When it comes to photography locations for family photos, the East Valley, AZ offers quite an exquisite world of natural beauty and stunning backdrops. The Arizona Sonoran Desert is a treasure trove full of scenic gems and tranquil spaces, ideal for creating timeless images that embrace your journey into motherhood.
The perfect scenery sets the vibe and style for your maternity photos and can affect the tone of the end result. You want a location that accentuates the mood, while not overpowering you and your family as the subject.
As a mom, there are several factors that I consider when adventuring outdoors with little ones in tow.
From when my daughter was a baby and throughout her toddler years, we often went hiking and exploring nature. At times, I didn’t feel like babywearing. I wanted a nice trail that was large enough to accompany her stroller or wagon allowing us to get some fresh air still while giving my back a break. I scoured the entire valley for locations that were easily accessible for families like mine.
I serve many busy families who often don’t have the time to location scout for the perfect backdrop. Let alone, know what to look for when it comes to lighting in our beautiful desert. I’d love to share my Top 5 Locations for Family Photos in East Valley, AZ.
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Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85207
WHY I LOVE THIS LOCATION
One of my favorite locations for family photos in the East Valley, AZ is the Usery Mountains. They are rich in our famous Saguaro cacti and other luscious desert plants. It’s high enough in elevation to offer gorgeous desert views. There are many trailheads to choose from giving plenty of space to share with hikers passing by.
One of its unique features is the strata pattern across the mountain near the Wind Cave Trail signifying the region’s history. If you time your session with the sun, you’ll have a stunningly remarkable backdrop for your images.
KEY DETAILS
Usery Park has several easy, mostly smooth, and wide trails, which means they’re stroller/wagon-friendly. There’s even one trail that’s paved and wheelchair-accessible. Scattered throughout trails you’ll find benches and rest stops take a break or admire the view. You’ll also find restrooms at each parking lot, making wardrobe changes a breeze.
BEST TIME TO SHOOT
The beauty of choosing the Usery Mountains for your family photo session is that it can be an option for anytime of the day. There are gorgeous views in all directions. Some trails lend more for open shade allowing even midday sessions to photograph beautifully.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The park gate is open daily at varying times depending on the season.
May 1 to October 31: 5 AM to 9 PM
November 1 to April 30: 6 AM to 8 PM
Directions
Usery Regional Mountain Park is located on N. Ellsworth Rd. just east of the 202 and north of E McDowell Rd.
FEES & PERMITS
There is a non-commercial photography entry fee of $7 per vehicle. In the case a ranger isn’t present at the entry gate, the honor system is used with a provided envelope. An annual day pass can be purchased for $85 which includes entry to multiple Maricopa County parks.
The Superstition Mountains
Lost Dutchman State Park
6109 N Apache Trail,
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
The Superstition Mountains are such an iconic location for any photo session. They’re easily the most popular location for family photos in East Valley, AZ. Standing at nearly 6000 feet tall, it’s no wonder their beauty is marveled as a popular location to provide the perfect backdrop. Not to mention the history and mystery of the Superstitions Mountains. There are many stories- and you guessed it- superstitions surrounding this gorgeous landmark. This widespread wonder has many options and views to choose from, making each session at this location a true adventure.
WHY I LOVE THIS LOCATION
As previously mentioned, the Superstition Mountains are stunning in both size and character. This is truly a remarkable mountain range scaling in both height and width. There are many trails to choose from offering stunning desert scapes, lush cacti, and vista views overlooking the west.
KEY DETAILS
The Superstition Mountains require a bit of hiking. However, the length and difficulty of the walk depend on the trail chosen. There will be uneven pathways and rocks to consider. I recommend bringing a change of shoes to walk to the designated area where you’ll be photographed. Restrooms are few and far between being only available at major trailheads, mostly entering the park.
BEST TIME TO SHOOT
This location is gorgeous to photograph at both sunrise and sunset. I prefer sunrise to capture the soft, golden light in the morning with the Superstitions Mountain range in the background. Sunset is beautiful, however, the lighting can be very harsh if open shade is limited.
Springtime offers a one-of-a-kind beauty. Each Spring, depending on how much rain has fallen in the valley, the Superstitions occasionally experience a “super bloom” of Arizona wildflowers and California poppies. The golden hue of poppies presents a gorgeous pop of color to the Sonoran Desert terrain, making for stunning photographs.
HOURS OF OPERATION
If entering the Superstitions through the Lost Dutchman State Park, the Day Use Gates are open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM.
DIRECTIONS
The Superstition Mountains are located in Apache Junction and spread as far as Gold Canyon. For the iconic mountain range backdrop that you’re most likely familiar with, follow directions towards Lost Dutchman State Park. Exit S Idaho Rd from the 60 East, and head north to AZ-88 E/N Apache Trail.
FEES AND PERMITS
For non-commercial photography sessions, a per-vehicle fee of $10 is required to enter. Other trail entry access points require a daily Tonto National Forest Recreational Pass of $8 per vehicle.
The Salt River
Multiple Location Points
N. Bush Highway
Mesa, AZ 85215
WHY I LOVE THIS LOCATION
The Salt River offers stunning red rock views towering over the river. It’s a great escape from the intense heat of the valley during hotter months on the brink of shifting seasons from Spring to Summer and Summer to Fall. There are several locations to choose from offering different scenery and backgrounds. You won’t be disappointed with options ranging from lush Mesquite trees to desert landscaping to amazing views of the Four Peaks Mountains in the distance. If luck is on your side, you may also get a friendly visit from the Salt River Wildhorses.
KEY DETAILS
Accessibility varies from location to location. Most options require a bit of walking from the parking lot to where you will be photographed. However, the pathways are easy to moderate to navigate. Public restrooms are available at each major recreation site. Because of its popularity with outdoorsy adventurous activities, the Salt River can be a crowded location for your family photoshoot. There may be kayakers, lazy river tubers, and paddleboarders onlooking and passing by in the background.
BEST TIME TO SHOOT
The Salt River is beautiful at both sunrise and sunset. During the Summer, this can be a great location to cool off by the water, but the water flow may be high and fast. From Fall through Spring you’ll find lower water levels changing the accessibility of the actual banks of the river.
HOURS OF OPERATION
You can find access to the river 24/7. However, be mindful of gate closure times at each recreational site.
DIRECTIONS/LINKS
An easy reference for locating the Salt River is that it’s near Saguaro Lake. A popular site at the Salt River for family photos is Water Users.
FEES AND PERMITS
A Tonto National Forest Recreational Pass of $8 per vehicle is required to park.
Veteran’s Oasis Park
4050 E Chandler Heights Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85249
WHY I LOVE THIS LOCATION
Veteran’s Oasis Park is a beautiful gardenesque location nestled between two East Valley cities- Gilbert and Chandler. You’ll find a plethora of flora and fauna creating a romantic location setting for your family photos. There are lake views, a gorgeous garden waterfall, and desert mountain views making this a truly versatile location.
KEY DETAILS
There are 4.5 miles of groomed dirt trails and paths making it easy to trek along little ones in a stroller or wagon.
BEST TIME TO SHOOT
Veteran’s Oasis Park has several shaded areas allowing family photo sessions to take place throughout the day. However, the ideal time would be during sunrise or sunset. The variation in plants and flowers varies year-round with its peak being in Spring.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
DIRECTIONS/LINKS
Veteran’s Oasis Park sits at the intersection of Lindsay Rd. and Chandler Heights Rd.
FEES AND PERMITS
There are no fees or permits required. Remember, to respect the park’s rules to help maintain its accessibility to everyone.
Queen Creek Wash Trail
18949 E Old Beau Trail
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
WHY I LOVE THIS LOCATION
Queen Creek Wash gives us a hint of highly sought-after lush treetops and greenery which is limited in the Phoenix Valley. Its proximity to the city lets you have a forest feel without traveling up through Northern Arizona.
KEY DETAILS
The Queen Creek Wash runs 5.5 miles. Accessibility to restrooms and parking varies depending on where you’ll be photographed. Speak with your photographer about the details of your session location.
The wash has both sandy terrain and paved pathways. I would not consider the location to be stroller/wagon friendly as it’s surrounded by private residential lands and rocks.
Parking is available at Desert Mountain Park which makes the wash is easily accessible, however, your session may take place at another portion of the trail. It’s best to respect surrounding neighborhoods and businesses before considering where you park. Do not trespass.
Depending on where you’ll specifically be photographed, public restrooms may be limited to local businesses. Ensure you politely utilize facilities only where allowed.
BEST TIME TO SHOOT
This location is beautiful all day long. The tall, luscious treetops provide shade throughout the majority of the day. During Fall and a portion of Winter, some of the trees change color to resemble the typical Fall colors you’ll find in other areas of the country. But, don’t get your hopes up as it’s no match!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Access to Queen Creek Wash Trail is 24/7.
DIRECTIONS/LINKS
Queen Creek Wash Trail is located between Power Rd. and East Cherrywood Dr.
FEES AND PERMITS
There are no fees or permits required. Remember, to respect the park’s rules to help maintain its accessibility to everyone.
Top 5 Locations for Family Photos in East Valley, AZ
The East Valley in Arizona offers an array of stunning backdrops for your family photoshoot. Whether you’re drawn to the beautiful desert landscape and mountain vistas at Usery Regional Mountain Park or the Superstition Mountains, or you prefer the majestic red rock views and tranquil waters of the Salt River, each location offers something unique.
For those seeking a more serene garden ambiance, Veteran’s Oasis Park provides a relaxed and picturesque setting. And if lush greenery is what you desire, without having to travel up north, a session at the Queen Creek Wash will surround your family in natural beauty. No matter which location you choose, the East Valley ensures a variety of breathtaking backdrops to capture the essence of your family’s story.
Inspired by these stunning locations?
Jasmyn Sambac Photography, is a Phoenix Portrait Photographer located in Chandler, AZ, specializes in timeless maternity, newborn, baby, family, and boudoir portraits. My bespoke photography experience is designed to make you feel beautiful, be fully present, and transform your most cherished moments into heirloom artwork that will be treasured for generations.
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Jasmyn Coleman is an award-winning Phoenix Portrait Photographer specializing in maternity, lifestyle newborn, baby milestones, family, and boudoir photography. My passion is to help women feel beautiful, be fully present, and transform life’s most cherished moments into timeless heirloom art.
