2017 Winners

The 2017 Share the Experience photo contest was hosted by the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and Recreation.gov. The contest received over 16,500 photos from amateur photographers sharing their favorite views, moments, and adventures from America’s national parks and public lands. Winners receive cash prizes along with outdoor gear provided by Celestron and Osprey Packs, hotel packages courtesy of Historic Hotels of America®, and an annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Grand Prize Winner

Colorful Milky Way over Boulder Beach at Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park

Manish Mamtani

For his winning entry, Mr. Mamtani receives $10,000, an Escapist 18 Technical Daypack and Large UltraLight Camera Case courtesy of Osprey Packs, a two-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House Resort courtesy of Historic Hotels of America, and a Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The winning picture will also be featured on the annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Second Prize

Wooden wagon wheels against the walls of a fort at Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union National Monument

Kristy Burns

Ms. Burns will receive $5,000, an Escapist 18 Technical Daypack and Large UltraLight Camera Case courtesy of Osprey Packs, a two-night stay at Omni Berkshire Place courtesy of Historic Hotels of America, and a Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Third Prize

Red sandstone of Cathedral Rock reflected in water in a green field at Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest

Dorrie Henderson

Ms. Henderson will receive $3,000, an Escapist 18 Technical Daypack and Large UltraLight Camera Case courtesy of Osprey Packs, a two-night stay at Claremont Club and Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, courtesy of Historic Hotels of America, and a Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Fan Favorites

Close-up of a red fox kit at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

James Fong

Grizzly bear mother with 2 cubs at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Mark Rutt

Each of the 2 Fan Favorite winners will receive an Escapist 18 Technical Daypack and Large UltraLight Camera Case courtesy of Osprey Packs, a two-night stay at either Fairmont Copley Plaza or Historic Inns of Annapolis courtesy of Historic Hotels of America, and a Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Honorable Mentions

Person cross-country skiing in the snow at Denali National Park

Adventure & Outdoor Recreation: Denali National Park

Kevin Gross

Wooden tiki carvings at Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Historical & Cultural: Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Curtis Creath

Stockton Island during sunset from the shore at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Scenic, Seasons & Landscapes: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Michael DeWitte, Share the Experience

The Milky Way over the brick fortress of Dry Tortugas National Park

Night Skies: Dry Tortugas National Park

Jose Torres

Brown mink with a brook trout in its mouth at Acadia National Park

Wildlife: Acadia National Park

Bill Sweet

A group of children running barefoot through the white sand dunes at White Sands National Monument

Family, Friends, & Fun: White Sands National Monument

Jess Curren

Each of the 6 Honorable Mention category winners will receive a complimentary two-night stay at a select hotel courtesy of Historic Hotels of America, a Daypack and Large UltraLight Camera Case courtesy of Osprey Packs, Celestron product(s), and a Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

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