If you’re from Arizona, then these shoot locations might seem obvious… but for those visiting or new to the area, I hope this little guide of my faves is helpful!  Tell me, have you visited them all?

Lost Dutchman State Park
Phoenix/Apache Junction, Arizona

I about died when I saw this location in person.  It’s one thing to see it via online images and instagram and a complete other to be there in person.  Incredibly large cactus, high red mountain peaks, and the most gorgeous desert sunset… you’ll fall in love with this place! Just watch out for the BUGS! We saw a wasp that was big enough to kill and drag off a TARANTULA. We saw it in action and guys it was terrifying.

Permit/Fee: $7.00 entrance fee per vehicle, no permit required.
Website: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/explore/maps
Hours: 6 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Superior, Arizona

Okay, okay, we didnt actually get to go out to this one…Yet! But I did ALL the research on it so I figured I had better pass along the info on this gorgeous venue to you beautiful people!  So here’s the scoop.  This place is an incredible landscaped garden, full of all of Arizona’s most beautiful foliage and even some wildlife!  There’s also a few picturesque greenhouses and paved pathways… a MUST for me, very soon!

Permit/Fee: $12:50 entrance fee per adult, no permit required.
Website: http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/
Hours: October – April: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. no park entry after 4:00 p.m.
May – September: 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. no park entry after 2:00 p.m.

Jewel of the Creek Nature Preserve
Carefree/Scottsdale, Arizona

Lush greens and magnificent saquaro cacti, I’ve got to give a huge shout out to Jessica for this find.  Where the other locations all had multiple other hikers and photographers, this one we had all to ourselves.  It was green and beautiful in April!

Permit/Fee: Donations!
Website: https://www.dflt.org/jewel-of-the-creek-preserve
Hours: None

Courthouse Vista
Sedona, Arizona

Tall and regal, these red rock formations are surrounded with pinion and cedar trees. Making the earth smell as rich as it looks. Deep reds and faded greens…. this was by far one of my favorite locations we got to shoot at(minus the traffic)!

Permit/Fee: National Forest Photography Permit
Website: Google Maps
Hours: None

Cathedral Rock
Sedona, Arizona

Cathedral Rock is one of those iconic rock formations that every Arizona photographer seems to find their way to… tall tall formations penetrate the beautiful desert skies. It’s truly a must-visit while you’re in Sedona!

Permit/Fee: National Forest Photography Permit  Plus day use fee, usually $5 per vehicle
Website: Google Maps
Hours: None

South Rim
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

This one needs no explanation, if you’ve ever seen the sunrise over the grand canyon, then you’ve truly seen magic.  After we witnessed this morning, it took nearly an hour of silence just to let this moment really sink in. It’s something i’ll never forget and hope to experience again (maybe with some clients to shoot?)soon!

Permit/Fee: National Park Photography Permit Plus entrance fee of
Website: South Rim National Park
Hours: None