Suggestions for photographic locations in Arizona needed!

[malcolm_fox]

Being British, I am very much looking forward to my first trip to Arizona next Monday-Wednesday. Unfortunately, it is for work and I am limited to only a few spare hours during my drives to and from the airport (Phoenix) and my destination (Tucson). Can anyone suggest notable landscapes or natural landmarks that might be within my reach? Thanks in advance...Malcolm

[wayne_campbell]

Malcolm,

 

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Since you are heading south I would suggest The Casa Grande, an old

Indian site, and the Suarjo (pardon my spelling) National Park

outside Tuscon. It has incredible terrain and a zillion varieties of

Cactus. Of course, all along the way your mind will be boggled by the

desert terrain and sites, espacvially the sudden upcroppings of rock

and mountains. Take a turn off the main road from time to time to see

the side views. Arizona is a photographer's paradise, especially

heading north, oh well, you can do that next time.

[qtluong]

The West unit of Saguaro National Park is less than one hour

away from Tucson, and easily explored in a couple of hours.

Maybe you can get there for a sunrise or

sunset during your working days. Even before getting to

the national park, you'll cross a mountain park half an hour away

from the city with cactus-covered slopes. The Arizona-Sonora

desert museum and the old Tucson studios are worth checking too.

[steve_swinehart]

I second the recommendation for the west unit of Saguaro National

Monument. Early morning is sensational. Later in the day, I would

suggest Sabino Canyon, and a trip to Mt. Lemmmon may also bring some

photo opportunities. The Pima Air Museum has some bizarre photo

ops. It's sort of like a dumping ground for all the planes the US

Gov't doesn't use anymore.

[marv5]

Iwould definetly consider Mt. Lemmon. We took our time driving up

with lots of stops and sight seeing, unfortunately all I had was my

digital camera and a real yearning for the 8X10, and made it back

down in 35 to 45 minutes driving straight through. We were there in

February and there was still snow in the protected areas, you travel

up to nearly 9000 feet I believe. The scenery goes from Saguaro catus

fields to alpine firs, with a lot of places to stop and view along

the way. It cost $5.00 I think for a day pass and was well worth

the "donation". It is easy to get to and the roads are all paved.

[masayoshi_hayashi6]

Malcolm, don't forget to stop by Ceneter for Creative Photography

(CCP) at University of Arizona. The building is along the Speedway

Blvd.

[pat_kearns1]

Malcolm - in Tucson a trip to Mission San Xavier Del Bac is a must.

Brilliant white facade, multitudes of arches, wonderful Spanish

Mission church built in 1783-97.

[neil_poulsen1]

I also vote for Mission San Xavier Del Bac. This is considered the

finest of the California/Arizona Spanish missions.

 

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While it's not take pictures, you might also want to consider visiting

the Center for Creative Photography, the place to which Ansel Adams,

Edward Weston, and other well known photographers have willed their

negatives and a lot of their prints. It's in Tuscon.