Share the Experience: Winner of the National Park Foundation's photo contest

Courtney Kotewa

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Share the Experience Contest Winner, Courtney Kotewa, snapped this image at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with her smart phone. It will be featured in the 2015 National Parks and Federal Recreational Pass.

According to Kotewa, the shot almost didn’t happen, as she wasn't sure if she would take her phone out with her on the choppy lake. Although she grew up in Michigan, this was Kotewa’s first trip to Pictured Rocks. It was on her mom’s bucket list, and both Kotewa and her mom are always up for adventure in the outdoors. “Nature grounds you where you can get your perspective on life back,” Kotewa said.

Check out the U.S. Department of the Interior's Instagram for more.

Second place

Michael DeWitt

Third place

Darrell Staggs

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah

"This canyon housed a pool of water that was sheltered from any wind, making it a perfect mirror for the canyon walls lit by the late afternoon sun. The sun was rapidly descending towards the horizon, and lighting was changing every minute. At this time of day, you can sit in a single spot and take an ever-changing set of images of the same subject. Not all spectacular shots are obvious," Staggs said.

Check out the U.S. Department of the Interior's Instagram for more.

Honorable Mention: Adventure

Eric Magayne

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Hiking down from High Dune, the second tallest dune in North America, after being caught seriously off guard by a sandstorm near the summit.

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Honorable Mention: Historical

Sarah Malerich

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

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Honorable Mention: Wildlife

Graham McGeorge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia/Florida

"Camouflaged" Eastern Screech Owls like to take over woodpecker nests that have been dug out over the years in pine trees, which are the main species of tree at this swamp.

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Honorable Mention: Scenic

Michael McRuiz

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Island in Kenai Fjords National Park with glaciers in background.

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Honorable Mention: Let’s Move!

Linnea Charnholm

Death Valley National Park, California

Girl jumping over the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells.

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Honorable Mention: Fan Favorite

Peter Blanchard