2023 Adventures in Nature
Student Photo Contest
Seeking photos that showcase Arizona’s natural beauty,
wildlife and people in nature.

Open to Arizona students ages 13-18
$10,000 in cash prizes await the top 10 winners.
Deadline to submit your high-resolution nature photos is midnight April 12, 2023.
Winners will be announced May 11, 2023.
View OFFICIAL RULES. For more information, contact Danielle Kagan at [email protected]
Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, Arizona Highways and Cox Communications.
GALLERY
Displaying 25 - 36 of 302Photo by Lily Whitaker
This is a gorgeous picture, filled with feeling. The sun had just risen and it was peaking out across the river from me. The light comes off so strong in the background, with an almost acrylic orange radiating from the center, shining through that stunning mesquite tree. The middle ground shows off a ton of bushes, grasses, and trees that have so much variety its almost seems staged. Plus, those mountains and valleys are amazingly beautiful pairing with the light in the background.
Location: Rillito River at Columbus
Photo by Angelia Thorsen
Grand Canyon Rock Squirrel!
I loved being able to visit the Grand Canyon, my dream destination! I was envious of the squirrel's permanent home and I wished I could stay there forever! This lucky squirrel was oblivious to the beauty surrounding him and only wanted snacks!
Location: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Photo by Lily Whitaker
This was taken just as the sun rose. I think the creosote in the foreground and mesquite frame the picturesque light from the fresh early morning sun very nicely. Various common desert plants litter the middle ground which showcase the charming clutter that is one of the lushest deserts on earth. The background consists of some mountain/valley action and a mysterious mist that almost seems placed just for this photo.
Location: Rillito River at Columbus