Three of the Best Locations for Beautiful Family Photos in Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix desert has so many gorgeous locations to choose from for your family photos, but how do you know which location will work best for you and your family? Figuring out where to take your family photos can be an added stress. I’ve listed three popular locations for family photos in Phoenix desert landscapes, along with their pros and cons.
These locations are popular for family photos for a reason! They generally are easy to access and offer classically beautiful desert landscapes. Think saguaros, mountains, mesquite and palo verde trees. And of course, beautiful golden light!
Sonoran Desert Preserve:
There are lots of areas within the preserve in North Phoenix that offer epic backdrops for your family photos. But one of the best locations for family photos is the Apache Wash Trailhead.
Reasons this location is popular:
- It has gorgeous views with mountains in the background
- Lots of different saguaros to give you that classic Arizona desert look
- There is a large parking lot for convenient access
- You get beautiful views with minimal walking from the trailhead
- Trails are very walkable and you can bring a stroller if needed
Why this location might not work for your family:
- There are a lot of cholla, which could potentially be an issue with active little ones. I’ve never had an issue, but it’s something to be aware of
Phoenix Mountain Preserve:
There are a number of trailheads within the preserve and one of the best for family photos is the 40th Street Trailhead.
Reasons this location is popular:
- More gorgeous mountain views that provide an epic backdrop for your family photos
- A medium sized parking lot that allows for easy access to trails
- The beautiful views are a close walk to the trailhead
Why this location might not work for you:
- Pathways are rocky in places
- This location is not stroller friendly with my favorite trail being a bit steep in the very beginning
Papago Park:
Located centrally in the Phoenix metro area, the park has two sides that offer different options for your family photo session. With a lake and palm trees on the East side and red mountain views on the West there are lots of options. The west side definitely offers the more classic Arizona desert look that is popular for family photos.
Reasons this location is popular:
- It’s a great centralized location, so easy to access from anywhere in the valley
- You can get a red rock look like Sedona right in the heart of Phoenix
- Easy walking paths so you can bring a stroller if needed
- You can get epic views without much walking from the parking lot
Why this location might not work for you:
- Because it’s surrounded by the city you can sometimes see buildings and power lines in the distance in photos
- It can be a crowded location, so sometimes parking can be a little tricky
- Getting away from the crowds may require some additional walking
- It’s not only popular for family photos, but with walkers and hikers alike
All three of these locations offer beautiful desert backdrops for your family photos in Phoenix, AZ. And I’m sure you can see now why they’re so popular. With easy access, gorgeous views and the beauty of the desert they’re hard to beat.
And if you’re ready to book your family photo session in Phoenix at one of these locations or one of the other many locations around the Valley I offer, reach out to me. Let’s get your session planned!
