131 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Another picturesque spot along the Salt River, offering beaches and red cliffs, perfect for family and landscape photography.
A popular spot for wildlife photography, featuring wild horses that roam the lower Salt River. Ideal for capturing nature and wildlife.
This park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes. It's perfect for nature and landscape photography, providing trails and scenic overlooks. The unique rock formations and wildlife make it a photographer's paradise.
A park offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and diverse desert landscapes, perfect for capturing natural beauty.
Located along the Salt River, this area provides a tranquil setting with red rock cliffs and a beach. It's perfect for capturing serene family portraits and nature photography.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
Situated along the Salt River, this location provides tranquil water scenes and red cliffs, ideal for family and landscape photography.
A scenic location for capturing landscapes and wildlife, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is golden. It is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
A scenic spot along the Salt River, offering a beach area and red cliffs, perfect for family portraits and water activities.
A dramatic overlook within the Sonoran Desert National Monument offering panoramic desert vistas, striking rock formations, and natural desert vegetation. This is one of the most iconic landscape photography spots in the region.
Located along the Salt River, this site offers desert landscapes, towering cliffs, and sometimes wild horses, making it perfect for outdoor and wildlife photography.
Located just outside Fountain Hills, this park offers extensive trails for hiking and photography. It provides stunning views of the Sonoran Desert landscape and is home to diverse wildlife, making it suitable for nature and landscape photography.
A scenic spot along the Salt River offering a mix of desert landscapes and water features, ideal for family portraits.
Located along the Salt River, this spot offers stunning red cliffs and a tranquil beach area. It's ideal for family photos with its accessible beach and calm water.
Located at Coon Bluff, this spot offers opportunities to photograph wild horses against a natural river backdrop.
Iconic mountains offering dramatic landscapes and historical significance. Ideal for family photos and adventure photography.
Known for its unique rock formations like Marbled Walls, El Mirage Crack, and the Black Rock, this area offers stunning landscapes for nature photography.
This trail offers panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest, making it ideal for landscape photography. The elevation gain provides a unique perspective.
Situated at the foot of the Bull Dog Cliffs, this ranch offers panoramic views of the wilderness and the Salt River. It's ideal for landscape and wildlife photography, especially capturing images of horses and scenic vistas.
Located within Usery Mountain Regional Park, this trail offers stunning views of the desert landscape and unique rock formations. It's ideal for capturing panoramic views and dramatic landscapes.
Located in Tonto National Forest, this lake offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for boating and photography with opportunities for capturing unique desert landscapes.
Located within the Tonto National Forest, Coon Bluff offers stunning views of the Salt River and is a popular spot for capturing desert landscapes and wild horses.
A challenging trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offering scenic views and opportunities for nature photography.
This park provides open shade and scenic views, making it ideal for family photos and natural landscapes. The varying trails offer diverse photography opportunities throughout the day.
Apache Wash Trailhead offers access to the Sonoran Desert landscape, with its unique rock formations and desert flora. It's great for nature and landscape photography.
A trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve known for wildflowers and scenic views, ideal for nature photography.
Located in the White Tank Mountains, Waterfall Canyon offers a rare sight of waterfalls in the desert. It's a great spot for nature and landscape photography, especially after rainfall when the waterfalls are most active.
A scenic loop with diverse desert landscapes, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
A chance to photograph wild horses in their natural habitat along the Salt River. It's ideal for wildlife and nature photography.
Located along the Salt River, this site offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes, ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Known for its iconic desert landscape and high concentration of saguaro cacti. It's perfect for capturing unique desert shots and panoramic views.
The Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers a beautiful waterfall after rainfall, making it ideal for nature and landscape photography.
This area offers a variety of landscapes along the Salt River, including scenic views of the water and surrounding desert. It’s ideal for capturing natural and outdoor scenes.
A park offering panoramic views of the Estrella Mountains and surrounding landscape, ideal for landscape photography.
Located slightly outside Glendale, this monument offers vast landscapes and historic sites for nature and landscape photography.
A desert oasis with a unique 'beach' and desert flora, popular for portraits and wedding photography.
Multiple pull-off spots along the river offer diverse desert and water scenes, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Located in Waddell, Arizona, Waterfall Canyon offers a scenic hike with a waterfall, best visited after a rain. This spot is ideal for nature and landscape photography, providing unique desert views.
Another scenic spot along the Salt River, offering opportunities for capturing river views and red cliffs. It's ideal for family portraits and nature photography.
A scenic trail offering panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest, ideal for landscape photography.
Located in Waddell, this canyon offers a picturesque waterfall after rainfall, making it perfect for nature and landscape photography.
Located near Roosevelt, Arizona, Elephant Arch is a natural rock formation that resembles an elephant. It is easily accessible from the road and offers a unique opportunity for landscape and wildlife photography, especially at sunset.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and opportunities for capturing wildlife or horseback riding scenes.
A desert oasis with scenic walkways and a 'beach' area, popular for portraits and family photos.
A scenic lake in the Superstition Mountains, offering opportunities for waterscape and landscape photography.
A unique rock formation near Maricopa, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
A scenic hiking trail offering views of the desert landscape and unique rock formations, suitable for nature and landscape photography.
A great starting point for desert photography, offering trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
A scenic spot along the Salt River, offering opportunities for capturing the river's beauty and surrounding landscape.
Located in Goodyear, the Estrella Star Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great spot for sunset and night photography, providing a unique perspective on the desert landscape.
Though not directly in Peoria, nearby Rio Salado Wetlands offer a vibrant opportunity for wildlife and nature photography.
Located along the Salt River in Tonto National Forest, this area offers scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains, making it suitable for landscape and waterscape photography.
A scenic trail along the Salt River, offering opportunities for capturing wildlife, especially wild horses.
A scenic area with opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography, especially capturing the river and surrounding desert.
This trail, located within McDowell Mountain Regional Park, offers historical and natural photography opportunities. The trail features petroglyphs and offers scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
A river known for its scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for birds and horses. Ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
The vast, open spaces of the Sonoran Desert near Anthem offer stunning natural landscapes with unique flora like saguaro cacti.
This overlook provides panoramic views of Fountain Lake and the surrounding desert landscape, making it ideal for landscape photography.
A scenic river flowing through the desert, offering opportunities for waterscape and nature photography.
Experience the serene beauty of the Verde River on horseback, offering unique opportunities to capture the river and surrounding desert landscapes from a different perspective.
Gillespie Dam is a historic dam that offers combinations of industrial architecture and natural landscapes. It provides a unique blend of textures and structures, making it excellent for capturing industrial heritage and surrounding desert landscapes.
Though not directly in Maricopa, this trail is nearby and offers scenic views of natural landscapes perfect for hiking and landscape photography.
Known for its stunning desert landscapes and scenic hiking trails, White Tank Regional Park is perfect for landscape and nature photography. The park features unique rock formations and offers opportunities for capturing wildlife and sunset shots.
An authentic desert ranch offering rugged Southwestern scenery, desert plant life, and rustic architectural elements. Popular for lifestyle, environmental portraits, and thematic shoots.
An residential area with open spaces allowing for stunning desert sunsets, ideal for capturing dramatic sky and landscape photography.
A quirky, privately owned museum featuring miniature custom cars, vintage memorabilia, and automobile-themed art. The colorful, whimsical collection is a creative backdrop for themed portraits and still life photography.
A championship golf course nestled in the desert, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to capture the interplay of greenery and desert elements.
Explore the serene trails within the Yavapai Nation, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The trails offer opportunities to capture wildlife, desert plants, and the tranquil atmosphere.
A historic site along the old Southern Pacific Railroad with remnants of 19th-century structures, railroad relics, and sweeping desert vistas. Unique for historical, landscape, and deserted place photography.
Many golf courses around Maricopa offer beautiful sunsets, especially with the desert landscape as a backdrop.
This campground offers scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape and is suitable for capturing the tranquility of nature, especially during sunset or sunrise.
A scenic area with mountains rising in the background, offering a blend of natural landscape and urban views.
This moderately trafficked trail offers a mix of wildlife and scenic landscapes with colorful wildflowers during the spring. It's suitable for hiking and mountain biking, providing diverse opportunities for capturing nature and outdoor activities.
Located near Peoria, this park offers opportunities for waterscape and landscape photography, with scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Located near Buckeye, this park offers stunning views of the Estrella Mountains and surrounding landscapes, making it ideal for landscape photography.
A unique spot amidst the Sonoran Desert, Cactenna offers intriguing desert landscapes with diverse cacti species. It's ideal for nature and landscape photography focusing on desert flora.
Pebble Beach along the Salt River features scenic views of the river and surrounding desert. It is ideal for nature and landscape photography.
If available, this trail could offer stunning views of the sunset, ideal for landscape photography with dramatic sky colors.
A well-manicured golf course set amidst the desert landscape, offering opportunities to capture the interplay of greenery and desert vistas.
A nature preserve with breathtaking views and peaceful trails, perfect for nature photography and capturing scenic vistas.
A unique spot where the Gila River, Salt River, and Agua Fria River meet, offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
Located in Skyline Regional Park, this trail offers panoramic views of the Estrella Mountain Range. It is ideal for landscape photography and capturing the desert landscape's beauty.
A modern sports and recreation hub with striking architecture, vibrant public art, and well-maintained walking paths. The facility’s clean lines and bold colors are ideal for urban, lifestyle, and architectural photography.
A local history museum showcasing the area’s heritage, railroad history, and Native American culture. Its exhibits and restored train cars provide unique indoor and outdoor subjects for documentary and storytelling photography.
This neighborhood offers a quaint suburban setting with a mix of residential architecture and local park life. It's suitable for capturing family portraits and candid moments of community life.
The heart of old Maricopa with historic buildings, quaint shops, and retro signage. Great for street, architectural, and documentary photography.
A seasonal market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and community events, offering vibrant colors, candid moments, and the spirit of small-town America.
This outdoor outfitter offers experiences like horseback riding and off-road excursions, providing opportunities to capture dynamic outdoor activities amidst the desert landscape.
A seasonal creek offering opportunities to capture water flow and desert scenery.
An art studio featuring paintings of birds and landscapes. It provides a unique opportunity for capturing artistic subjects and creative compositions.
This resort offers a blend of modern architecture and natural desert landscapes, providing a unique backdrop for photography. The surrounding areas include lush greenery and desert vistas, making it suitable for capturing a mix of modern and natural elements.
A local favorite for family portraits and casual outdoor photography, featuring expansive green fields, playgrounds, and an accessible gazebo. Its open lawns provide clean backgrounds, while the trees offer natural framing.
Located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, this area offers a mix of modern architecture with a rich cultural background. The casino and surrounding landscape provide interesting photography opportunities with a blend of natural desert views and modern structures.
Though not precisely located in Mesa, nearby Saguaro Lake offers serene water and desert landscapes perfect for reflection shots and nature photography.
Located in Goodyear, this yacht club offers a unique blend of water and architecture photography opportunities, especially during sunset for warm tones.
This location offers a unique opportunity for wildlife photography, housing a variety of exotic animals including a rare white alligator and an electric eel. The naturalistic habitats provide a great backdrop for capturing animal portraits and interactions.
A charming neighborhood park with a pond, walking paths, shaded picnic areas, and native plants. Excellent for candid family moments, nature details, and tranquil landscape shots.
A small, man-made wetland area offering reflective pools, birdlife, and native plants. Particularly good for birdwatching and naturalist photography.
The area around Gillespie Dam offers a mix of desert landscapes and industrial structures, providing interesting contrasts for photography.
An urban area with a variety of restaurants and shops, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.
A quieter alternative to Copper Sky, Picana Park offers fields and shade trees, ideal for family photos and portraits. The less crowded setting allows for more intimate and natural shots.
An open area where dogs can run freely. It offers great opportunities for wildlife and candid photography.
A modern RV resort offering amenities like pickleball and a pool, set against the backdrop of the desert. It's a great spot for capturing modern outdoor recreational activities.
A community recreation center with a lake and walking paths. It’s ideal for capturing candid moments and family portraits.
This park offers a community center and a large lake, providing opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
A scenic trail offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for hiking and landscape photography.
A modern public library with striking architectural elements, sunlit reading rooms, and public art installations. Suitable for architectural, interior, and documentary photography.
This park is well-suited for family portraits, offering a mix of natural scenery and playgrounds that can add a lively touch to photos.
This resort offers a unique blend of recreational and natural elements, with golf courses, walking trails, and scenic views. It's suitable for family and leisure photography, capturing moments of relaxation and recreation.
Maricopa's surrounding desert offers expansive views and unique rock formations, ideal for landscape photography.
A large complex with various facilities, including social halls and a library. It offers opportunities for capturing community life and architecture.
A serene spot for nature photography, Maricopa Lake offers tranquil landscapes and potential for birdwatching.
Located near Copper Sky Regional Park, this trailhead offers access to natural trails and scenic views, ideal for landscape photography.
Located within the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, this spa offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere, providing opportunities for capturing serene and peaceful scenes.
A somber, well-maintained memorial honoring local veterans, featuring flags, plaques, and a reflective garden. A respectful setting for documentary and landscape photography.
A lesser-known area with vast plains and unique landscape features, potentially offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
A dynamic, active space for sports and action photography, with colorful equipment, energetic gymnasts, and high-energy events.
This area offers a blend of small-town charm with historical buildings and scenic views, ideal for street photography and capturing architectural details. The local shops and eateries add to the visual interest.
This museum provides insight into the local history and can be a great spot for capturing historical architecture and cultural events.
A venue fee applies here, but it offers a tranquil setting for family and portrait photography, with natural backdrops and scenic views.
This small station offers a mix of urban and historical elements, which could be interesting for enthusiasts of train or rustic architecture.
A golf course with a variety of landscapes and challenges, offering opportunities for capturing different golfing scenarios.
A community park with a mix of walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, offering opportunities for casual portraits and lifestyle shots.
A small museum showcasing the history of Sun City, offering a glimpse into its past with memorabilia and knowledgeable docents. It can be an interesting spot for historical or architectural photography.
This museum offers a glimpse into local history and could be interesting for historical or architectural photography.
This modern building offers interesting architectural details, making it suitable for urban photography.
For those interested in urban landscapes or nighttime photography, the casino offers a modern building with vibrant lights.
Similar to the school district building, Maricopa High School offers modern architecture that could be of interest for urban photography.
A smaller park that offers a mix of greenery and playgrounds, suitable for family portraits.
While not a traditional photography spot, the school district offers modern architecture that could be interesting for urban or architectural photography.
This residential area offers a mix of modern homes and natural landscapes, which could be interesting for urban or real estate photography.
