The winner might be that dazzling sunset photo you took on the Hermit Trail in the Grand Canyon.
It might be that top-of-the-world shot you snapped from the summit of 12,633-foot Humphreys Peak north of Flagstaff.
Or that artsy saguaro picture you captured along the Cactus Forest Trail near Tucson.
The Arizona State Committee on Trails is holding a contest to find the best photos of trails in the state — and you're invited to send in your favorite shots.
Winners in each of three photo categories will get an annual pass to Arizona's state parks and a set of trail guides.
The top photos will be posted on the state parks Web site — www.azstateparks.com — and possibly featured in park promotions.
"What better reason to go out, have a nice hike and take a beautiful picture?" said Ellen Bilbrey, spokeswoman for Arizona State Parks. "The concept is fun, and it gives people a good reason to get off the couch and head for the hills."
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The Committee on Trails, a 25-member group advising the Arizona State Parks Board, set a July 15 deadline for submitting photos in print or e-mail form. (See accompanying box for details on entering the contest.)
A panel of about five judges — including committee members and a professional photographer — will select one overall winner in each category.
"Depending on the number of entries and the quality, we might provide additional levels of recognition as well," said Annie McVay, state trails coordinator.
One category — "Trail Users" — could include photos of hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, families, people with disabilities or anyone else using a trail.
The second category — "Arizona State Park/State Trails System" — calls for pictures taken on the state trails system.
The third — "Landscape" — will focus on trails with exceptional views.
All photos must have been taken in Arizona after Jan. 1, 2000. Each participant may enter up to three photos total. Entries must be accompanied by a photo release form available from the state parks Web site.
McVay said results of the contest probably will be announced by September.
• Format: Print photos must be 4 inches by 6 inches or larger and may be either color or black and white. Digital images — sent by e-mail or on a CD — must be in a high-resolution rgb jpeg format with a minimum of 1,800 pixels by 1,500 pixels, 6 inches by 5 inches in either direction at 300 dpi or ppi.
• Send to: Photos may be mailed to Arizona State Parks, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, Attn: ASCOT Photo Contest. Digital images may be sent by e-mail to ascotphoto contest@gmail.com.
• Photo place and time: Photos submitted for the contest must have been taken in Arizona after Jan. 1, 2000.
• Photo release forms: These must be submitted with all entries. Forms are available at www.azstate parks.com/partnerships/ trails/statetrails.html on the Internet. Call 1-602-542-7116 to inquire about obtaining forms if you don't have access to a computer.
• Contest deadline: July 15
• Information: Go online to www.azstateparks.com/part nerships/trails/statetrails. html or call 1-602-542-7116.
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