It was rather a random decision to go to Arizona, the one we will never regret or forget :) At first we wanted to travel somewhere warm, Caribbean would be ideal. We even started with the resort search until... the dreaded zika virus and me being 28weeks along. Carribean-crossed out. Luckily I came across with the panoramic pictures of one of the resorts, it looked like pure heaven - the sky, the rocks and cactuses they were so tall ! "I want to go there, where is it ?!" - I asked. It appeared to be a beautiful land of Arizona, state we never been too, state that had so much to offer to those, willing to explore.
4.5 hours flight from New York and here we are in Phoenix. When we planned our trip, my first priority was major attractions but with moderate physical activity. At the end it all worked out, so if anyone wants to follow this route while expecting go ahead, it was smooth and exciting!
First day we stayed at The Boulders Resort&Spa. Very comfortable, upscale resort,amazing landscape and golf fields. We didn't encounter much of night life but we had to get up early next day anyways.
*Things to be booked in advance: Photography tour to Antelope Canyon {See Day3 for more information}, Compass Arizona Grill Phoenix {360-degree views of the valley's mountains and cityscape in the only revolving restaurant in Arizona}
*In our camera bag: Canon 5DMark III, Canon 135mm f/2, Canon 24mm‑105mm ‑ f/4, tripod
I found this video useful for photography tips in particular {click here}
The main points that you need at least one wide/zoom lens, tripod and do not switch lenses in a canyon - super dusty.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Remember how I was lured to those tall cactuses at first. This was the place where I got to enjoy desert nature and Saguaro Cactuses to the fullest. Located in Sonoran Desert on 30.500 acres, short drive from Phoenix, every inch of this park screams - a scene from Clint Eastwood movie. Plenty of parking, water fountains, clean restrooms and free entrance. They are open from sunrise t sunset, 7 days a week. The staff will gladly help with all the questions about Preserve. Boards with information, available for self education.
There are many choices of trails, depending on your liking, just pick up the map. You can see some deers and birds on your way. We took the shortest Bajada Loop Trail, which was less than a mile, our purpose of visit was rather photography than hiking so it worked perfectly. The sun was still high up, yet we managed to capture some beauty of this place.
On the way back we've met a family and a photographer who carried a trolley full of props. They must've had One year milestone session for the baby. And I thought, yes, if I was a photographer living here - that would be my hot spot ! So pretty and absolutely worth visiting!
