Scottdale, Arizona Trip

[ShaneS]

I will be spending a week in the Scottsdale/Phoenix Arizona area at the end of March and am hoping that some of the members here will be able to provide some suggestions for photogenic areas nearby. My husband will be working during the day but I get to play!

I plan on visiting Pinacle Peak and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and I hope to take in the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden.

I may also try to fit in a visit to Taliesin West, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes, and plan on visiting a girlfriend who lives in Carefree and she is always up for a road trip if you know of anything in that vicinity.

I don't want to venture as far as Sedona and would like to keep any commutes to an hour or so each way.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

[Shadowman]

As always, my go to website:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/phoenix/721022

[Mike Buckley]

Considering your love of landscape photography, I forbid you from going to that area if you don't return home with some photos of giant saguaro cacti.

You don't have to go to either part of Saguaro National Park to do that. If you want to go there for whatever reason, Saguaro West will be closer than Saguaro East and the scenery is similar if not the same.

Consider instead going to the Usery Mountain Regional Park's Pass Mountain Trail. The trail is a long circular route. However, you'll encounter a lot of giant saguaros at the beginning of the trail. Alternatively, go the opposite way early in the morning for lots of them on a steep rise about a 30-minute walk from the parking lot. If you want more details, PM me.

If you're going to be in downtown Phoenix, you'll find lots of interesting rock formations, giant saguaros and other plentiful flora just 15 minutes or so away on South Mountain Park's Hidden Valley Trail. Also PM me about that if a visit there seems appealing.

[ShaneS]

Thank you for the suggestion Mike...Usery Park is now on the list and I will research the others over the weekend and let you know if I need more information.

[ShaneS]

Last call for suggestions as I am heading out soon.

I found out the Usery Park and Lost Dutchman State Park are 30-45 minutes away from my lodgings so I am getting excited - my tripod is already in my suitcase

I have read about and seen some nice images of Pinnacle Peak but wonder if it will be overrun by tourists since it is a bit of an icon in the area?

[IzzieK]

Wow! John, that was a nice informative website...love it!

[Shadowman]

Wow! John, that was a nice informative website...love it!

Thanks Isabel. The website especially comes in handy when I just want to wing it and be adventurous, with a little pre-planning.

[Mike Buckley]

Depending on the style of photography you want, you may want to make a point of going to Lost Dutchman State park on the weekend when there are more people there participating in water sports. It can help to have people on the water even with photos of large expanses.

I didn't mention Lost Dutchman because, though it was nice place to visit by car, I wasn't nearly as successful at finding appealing scenes for photography there as the other places that I mentioned.

Have a great trip and bring back some fantastic photos!

[AndrewMcD]

Realizing the limitations you put on how far you want to travel for your day trips I just have to say that the Grand Canyon is singularly the most impressive place I have ever visited. The light was simply amazing. I don't think I could return to that part of the country again without including another visit to the Canyon. My wife and I both thought that Sedona paled by comparison.

Regardless, have a great trip and can't wait to see some of your work when you return.

Andrew

[ShaneS]

John, I realized that I had overlooked thanking you for the Frommer's link- so sorry! I checked it out last night and it was a good reminder of some of the other types of photo opportunities that can be found in the area. I love old town Scottsdale and will likely spend some time there. The Saturday morning farmers market there but will likely be to busy sampling the goodies to take any pictures

Andrew, I have been to the Grand Canyon in my pre-photography days and long to get back at some point but unfortunately it won't be on this trip. Although my hubby is very supportive of my 'habit' I can't abandon the him completely for the week.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

[Shadowman]

John, I realized that I had overlooked thanking you for the Frommer's link- so sorry! I checked it out last night and it was a good reminder of some of the other types of photo opportunities that can be found in the area. I love old town Scottsdale and will likely spend some time there. The Saturday morning farmers market there but will likely be to busy sampling the goodies to take any pictures

Andrew, I have been to the Grand Canyon in my pre-photography days and long to get back at some point but unfortunately it won't be on this trip. Although my hubby is very supportive of my 'habit' I can't abandon the him completely for the week.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Shane,

Glad it helped.