At More Than Just Parks we are best known for our national park videos; the award-winning, visually stunning series capturing the breathtaking splendor of the National Parks.
These national park videos, or short films, aim to capture the essence of each national park in 3-5 minutes through a combination of stunning time lapses and footage of these places.
About Our Videos on the National Parks
We have been making films on the national parks for the last decade and what a ride it has been. From the Hawaiian islands to Bar Harbor Maine and so many unbelievable destinations in between, our National Parks are the envy of the world. We feel so lucky to be able to capture their stunning beauty for a living!
It is our hope to share the love of the parks with you and in that spirit we have ranked our favorite national park videos here to help inspire your next trip! Happy parking to all!
The Best National Park Videos
1. Grand Teton National Park Video
Background: In the Summer of 2014 we spent four beautiful weeks exploring the jaw dropping beauty of Grand Teton National Park. Despite having high expectations we were absolutely blown away by what we found.
Of all the parks we’ve visited and film, Grand Teton took the cake in the grandeur and wildlife categories. On our visit to the park we saw foxes, moose, bison, pronghorn, elk, beavers, black bears, grizzly bear, and even two wolves!
What surprised us the most was how relatively uncrowded it was as compared to Yellowstone National Park just up the road. If you’re considering a trip to the area be sure to make the stop to Grand Teton. If these words weren’t enough to convince you take 3 minutes and watch the Grand Teton video below.
Synopsis: GRAND TETON 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and Teton Mountain Range. Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic beauty. This is Grand Teton. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
2. Voyaguers National Park Video
Background: We chose to shoot this film in the Fall because of the unbelievable display of fall foliage that can be seen here each year. Perhaps the coolest feature of this park is only visible after the sun goes down. Voyageurs is recognized as one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the world.
Voyageurs is a park like no other in that it is almost entirely and exclusively accessible by water. If you plan on visiting the park be sure to check out boat rentals in the area! One cool feature of the park is that there are no traditional campgrounds, only individual campsites constructed so that no one is visible from another.
This film was made possible by the wonderful people at the Voyageurs National Park Association who work so hard to maintain the park for folks like us.
Synopsis: This film is the culmination of several weeks spent in the northernmost region of Minnesota known as Voyageurs National Park. Encompassing more than 340 square miles, Voyageurs is a watery wonderland almost exclusively accessible by boat.
Journey with us as we explore a land blanketed in pristine lakes, erupting with kaleidoscopic fall colors, and home to the most spectacular displays of the northern lights on the planet. This is Voyageurs. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
3. Redwood National Park Video
Background: Redwood National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. A trip to this magical place is a must for every human on the planet. Redwood National Park features the tallest trees on the planet (not to be confused with the largest in Sequoia National Park).
Believe it or not, when we flew out to the West Coast originally our plan was to shoot a film on Mt Rainier National Park in Washington. Because of a wildfire that popped up last minute we were forced to change our plans and ended up driving down the coast to Redwood National Park. The rest is history.
This film captures summer in Redwood National Park which features mild temperatures and has plenty of secluded spots to beat the crowds.
While most folks come for the trees Redwood is also home to stunning California coastlines with incredible sunsets and some of the largest herds of Roosevelt elk in the world.
Synopsis: MTJP | Redwood is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Redwood National and State Parks. Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California are home to the tallest trees in the world, the mighty Redwood, which can reach staggering heights of over 360ft and weigh more than 500 tons.
These parks feature magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and the largest herd of Roosevelt elk on the planet. This film was shot entirely in 4K.
4. Zion National Park Video
Background: Zion National Park is a park like no other on the planet. Despite it’s relatively small size, this park packs a punch that millions flock to see each year. In 2015 we were a few of those millions and boy was our breath taken away.
We chose to capture this film in Autumn to showcase the stunning and little known fall color of Zion National Park. Fall is also a time when visitation dies down from peak summer months and one can find more solace in the park.
Locations featured in this film include: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyon, Kolob Terrace, The Narrows, Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook, The Great White Throne, Big Bend, The Watchman, Lava Point, Mt. Carmel Highway, and more.
Synopsis: ZION 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring Zion National Park during peak fall color. Exquisitely carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, Zion Canyon is one of the most stunning places on earth. But don’t stop there!
This park has so much more to offer outside of the main canyon. Golden meadows, sweeping vistas, red rock mountains, towering white temples, and powerful ancient rivers comprise this incredible treasure. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
5. Death Valley National Park Video
Background: To make this film we spent weeks in California’s (& Nevada’s) Death Valley National Park, mostly in February and March when the temperatures are more manageable. We traversed hundreds of miles hiking most of the park’s trails to capture the park like never before.
As the largest park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley is massive – over 3 million acres! We visited destinations like: Eureka Dunes, The Racetrack Playa, Mesquite Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Charcoal Kilns, Aguereberry Point, Badwater Basin, Darwin Falls, and more.
Background: In the remote far reaches of the Mojave Desert lies the largest national park in the continental United States. Hidden here in the hottest place on earth is another world full of diverse life and colorful landscapes. Join us as we take life to the extreme and explore Death Valley. Filmed primarily in 8K.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park Video
Background: Rocky Mountain was the first film we chose to shoot in all four seasons because of the amazing change that takes place throughout the park during that time. Our primary focus was the fall season due to the spectacular fall colors but also the elk rutting season which is incredible to witness.
The most popular sections of Rocky Mountain National Park are situated next to Estes Park, Colorado. We spent a great deal of time in this section of the park capturing it’s epic scenes.
Synopsis: ROCKY MOUNTAIN 8K is the culmination of several years spent filming in the rugged mountains of Colorado. Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of jaw-dropping mountain beauty. Journey with us as we experience all four seasons of life high in the wild heartland of the continental divide.
7. Badlands National Park Video
Background: We chose to film Badlands National Park in May to capture the park in an off-season before temperatures and crowd sizes rise. What we didn’t realize is just how much wind sweeps across the plains this time of year. More than a few tripods capsized with camera mounted during this shoot!
We were taken aback by how alive this foreboding landscape was. The Badlands feature a surprising amount of wildlife including bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, western meadowlarks, burrowing owls, and more.
If you visit the Badlands be sure to check out The Black Hills National Forest while you’re in the area.
Synopsis: BADLANDS 8K is the culmination of several weeks spent filming in the rugged Badlands of South Dakota. Situated in the heart of the Northern Great Plains, Badlands National Park spans 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.
Journey with More Than Just Parks to discover the land where bison still roam and towers rise from the prairie in dazzling formations. This is the Badlands. Filmed in stunning UHD 8K.
8. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Video
Background: HAWAI’I VOLCANOES 8K is the culmination of several weeks spent filming in the rugged volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Situated on the island of Hawaii in the heart of the remote south pacific, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of massive mountains, rare wildlife, and fiery volcanoes.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we discover an ever-growing land shaped by fire. This is Hawai’i Volcanoes. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
Synopsis: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place featuring the most active volcano in the world. Kiluea is constantly in a state of eruption. This film was shot before much of the more recent explosive activity occurred and features some locations that have been significantly altered.
This park also features beautiful jungle-like forests and rugged coastline that are not to be missed. It is one of two Hawaii parks along with Haleakala on the island of Maui. Hawai’i Volcanoes is on the big island of Hawaii.
9. Olympic National Park Video
Background: OLYMPIC was our first ever national park film and marked the very beginning of More Than Just Parks. This beautiful place holds a special place in our hearts.
We chose to shoot this film in the summer months of July and August during peak accessibility. We chose this park as our first because of it’s incredible diversity of geography.
Olympic is one of three Washington State National Parks, the other two being North Cascades and Mount Rainier. Filming locations include: Hurricane Ridge, Obstruction Point, Hoh Rainforest, Quinalt Valley, Queets Valley, La Push, Ruby Beach, Crescent Lake, Staircase, Kalaloch, and more.
Synopsis: MTJP | OLYMPIC is a visually stunning journey through Olympic National Park. This video is the culmination of a month spent backpacking through Olympic National Park.
We chose Olympic as our first of the More Than Just Parks short films due to its incredible diversity. It is unlike any park on the planet offering glacial mountain peaks, old-growth rainforests, and over seventy miles of wilderness coast – all within a day’s drive. This production was filmed entirely in UHD 4K.
10. Haleakala National Park Video
Background: For this film we hiked every trail in the park and spent multiple seasons on the island of Maui. Haleakala is only one of six “tropical” National Parks in the system. The others are: Virgin Islands, Key Biscayne, American Samoa, Dry Tortugas, & Hawai’i Volcanoes.
Haleakala is unique because of it’s mix of ancient volcanic features in Haleakala Crater & it’s rugged, tropical coastline.
Two standout locations in the park are Haleakala Crater which features one of the most beautiful (and popular) sunrises in the entire National Park system and the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls which is one of the most beautiful hikes in the entire system.
Synopsis: HALEAKALA 8K is the culmination of several weeks and multiple trips to the remote outer reaches of the island of Maui in the Central Pacific.
Journey with us to the house of the sun and discover ancient volcanoes steeped in legend, rugged mountains, dense rainforests, hidden beaches, underwater worlds, and the last wild home to spectacular wildlife. This is Haleakalā. Filmed primarily in 8K.
11. Acadia National Park Video
Background: Acadia National Park is unlike any other in the system sitting on Mt. Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula of Maine. We chose to film the park during Autumn due to it’s reputation as one of the best places to see fall foliage in the world. What we witnessed and captured did not dissapoint.
Acadia is a quieter National Park that features one of the most beautiful road systems of any of the National Parks and boasts the first point in the United States the sun touches each morning.
Some of the locations we captured include: Jordan Pond, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Otter Cliffs, Cadillac Mountain, Beaver Ponds, Schoodic Peninsula, and more.
Synopsis: MTJP | Acadia is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Acadia National Park during peak fall color. This film is, in part, a celebration of Acadia’s upcoming centennial. It is dedicated to George Dorr.
Sculpted by Glaciers and landscaped by beavers, Acadia is full of wonderfully unique features. Rounded mountains, tranquil ponds, rocky coastline, & some of the most beautiful trails in the world comprise this marvelous wonder. This film was shot entirely in 4K.
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Video
Background: Many say that Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the most spectacular fall foliage in the world. We had to see for ourselves, so we did. Let’s just say after weeks in the park during peak fall foliage, we weren’t disappointed.
Kaleidoscopic is the word for this sensational display of foliage. Fall is also a wonderful time to watch the elk rutting season and experience cooler, less humid temperatures.
Situated in Tennessee & North Carolina Great Smoky Mountain is one a handful of southern National Parks.
Synopsis: MTJP | Smoky Mountains is a visually stunning journey through Great Smoky Mountain National Park during peak fall color.
This video is the culmination of two weeks exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We chose Great Smoky Mountains as our second park because of it’s extraordinary display of fall colors, it’s incredibly diverse wildlife population, and it’s importance as the most visited national park in the country. This film was shot entirely in 4K UHD.
13. Virgin Islands National Park Video
Background: To make this film we spent weeks on the island of St John (part of the US Virgin Islands) hiking every trail in Virgin Islands National Park and swimming every bay (for good measure).
We visited the park after the 2017 hurricane maria damage and were frankly quite surprised by what we saw. When you look at a lot of the photos and video online it does not represent what exists in the park today.
All of our footage represents the park in it’s current, post-hurricane, status.
Synopsis: VIRGIN ISLANDS 8K is a visually stunning journey through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Virgin Islands. Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore this tropical paradise located on the outskirts of the Caribbean Sea.
Swim with sea turtles, explore ancient jungle ruins, relax on white sand beaches, and soak in the island beauty. This is Virgin Islands National Park.
14. Joshua Tree National Park Video
Background: We decided to capture this film during the winter months to spare ourselves from the extreme temperatures of Summer. Joshua Tree is home to some of the darkest skies in the United States and as such we chose to feature the stars heavily.
Filming locations include: Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Keys View, Wall Street Mill, Cholla Cactus Garden, Jumbo Rocks, Cottonwood Springs, & more.
Background: MTJP | Joshua Tree is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring Joshua Tree National Park.
We chose Joshua Tree because of its unique landscape. Its immense boulder piles, colorful cactus fields, endless desert expanses, and one-of-a-kind Joshua trees make for a spectacular setting. This film was shot entirely in 4K.
15. Saguaro National Park Video
SAGUARO is the culmination of weeks spent filming in one of the most unique and vibrant deserts in the world, the Sonoran Desert. Encompassing over 90,000 acres, Saguaro National Park preserves vast forests of the iconic saguaro cactus, rare wildlife, and majestic landscapes.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a harsh land marked by rugged beauty, resourceful animals, and spectacular sunsets. This is Saguaro. Filmed primarily in UHD 8K.
16. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Video
THEODORE ROOSEVELT National Park 8K is the culmination of weeks spent filming in one of the most spectacular regions of the Dakotas.
Encompassing over 70,000 acres, Theodore Roosevelt National Park boasts an stunning array of breathtaking badlands, snaking rivers, diverse wildlife including our national mammal, and colorful canyons.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land teeming with rugged beauty, massive mammals, and epic overlooks. This is Theodore Roosevelt. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
To make this film happen we spent weeks in Theodore Roosevelt National Park during October capturing the park in our favorite season, autumn.
More Public Lands Videos
17. Deschutes National Forest Video
Travel to a land sculpted by ancient volcanoes, where crystal blue rivers carve their way through primeval forests, towering mountains give way to lush valleys and pristine lakes, and deep below the surface lie vast networks of cavernous wonders.
This is the Deschutes National Forest. This film was brought to you in part by Visit Bend.
18. Black Hills National Forest Video
Join us as we take you on a visually-stunning journey through one of the most breathtaking and unique regions in the country. Explore a vast forest where spires of granite rise above the evergreens in dazzling formations. This is the Black Hills.
This film was brought to you in part by the South Dakota Department of Tourism.
19. Flathead National Forest Video
Situated in the northwestern corner of Montana, the Flathead National Forest comprises 2.4 million acres of dramatic mountain beauty. In the wild heart of the Flathead lies over 1 million acres of pristine wilderness.
Join us as we take you on a visually-stunning journey through one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Explore iconic mountains, emerald lakes, and vast forests of deep green and brilliant gold. This is the Flathead.
20. Bridger-Teton National Forest
Join us as we take you on a visual journey through one of the most stunning regions of the country.
Explore towering mountain peaks, rugged and beautiful wilderness, crystal clear alpine lakes, teeming wildlife, and boundless recreational opportunities. This is Bridger-Teton. Filmed primarily in 8K.
21. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Video
Join us as we take you on a visual journey through one of the most stunning and unique regions in the country.
Explore mountains, valleys, forests, canyons, and meadows that are home to some of north america’s most treasured animals and landscapes. This is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
22. Dixie National Forest Video
Nestled in the rugged southwestern corner of Utah, Dixie National Forest spans nearly 2 million acres of jaw-dropping scenery and endless vistas.
Join us as we take you on a visual journey through alpine lakes and forests of aspen to vast red deserts and dazzling formations of sand and stone. This is Dixie. Filmed primarily in 8K.
23. Manti-La Sal National Forest Video
Larger than all of Utah’s national parks combined, the Manti-La Sal National Forest is woven with snow-capped mountains, kaleidoscopic fall foliage, the sacred Bears Ears, dazzling red rock formations, pristine lakes, lush valleys, clear rivers, and endless panoramas.
The Manti-La Sal offers unparalleled recreational opportunities, but it’s also a powerful testament of the importance of protecting Utah’s wild places so they stay #ForeverMighty.
We partnered with Visit Utah who asks travelers to plan and prepare so they can keep these forests Forever Mighty.
24. Fishlake National Forest Video
Larger than all of Utah’s national parks combined, the Fishlake National Forest features pristine lakes, vast stands of quaking aspen, beautifully carved canyons, high mountain peaks, and countless recreational opportunities.
The Manti-La Sal offers world-class recreational opportunities, but it’s also a powerful testament of the importance of protecting Utah’s wild places so they stay #ForeverMighty.
We partnered with Visit Utah who asks travelers to plan and prepare so they can keep these forests Forever Mighty.
25. Ocala National Forest Video
In the wild heart of Florida lies a primeval forest teeming with rare birds, alligators, manatees, and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural springs. Join us as we explore the immensely beautiful and underrated Ocala National Forest.
We proudly partnered with the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau to showcase this one-of-a-kind outdoor destination.
26. Ashley National Forest Video
Join us as we take you on a visual journey through one of the most stunning and unique regions in the country – Utah’s Ashley National Forest.
Explore stunning gorges, incredible valleys, sprawling forests, red deserts, and beautiful meadows as we take you from sunrise to sunset in this remote and beautiful landscape. This is the Ashley National Forest.
This film was brought to you by Visit Utah.
27. Green Mountain National Forest Video
Situated in the heart of Vermont, the Green Mountain National Forest is a vast land of hardwood forests, beautifully carved by glaciers with the most spectacular displays of fall foliage in the world.
Every year millions of people all over the world look forward to fall to watch the leaves change color – there is no better place to see this happen on the planet than Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest.
This film is a deviation from our traditional 3-5 minute series on national parks and forests. The reason we chose to release this film in a 10+ minute version is that we wanted folks to be able to slowly take in the views at a relaxed pace.
List of Best National Park Videos (+ Forests):
- Grand Teton National Park Video
- Voyageurs National Park Video
- Redwood National Park Video
- Zion National Park Video
- Death Valley National Park Video
- Rocky Mountain National Park Video
- Badlands National Park Video
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Video
- Haleakala National Park Video
- Olympic National Park Video
- Acadia National Park Video
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Video
- Virgin Islands National Park Video
- Joshua Tree National Park Video
- Saguaro National Park Video
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Video
- Deschutes National Forest
- Black Hills National Forest
- Flathead National Forest
- Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
- Dixie National Forest
- Manti-La Sal National Forest
- Fishlake National Forest
- Ocala National Forest
- Ashley National Forest
- Green Mountain National Forest
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