Author: Steve Harvey

It’s back! After the massive success last year that saw 30 different people submit absolutely astounding photos, the GDTA is once again running our Photo Contest!

Spend some time reminiscing and go dig through all the photos you’ve taken (this year, or any year). Then select your favourite(s) and submit by following the instructions below. Submitting your photos is a unique and simple way to help out the GDTA! As the association works to protect, promote, and maintain the trail, we’re always in need of high-quality imagery. Who better to provide that then those of you who’ve lived it?!

Need some inspiration? Have a look at the 2024 Winners of the GDTA Photo Contest.

2024 Photo Contest Winner: Mirror Mountain – Bradley Ayres

Prizes

The GDTA will be awarding prizes for the top three submissions, as voted on by select members from our volunteer community.

Honourable Mentions

Honourable mentions will be shared on our social media for:

• Animals
• Scenery
• Hikers / People
• Trail Work

Guidelines

• Digital images must be submitted via email to photocontest@greatdividetrail.com
• A maximum of five (5) photos per photographer will be considered for the contest
• Submissions must include the following text (please copy and paste this into the email submission).

Photographer: <your name>
Working Title: <one-sentence title>
Location: <specific location>
GDT Section: <A through G>
Detailed Caption: <longer caption, please include names of any identifiable individuals>

With this submission I affirm that I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the GDTA Photo Contest. 

• Photos must be attached as files, not links (iPhone users in particular, please double check how the photos get included)
• One photo per submission
• Multiple submissions are welcomed, however only the first five (5) submissions received per photographer will be considered for the contest
• Submission deadline:  Sunday October 12, 2025 at midnight Mountain time.
• Photos can be from any year.
• Photos can be color or black & white digital images of any location along the Great Divide Trail
• JPEG or TIFF files are allowed and ideally higher than web-resolution (at least 300 dots-per-inch or approximately 1000×1500 pixels for a 3×5 photo).
• If you’d like your photos to be considered for our annual calendar or magazine covers, they should be at least 8.5×11 inches at 300 dpi or approx. 2500×3300 pixels in size.
• Photos can be horizontal or vertical. Please upload in the proper orientation.

Terms and Conditions

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. By entering this contest, you agree to the terms and conditions relating to this contest and you are responsible for understanding your rights.

Photos entered are considered licensed to the Great Divide Trail Association in perpetuity. By entering the photo contest, you are giving the GDTA the right to use your photos as we see fit to promote the trail and its protection.

You will retain copyright to any photograph you submit. You only grant the GDTA rights to your photograph royalty-free, in perpetuity, nonexclusively to:

• Reproduce, distribute, transform, display and/or to perform your photographs in all print and electronic mediums at any size.
• Use your photos worldwide.
• Provide your photograph to other individuals and organizations for non-commercial use, such as in news stories, newsletters, reports, slide shows, displays, web pages, and the like.
• Archive in electronic forms so that your photos can be used to support our mission.
• The GDTA may request additional permission to use your photo for Commercial and Editorial uses that directly benefit the GDTA and the trail.

Whenever possible, the GDTA will provide attribution in the form the photographer’s name and/or photographer’s website URL per GDTA’s discretion. Attribution will appear next to the photo or in the credits of the work product.

By entering, participants agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the GDTA, its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, attorneys, agents and representatives, from any and all third party liability for any injuries, loss, claim, action, demand or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the competition (collectively, “Losses”), including without limitation any third party claim for copyright infringement or a violation of an individual’s right to privacy and/or publicity right. The Contest is void where prohibited by law.

Contest entrants are responsible for ensuring that he or she has the right to submit the photos that he or she submits to the contest.

¹The concept and inspiration for this contest comes from the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s annual Photo Contest.

When most people think about supporting trails, they imagine funding the creation of new bridges or enhancing trail features. While these projects are certainly important, there’s another side to trail maintenance that often goes overlooked: operating costs. 

To keep the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) running smoothly, we need consistent, unrestricted funding for things like insurance, website upkeep, office supplies, wages, and technology. These essential elements are the backbone that allow us to continue the trail’s maintenance, offer educational programs, and provide vital resources for hikers. There’s also a lot of work that goes on to maintain the GDT, such as engaging with the parks and communities along the trail, building relationships, and applying for permits. These tasks require more than just volunteer help, and donations help fund this crucial work that ensures the trail remains accessible and protected for all who enjoy it. 

Without stable funding for these hard costs, we simply wouldn’t be able to keep our doors open. Monthly donations play a crucial role in ensuring we can cover these ongoing expenses. It’s not as glamorous as building a shiny new bridge, but it’s the foundation that supports everything we do.  

When you sign up for a monthly donation, you’re ensuring that the GDTA stays open and continues its important work—maintaining trails, educating the public, and providing essential hiking resources. We can’t do it without your support. 

Your commitment allows us to continue the good work that keeps the trails open and accessible for everyone. Thank you for helping us stay on track and keep the trail experience alive!