CA Photo Contest Captures Stunning State Parks: See The 2025 Winners

CALIFORNIA ? The California State Parks Foundation's 2025 Photo Contest winners are in after thousands of photographers and park lovers across the state shared pictures of their favorite moments in nature.

"Each photo tells a story of connection, care, and discovery in our state parks," a spokesperson for the park said, "from misty redwoods and golden coastlines to historic landmarks and wildlife encounters.

In all, over 3,650 photos were entered, but only a handful were declared the winners, according to a spokesperson from the State Parks Foundation.

The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest was open to park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. In the winning photos below, the Golden State showed off on many levels as photographers in a variety of categories: Scenic Landscapes, Wildlife & Nature, Recreation & Activities, People in Parks, and California History.

?We?re excited to share the winning photos for the 2025 California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest,? Rachel Norton, Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation said in a written report. ?We received thousands of wonderful photos that included beaches, mountains, urban parks, rivers, people enjoying nature, and more. It?s clear how much Californians love and appreciate their state parks ? and how enthusiastic they are to share images of their favorite places.?

The winners of the 2025 photo contest are:

Scenic Landscapes ? capturing the natural beauty of state parks across all seasons:

• Winner: Patrick Rodden from Modesto, CA, photo of Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (Mono County).

?Every year, just like the migrating birds, I return to Mono Lake. Its beauty is only outweighed by its size and its importance to the greater ecosystem of the Great Basin," Rodden said. "To see it unfold as you drive over Tioga Pass is something special that leaves an imprint on your heart and mind. There?s nothing so strange and magnificent as a massive lake in a desert.?

• Honorable Mentions: Robin Whitmore for a photo of Donner Memorial State Park and Angela Kenny for a photo of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Wildlife & Nature ? featuring flora, fauna, and ecosystems in state parks:

• Winner: Wes Bracken, from San Luis Obispo, CA, photo of Morro Bay State Park (San Luis Obispo County).

?I spent thirty minutes crouched in the sand, hiding behind a log, hoping this deer would reappear," Bracken said. "Patience paid off, and with little time to react, I managed to capture this magical moment.?

Recreation & Activities ? capturing hiking, camping, surfing, and more in state parks:

• Winner: Brian Filoteo from Ventura, CA, photo of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (Monterey County).

?The ocean carved its own doorway through stone, courage finds a way to slip through," Filoteo said. "Each wave crashes like applause for the soul that dares to chase light through chaos and to my lens. At sunset in Big Sur's Keyhole Rock, vast nature and spirit collide ? wild, fearless and free.?

Please note, surf at your own risk. Check park updates and local conditions before surfing.

• Honorable Mentions: Andrew Aldrich for a photo of Mount Diablo State Park, and Clint Cam for a photo of Hollister Hills State Vehicular Reserve Area

People in Parks ? featuring people enjoying state parks responsibly and sustainably:

• Winner: Tami Fandrei from Sacramento, CA, photo of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (San Luis Obispo County).

?What started as a friends? road trip with only a campsite planned, we stumbled upon the beauty of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area at sunset," said Fandrei. "Our adventures lead us to some of the most unexpected places. This photo is the perfect representation of each of our personalities.?

• Honorable Mentions: Rupali Bakshi for a photo of Mount Tamalpais State Park, and Jerry Dodrill for a photo of Sonoma Coast State Park

California History ? highlighting cultural and historic sites in state parks:

• Winner: Brittany Oravets from Paso Robles, CA, photo of Hearst San Simeon State Park (San Luis Obispo County).

Brittany says, ?The scene caught my eye due to the contrast of the simplicity of the old school house and horse paired with Hearst Castle glimmering in the golden hour light. We had just come from a tour of the castle where everything was ornate and larger than life, but from the base of the hill, the castle looked so small tucked away in the trees. My husband, brother and I all stopped to admire this view and I wanted to capture this shot as a reminder of the moment together.?

• Honorable Mentions: Alex Bylsma for a photo of Malakoff Diggins State Park, and Dominic Villasenor for a photo of Bodie State Historic Park

About the contest:

Submissions to the California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest were judged on creativity and originality, technical quality, relevance to the category, emotional impact, storytelling, and aesthetic appeal.

Category winners will receive a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass courtesy of California State Parks Foundation ($195 value, vehicle entrance to 134 state parks) and will be featured in California State Parks Foundation?s 2027 calendar.

Honorable mentions will be showcased in an online gallery and on social media. All winners will also receive a 2027 calendar.

Did you miss the contest? For Californians inspired by their state parks, there is an additional upcoming opportunity.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as California State Parks, is currently holding a photo contest inspired by the state?s 175th anniversary. Vote on your top 5 photos through November 17 to celebrate the state?s natural beauty and history and vote for their favorite images. For more information, visit photocontest.parks.ca.gov.