Tales from the Trail Photo Contest

Share your favorite trail moments and submit your best photos into the California Trail Photo Contest. Your trail experience could be featured on California Natural Resources Agency and California State Parks social media pages. Plus, you could win an annual park pass!

Show us how you use the trails, how you helped build or maintain a trail, your favorite feature on a trail, or your artistic capture of a trail.

Submit your photo, describe it and what it means to you, and include your zip code by February 28, 2026.


Participants may submit one photo in each of the following categories:

TRAIL USE: Capturing the activity of trail users, such as hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

TRAIL MANAGEMENT: Highlighting the maintenance and care of trails, including construction and volunteer efforts.

TRAIL FEATURES: Showcasing special facilities, art on the trails, or other notable features.

ARTISTIC MERIT: Recognizing artistic expression and creativity in the photography of trails.


Read all the details before you enter: Photo Challenge Terms & Conditions