California State Parks Foundation Announced Photo Winners

The foundation selected winning images from five categories showcasing the diversity of the California state park system.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in National Parks

California State Parks Foundation Announced Photo Winners

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The California State Parks Foundation has named the winners of its 2nd annual photo contest. The competition drew more than 1,040 submissions from photographers of all skill levels across five unique categories.

Why it matters

The contest highlights the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities available across the states 280 park units. Winners earned a foundation membership and inclusion in the upcoming 2028 official calendar.

The California state park system manages 280 units containing 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,000 historic buildings, and 11,000 archaeological sites. These areas also feature 340 miles of coastline and 970 miles of lake and river frontage.

The players

California State Parks Foundation

This nonprofit organization supports the California state park system through advocacy, fundraising, and educational programming.

Peter Scifres

He was the winning photographer in the Scenic Landscapes category.

Kevin Shi

He was the winning photographer in the Wildlife & Nature category.

Paula Schultz

She was the winning photographer in the Recreation & Activities category.

Bill Krause

He was the winning photographer in the People in Parks category.

The details

Winning photographers were chosen based on creativity, originality, technical quality, emotional impact, storytelling, and aesthetic appeal. The selected images feature locations ranging from Red Rock Canyon State Park to the Tijuana Estuary National Preserve.

The winning landscape photo was captured on August 13, 2026.
The winners were officially announced on October 14, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This initiative follows the California State Parks Foundation's strategic effort to deepen public connection with the state's natural assets through digital engagement. Such programs serve to maintain interest in the park system throughout the varied seasonal tourism cycles.

Those interested in participating in future contests should prepare by capturing images across the state's 280 units throughout the year. Visitors can reference the winning locations for inspiration when planning their next excursion to California's diverse natural environments.

The takeaway

Engaging with public lands through photography helps document the preservation of natural and historic sites for future generations. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the state's extensive trail network to find their own unique subjects for future competitions.