Remote landscapes in the United States offer vast, diverse scenery with high alpine lakes in Montana to craggy desert formations in Utah and quiet coastlines in Oregon. For visual storytellers, these hidden regions present a thrilling opportunity: to capture unique angles where others rarely fly. Drone photography becomes more than a hobby. It becomes a serious expedition. If you want to elevate your drone photography in the USA’s hidden spots, this blog covers essential tips, tools, planning, and safety.
Selecting Hidden Spots for Aerial Captures
Some of the best hidden spots for drone work in the U.S. include:
- Owyhee Canyonlands (Oregon‑Idaho border): dramatic, Mars‑like canyons with few visitors.
- Bisti/De‑Na‑Zin Wilderness (New Mexico): hoodoos, cracked ground, alien textures.
- Beartooth Mountains (Montana‑Wyoming): high elevation lakes, serpentine roads and peaks.
- Escalante River Basin (Utah): slot canyons, red rock formations, sweeping desert vistas.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado): rippled dunes, shifting light, minimal crowds.
When you arrive early or go late, the light is soft, the vantage points are less crowded, and the air is more still, ideal for drone photography. You’ll find angles that feel fresh, where your footage tells a story no one else captured.
Know the Rules & Fly Responsibly
Flying drones in remote U.S. areas demands attention to rules. Many national parks prohibit recreational drones entirely. Wilderness areas and tribal lands may also restrict airspace. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or state parks often allow drones with limitations. Use apps like the FAA’s B4UFLY to check the current airspace. Keep flights under 400 feet, maintain line‑of‑sight, avoid wildlife, and steer clear of private property. Always respect local regulations and the environment. Planning your flight under legal guidelines ensures you stay clear of trouble and protect remote landscapes.
Best Drone Settings & Technical Setup
Use these technical guidelines for strong aerial footage:
- Shoot in 4K or in the highest resolution your drone supports to retain detail.
- Use a frame rate of 24 or 30 fps for cinematic motion; 60 fps if you plan to slow things down.
- Set white balance manually to keep colour consistent across changing light.
- Use ND filters when shooting in daylight to avoid washed‑out footage or motion blur from too much light.
- Use gridlines and the rule of thirds in your camera preview to frame compelling compositions.
- Consider auto‑exposure bracketing (AEB) for difficult light conditions, then select the best frame in post.
Prepare your gear with extra batteries, memory cards, and a protective hard case; remote spots often leave you far from resupply.
Shot Types That Work Well from the Sky
Here are five shot types that work especially well in remote U.S. spots:
- Reveal shot: Start behind a ridge or tree, then ascend or fly sideways to open the view.
- Top‑down: Point the camera straight downward to highlight patterns in terrain such as rock strata, dune ripples, and river deltas.
- Orbit: Circle a mountain, lake, or structure to show context and motion.
- Pull‑back: Begin close to a subject, then fly backwards to reveal scale, perfect for remote cabins, old barns, or geological features.
- Tracking: Follow a winding road, river bend, or trail smoothly to show the path and place.
Use these as templates, then adapt them with your own creative eye and unique landscape.
Gear Checklist for Shooting Remote
Pack smart for remote drone flights:
- Bring at least three drone batteries because cold, wind, or altitude drains them faster.
- Use a portable solar charger or a large capacity power bank to stay charged in the field.
- Include spare propellers and a basic repair kit; remote areas mean no drone store nearby.
- Use a landing pad, especially in sandy, dusty, or uneven terrain. It protects your drone and lens.
- Carry memory cards labelled by location or date to keep your footage organised.
- Consider backup camera gear or a phone with aerial‑capable features as a fallback.
In remote environments, preparedness makes the difference between capturing a scene and missing it.
Scouting & Planning Before You Fly
Good aerial footage starts before you fly. Use these tools and techniques:
- Google Earth Pro: Explore terrain, recent imagery, topography, and approach roads before you arrive.
- AllTrails or Gaia GPS: Research hiking routes, vehicle access, potential launch spots and distance from services.
- PhotoPills: Plan for sunrise, sunset, or moon‑related lighting at your target location.
- Windy or similar app: Check wind strength at elevation, you’ll want calm air for smooth motion.
- Check for seasonality: Remote locations may have access changes due to snow, road closures or floods.
By planning, you reduce surprises, optimise your time, and raise the quality of your aerial work.
Editing & Post‑Production Tips
Editing is where your vision comes to life. Use these post‑production tips:
- Always shoot in RAW or the highest quality format so you retain dynamic range.
- Use dehaze and clarity controls to reduce atmospheric interference, especially at high altitude or desert haze.
- For panoramas or multiple shots, stitch them for wide‑angle drama.
- Crop thoughtfully: vertical orientation can emphasise height in canyon walls; horizontal orientation emphasises expanse in deserts.
- Colour grade with intention: warm desert sands, cold alpine blues, golden hour glow. Avoid over‑saturation.
- If you produce video, pair your aerial clips with ambient audio or a subtle soundtrack to enhance the mood.
Strong editing will turn raw footage into a compelling narrative, especially in remote U.S. locations where atmosphere and place matter.
Safety & Etiquette for Drone Use in Remote Spots
Respect for nature and other visitors is essential:
- Avoid disturbing wildlife: Animals can be spooked or stressed by drones.
- Stick to daylight flying unless permitted: Remote environments may lack lighting or be unsafe at night.
- Check local access rules: Some lands require permits or may be closed to drone flight.
- Use designated roads or landing zones: Do not damage vegetation or sensitive terrain when landing.
- Keep noise and disturbance low: Remote areas are visited for their tranquillity, hence minimise your impact.
- Allow other photographers or hikers space: Don’t dominate the scene with a drone buzzing overhead.
Flying responsibly ensures preservation of the spot and better goodwill for future visits.
Putting It All Together: A Remote Drone Shoot Workflow
Here’s a streamlined workflow for a successful remote drone shoot:
- Arrive at the location early and reassess potential vantage points.
- Scout access, landing pad, wind, sun angle, and ambient conditions.
- Set up your drone and gear; calibrate the compass and sensors if needed.
- Frame your first shot; use wide aperture and ND filters as needed.
- Fly your planned shot types (reveal, orbit, top‑down, pull‑back, tracking).
- Review footage in the field and adjust as required before light changes.
- Pack safely and review all gear and data. Label the memory cards and backup files.
- Edit your best clips/photos with consistency and intention. Add metadata, location and context where relevant.
The Closing Shot 
Remote U.S. landscapes reward patience, preparation and creativity. When you fly a drone where others rarely go, you unlock perspectives that surface‑only travellers miss. Pick the right location, plan your flight, use the best settings, edit with purpose, and act with respect. Take the time to scout hidden spots, set your gear, and tell the story of the land from above. Your aerial footage will not just show a view but will reflect discovery. Happy shooting and clear skies.
