PHOENIX – Arizona State Parks and Trails has announced the winners of its Opt Outside Photo Contest. The agency received more than 1,300 images from more than 500 people during the contest, which ran from November 24, 2023 to January 15, 2024.

The Opt Outside Photo Contest showcased the talent of photographers and the beauty and diversity of Arizona's more than 30 state parks. The contest invited photographers of all levels to submit their best shots in Arizona's state parks for the chance to win prizes and recognition in five categories:

• Living creatures, spotlighting Arizona plants, animals, and insects
• Friendly faces, featuring visitors enjoying the parks 
• Outdoor activities, showcasing the many recreational activities available in the parks, like kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, etc.
• Landscapes, exhibiting the dramatic views from within the state parks
• Arizona history, illustrating our state’s rich cultural resources and storied past

“We were overwhelmed by the response to this contest,” said Arizona State Parks and Trails Deputy Assistant Director Michelle Thompson. “It was difficult to choose between the photos because they all showcased the beauty of the parks and the amazing experiences that visitors have in them. With the help of our judges, Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski of Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Lauren and Owen Steinwall of The AZHikeaholics, we were finally able to determine the winners.”

The grand prize winner, Lindsay Fehrman, will receive a two-night stay in a Pin Drop micro-camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a cave tour for two at Kartchner Caverns State Park, an Arizona State Parks annual pass, an REI gift card for $15, and an AppreciateAZ gift box. Lindsay’s photo showcased Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

First-place winners are:

• Living Creatures – Justin Alvarez (hummingbird at Patagonia Lake State Park)
• Outdoor Activities – Jessica Novak (bicycling at Lost Dutchman State Park)
• Landscapes – Gurinder Singh (flowers at Catalina State Park)
• Arizona History – Hannah Eaton (tribute wall at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park)
• Friendly Faces – Austin Easley (child on paddleboard at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area)

Second place winners:

• Living Creatures – Deirdre Rosenberg (deer at Catalina State Park)
• Outdoor Activities – Thomas Unger (paddleboarding at Lake Havasu State Park)
• Landscapes – Pamela Plummer (lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park)
• Arizona History – Jess Howe (petroglyphs at Lyman Lake State Park)
• Friendly Faces – Bethany Ascoli (child picking apples at Slide Rock State Park)

Third Place winners:

• Living Creatures – Byron McConnell (spider on cactus at Picacho Peak State Park)
• Outdoor Activities – Jessica Novak (family walking at Patagonia Lake State Park/Sonoita Creek State Natural Area)
• Landscapes – Rhonda Royse (sunset at Catalina State Park)
• Arizona History – Travis Haines (child at Colorado River State Historic Park)
• Friendly Faces – Kasey Boyack (dog on kayak at Roper Lake State Park)

Honorable mentions:

• Living Creatures – Pat Isaacson (elegant trogon at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area)
• Landscapes – Kirk Chamberlain (night sky at Lost Dutchman State Park)
• Landscapes – Gurinder Singh (lightning at Picacho Peak State Park)
• Arizona History – Christy Van Buhler (gallows at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park)
• Friendly Faces – Xuankieu Tran (child enjoying s’mores at Dead Horse Ranch State Park)

The contest judges included Arizona State Parks and Trails staff, Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski, co-owners of Pin Drop Travel Trailers, as well as Lauren and Owen Steinwall of the popular Arizona adventure social media account, The AZ Hikeaholics. Entries were judged anonymously on creativity, uniqueness, clarity/composition, and effectiveness in conveying a story within a state park. 

For more information, including the winners and their photos, please visit AZStateParks.com/photo-contest.

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit azstateparks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov