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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> Been to Phoenix ?
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04/06/2008 09:52:00 PM · #1
I am going there and wondering about the zoo?
Is it a good one for pictures?
Can you recommend other places to shoot in the area?
I see there is a GTG in the area, but most of the shooting seems out of the area.
I am planning a couple days in Sedona.

Thanks!

Message edited by author 2008-04-06 21:52:27.
04/06/2008 10:19:29 PM · #2
I've never been to the Phoenix Zoo, but I've been to Sedona and Tucson. Sedona is incredibly beautiful. If you like French food, you must eat at a place called Rene's while you are in Sedona. It's probably the best restaurant I've ever tried. If you make it to Tucson, I recommend going to the Arizona Desert Museum. Despite the name, it is also a zoo - with Arizona native animals in enclosures that realistically duplicate their natural settings. You should be able to get some great shots there. Also in Tucson is Saguaro National Monument - reserves for the giant Saguaro Cacti. I love Arizona. I spent 4 years there and miss it. I never really liked Phoenix, though. They call it "That city that thinks it's L.A." It's a sprawling mass.
04/06/2008 10:29:05 PM · #3
Nest weekend is Gay Pride in PHX, not sure when you are going to be there.
04/06/2008 11:18:48 PM · #4
thanx for the tips,
the pride parades are always a good photo op as well as the more 'traditional' spots!

04/06/2008 11:19:53 PM · #5
Well, if you go I will be there with some people and we could always meet up for a drink and check out all the designer sunglasses!
04/06/2008 11:30:05 PM · #6
Four spots you'd like if you don't mind driving a bit. Sorta that nature thing ....ya know. 1) Organ Pipe National Monument (Be Vigilant), 2) Apache Trail (A Must!!), 3)Tonto National Monument (Turn right at the end of the Apache Trail - Cliff dwellings) 4)The Joshua Tree Parkway. (Classic Arizona near the Metropolis of "Nothing")
04/06/2008 11:32:40 PM · #7
The Phoenix zoo is a great place for pics :O)

I don't have any on my current machine, or I'd post some... but I did shoot this entry there:

Sumatran Tiger "Jai" sure likes big white lenses (seriously), so make sure to take your 100-400/f4L.
Also, the red rocks surrounding the zoo are a great venue - there were lots of Mountain goats prancing around the last time I was there.

Don't forget to look up - Luke Airforce Base has constant activity, so there's always a few fast birds in the air.
If you're into hiking - White Tank Mountain park is a good place to shoot some HUGE cacti (the tarantula's can get pretty big as well though) <-- yikes

Check online to see if there's any balloon festivals coming up - they can look awesome at sunset!
04/06/2008 11:33:38 PM · #8
ok be vigilant about what exactly?
not to trip or fall into a canyon? rattlesnakes? locals with guns? my imagination is running wild!

Originally posted by Ivo:

Four spots you'd like if you don't mind driving a bit. Sorta that nature thing ....ya know. 1) Organ Pipe National Monument (Be Vigilant), 2) Apache Trail (A Must!!), 3)Tonto National Monument (Turn right at the end of the Apache Trail - Cliff dwellings) 4)The Joshua Tree Parkway. (Classic Arizona near the Metropolis of "Nothing")
04/06/2008 11:35:28 PM · #9
I am meeting a friend in AZ and will run it by him and see if he wants to go, or maybe we can do different things that day.
He has the car, I will let you know

Originally posted by JulietNN:

Well, if you go I will be there with some people and we could always meet up for a drink and check out all the designer sunglasses!
04/06/2008 11:42:55 PM · #10
Originally posted by ellamay:

ok be vigilant about what exactly?
not to trip or fall into a canyon? rattlesnakes? locals with guns? my imagination is running wild!

Originally posted by Ivo:

Four spots you'd like if you don't mind driving a bit. Sorta that nature thing ....ya know. 1) Organ Pipe National Monument (Be Vigilant), 2) Apache Trail (A Must!!), 3)Tonto National Monument (Turn right at the end of the Apache Trail - Cliff dwellings) 4)The Joshua Tree Parkway. (Classic Arizona near the Metropolis of "Nothing")


First off, we'll start with . Organ pipe, as I found out after an "Incredible" daytrip, happens to be a favorite crossing area for drug mules. I heard this from a good friend who goes there quite often. During the day, you'll be fine and the drive through is freaky cool!! Rattlesnakes .....mehhh....thats Arizone, just watch where you walk and dont stick your hand under rocks. hehehe. I was walking through the desert and had a border patrol plane just pop up over the horizon and check me out. This was ratehr unnerving for a trusting cannuck. I'm making more out of it than I should but .....just be cautious cause it is the US Mexican Border.

Apache Trail is like and Freaky Cool as well. Lotsa wildlife too. Bighorns at Fish Creek, Gray Foxes and yes ..... I got a picture of a Bobcat sauntering across the road too.

My lovely Mrs. is just on her way back from a week there in my Smartcar.

04/07/2008 12:08:14 AM · #11
Lived there for 29 years (and I don't miss it!)... the zoo is a great place to take pictures: Phx Zoo Pics.

I was surprised no one recommended Superstition Mountains for hiking and exploring. Much closer to the Phoenix area than some of the other places mentioned and really beautiful with MILES of trail options.

Organ Pipe is cool, but I do caution you about that area. It is a big deal; drug runners and illegal's crossing is really big in that area. Smugglers and/or 'coyotes' are known to carry automatic weapons. We used to be part of search and rescue and had to assist on a search in that area. Our sheriff deputies let us know how dangerous it can be.

Sedona is a great place to hang out with some terrific photo opps, do your research ahead of time about hiking trails with interesting destinations. I highly recommend Red Rock Crossing and/or Crescent Moon Park.
04/07/2008 01:06:20 AM · #12
Zoo is great, but what you really need to check out right now is the Botanical Garden. We had an extremely wet winter and the flowers and growth are outrageously beautiful.

Another cool place to shoot is downtown Phoenix. Very interesting architecture - if that's what you're into.

The Superstition Mountains are definitely cool, however, Phoenix has five mountain ranges right in the city and a lot of scenery. Check out Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak Mountain, South Mountain, North Mountain - all are nature preserves with excellent hiking trails, easy access and breath taking photo ops.

That's my two cents.:o)

Message edited by author 2008-04-07 01:14:55.
04/07/2008 01:46:04 AM · #13
I lived there for 25 years (and like tfaust, happy to be in the northwest now). I second the recommendation for the Botanical Gardens (near the zoo). I can't really say whether the zoo is good for photos or not, but will mention that there is a wildlife park zoo thing out on the west side of the metropolitan area, and though I never visited it personally (dang it) before I moved away, many friends of mine loved it--apparently you get closer to the animals there. But, cannot provide a personal recommendation on that, so confirm with others.
04/07/2008 02:41:14 AM · #14
Originally posted by chromeydome:

there is a wildlife park zoo thing out on the west side of the metropolitan area, and though I never visited it personally (dang it) before I moved away, many friends of mine loved it--apparently you get closer to the animals there.

I visit my parents in Phoenix every year, and we finally went to the Wildlife World Zoo this past February. While it's bigger than it looks from the outside (and better), the photo ops are not spectacular. Definitely designed for the kids... you do get closer to the animals, but most caged areas are not very scenic. IMO, it definitely doesn't compare to the Phoenix Zoo.
04/07/2008 09:39:47 AM · #15
If your in Phoenix, a must is South Moutain National Park!!!













04/07/2008 10:57:39 AM · #16
glad that i have 10 days seems like there is lots to see and do!
04/07/2008 12:28:48 PM · #17
The best stuff is outside of Phoenix in my opinion, with the Grand Canyon and the Lake Powell area being tops on my list. Sedona is great as well, but most of it is too touristy for me. In and around Flagstaff there are lots of opportunities too.

If you want to do any hiking while there, let me know and I can probably suggest something that will match what you are looking for. I covered a lot of ground while there...
04/07/2008 12:57:25 PM · #18
We just got back from our third trip out to Phoenix in three years.

There are tons of great places to visit and shoot depending on what your enjoy.
The Botanical Gardens are fabulous - as is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum - for flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Wildlife World Zoo - we love it. Some great animal photo ops - better than most cities zoos I have been to, although I cannot compare it to the Phoenix Zoo as I have not been to that one in particular.

Organ Pipe Cactus is great for scenery, fantastic cacti, and wildlife. We didn't have any problems when we visited, but I have also read recently that things have gotten a little "rougher" in that area since.

Superstition Mountains and Apache Trail are my "must do". Every trip we take out there - we drive the Apache Trail. Most of it is a dirt road, but it is passable by regular car - you do not have to have a high clearance vehicle to drive it. The scenery is just breathtaking.

Also - before you head into Apache Trail there is a little touristy revamped ghost town called Goldfield. Cute for some photo ops and they have a small but good reptile exhibit.

We have also taken the drive to Sedona - can't go wrong there - always beautiful.

Out near Tucson there is the Mission San Xavier Del Bac - beautiful old architecture. It is also close to Saguaro National Park.

I think no matter where you decide to go - you will find plenty of things to take gorgeous pictures!!
04/07/2008 01:25:28 PM · #19
Here is a link to my botanical gardens pics

gardens

And my zoo pictures: zoo

Message edited by author 2008-04-07 13:28:14.
04/08/2008 11:03:15 AM · #20
Originally posted by roba:

I visit my parents in Phoenix every year, and we finally went to the Wildlife World Zoo this past February. While it's bigger than it looks from the outside (and better), the photo ops are not spectacular. Definitely designed for the kids... you do get closer to the animals, but most caged areas are not very scenic. IMO, it definitely doesn't compare to the Phoenix Zoo.

I've been to the Wildlife World Zoo a couple of time when I've been in Phoenix visiting my sister. As you said, it's more fun for the kids (although I haven't been to the Phoenix Zoo) but I think if you look for the right angles it presents some really great photo ops, specifically because you can get so close (especially when you do the parrot feeding). I have gotten awards on two of my photos from there.
04/08/2008 05:14:36 PM · #21
oh adn if you are coming down to Tucson, we can meet up for a coffee or whatnot!
04/15/2008 04:48:40 PM · #22
I would pass on the zoo and botanical gardens, they are everywhere. No offense to anyone, but that would be a waste of your time. You want to see and experience things you may never be able to again.Sedona is very beautiful and you will love it. I would also check out Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Grand Canyon,Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. If you go to Tucson they have Tombstone, Saguaro National Park, and the San Xavier del Bac Mission.If you go to the Grand Canyon check out Havasu Falls.
04/15/2008 04:55:32 PM · #23
Havasu Falls is amazing, but you have to keep in mind that ou either have to shell out money for a helicopter ride down to Supai, or be ready to hike the 10 miles (i think) to the falls. You also need a permit, but it is definitly worth it and a must-see of AZ

Message edited by author 2008-04-15 16:55:58.
04/15/2008 04:56:52 PM · #24
I loved the zoo. If you have time to spare spend some time in the monkey exhibit. The roam free and you can get some neat shots.

The orangutans are awesome too. I took this shot while I was visiting family there:


besides that I suggest you head to Rawhide or Tucson oldtown. Fun places.
04/16/2008 02:15:25 AM · #25
TombStone!
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