tetons, so it’s important to realize the opportunity, but also the danger, when shooting wildlife. If you respect these animals and this place, it will treat you to some truly remarkable photos.
The Sierra Nevadas (California)
The Sierra Nevadas are a beautiful mountain range in California. It’s this range that’s home to Mount Whitney — the tallest mountain in the continental United States. Rising at 14,505 feet, Whitney is the highest of all. It is joined by other beautiful destinations like the Alabama Hills, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the beautiful Lake Tahoe. This is world-renowned for its pristine, turquoise waters that make you think you’re in the Caribbean.
But the crown jewel in the Sierra Nevadas is Yosemite National Park. While busy during the summer months, Yosemite is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring places you will ever see. Massive walls of granite rise thousands of feet from the valley floor. The famous Half Dome and El Capitan make up just a small percentage of this park. There are some many hikes, vistas, and lookout points, all with stunning views and opportunities for photography. Yosemite is also home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the world, like Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls. This place is truly magical, and is a must-visit for any serious photographer.
The Cascades (Washington, Oregon, and California)
The beautiful Cascades are located in the famous Pacific Northwest Region of the United States. This area is known for its lush greens, temperate rainforests, coastal wonders, and beautiful mountains. The Cascades stretch from California up into British Columbia and are as diverse as they are beautiful. The southern range is home to several world class mountains like Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier, which rise and dominate their landscapes.
The northern range, found in northern Washington in Cascades National Park, is an entirely different world. Nicknamed the “American Alps,” the Northern Cascades are home to some of the most jaw-dropping terrain on the planet. While the mountains aren’t as tall as others on this list, they are sharp, jagged, and layer together to form shots that are out of this world.
Backpacking in this region is a must and locations like Cascade Pass and the Sahale Arm are difficult to get to. However, they are worth every step. The views and the shots you can get in the Cascades make this one of the best mountain ranges to visit, year round.
The Alaska Range (Alaska)
While this mountain range is far up north in Alaska and difficult to get to, it’s one of the most incredible, rugged, and remote mountain ranges on the planet. It’s called the backbone of North America for a reason — it is home to the tallest mountains on the continent.
Mount Denali is the massive centerpiece, rising more than 20,000 feet and dominating the landscape. Several other mountains in this range dwarf the tallest in the continental United States. This mountain range is also home to some of the harshest weather in the world. In the winter, this area can receive some of the heaviest snowfall on earth. Because of all this moisture, ice, and snow, massive glaciers are a commonplace in these mountains.
It is the definition of “off the beaten path” and if you want to shoot in a mountain range that is wild, rugged, and beautiful, the Alaskan Range is for you.
What gear do you need to photograph a mountain range?
Typically, when photographing the mountains, you either shoot wide or tight. You’re capturing a vast scene or zooming in on a specific peak or subject in the landscape, to capture more specific detail. Bringing a wide angle zoom lens, like a 16-35mm f/2.8 or 15-35mm f/2.8, and a telephoto zoom lens, like a 70-200mm f/2.8, will help capture most of the images you’ll be taking in the mountains.
Other important gear to bring would be a sturdy, lightweight tripod for low light, blue hour, or astrophotography. Plus, bring a circular polarizer or CP filter, to increase contrast and control reflections when shooting a lake.
If you’re hiking or backpacking in the mountains and want your camera out of your bag for quick access, the Peak Design Capture Clip is a fantastic backpack clip, with a smart, trustworthy design. They also provide fantastic rain covers for your camera, in case the weather turns.
