PHOENIX, Ariz. (KVOA) — Arizona State Parks and Trails is hosting a photo contest for photographers of all levels.

Starting Friday, Nov. 24, participants may submit their photos for the Opt Outside Photo Contest. The contest will run through Jan. 15, 2024. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers who are 18 years of age or older.

All photos must be taken within one of the more than 30 Arizona state parks, with awards to be presented 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, such as 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

The photo contest is an opportunity for photographers to showcase their talent and the beauty and diversity of Arizona’s state parks. This contest will celebrate the creativity of photographers but also highlight the importance of preserving and protecting our state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources.

Each category will boast a first-, second- and third-place winner. A grand prize winner will be selected for the contest overall and 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.

First-place winners will each receive an Arizona State Parks annual pass. Second-place winners will receive two day-use passes, and third-place winners will receive one day-use pass. All winners will also receive a limited-edition Arizona State Parks and Trails sticker and AppreciateAZ water bottle. Honorable mention may also be given to photos of particular merit.

Entries will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, clarity/composition and effectiveness in conveying a story within a state park.

Photos must be submitted by midnight Jan. 15. Each contestant may submit up to five entries and may be entered in multiple categories. Winners will be announced in February 2024.

For more information, including a full list of state parks and a detailed list of submission requirements and contest rules, please visit AZStateParks.com/photo-contest.