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.