Best Locations in Flagstaff for a Photo Shoot
Flagstaff is a beautiful, mountainous part of Arizona and has a plethora of scenic places to plan a photo session. Choose from mountain peaks, aspen groves, wildflowers, ancient cliff dwellings, water features and more as a backdrop for your photos. With a variety of options to pick from, this charming town is sure to provide the right look for your session. Read on to find the spot that’s right for you!
Aspen Corner
Without a doubt, Aspen Corner comes in at number one because of its beauty. Aspen Corner is aptly named due to the large stand of Aspen Trees. This beautiful stand of aspens is a favorite in all seasons. While we love the gold from the fall season, the spring and summer bring beautiful patches of lupines, ferns, Indian paint brush and forget-me-nots.
Situated on sloping meadows and open glades high on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks, the Aspen Loop Trail affords unhindered views of the volcanic field to the west and the Grand Canyon to the north. The Peaks loom high above with fine views of the nearby Arizona Snowbowl. Located just North of town off US 180.
Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park is a convenient location for a natural, outdoor photo session. It is only a short driving distance from downtown and from you can capture the epic views that Flagstaff is known for. Photo sessions here feature seasonal wildflowers, views of the peaks, great antique fencing, ponderosa pines and dreamy tall grasses, all within a short proximity of downtown.
Hart Prairie Preserve
At the top of Snowbowl Road and at the Arizona Snowbowl Resort is beautiful Hart Prairie Lodge Meadow. Offering carpets of wildflowers in the spring and summer, unmatched sunsets, and thickets of globally rare Bebb willow trees and aspen groves, this location is a showstopper. This gorgeous meadow is only available May-October when the ski resort is closed. Located 14 miles north of Flagstaff off highway 180. Location is close to Aspen Corner.
Galinas Tank
Named mostly for the dry cattle tank, Galinas Tank area offers many social trails surrounding the grassy meadow with a unprecedented view of the San Francisco peaks. In the fall, the aspen grove delights all visitors to a golden explosion of color. In the summer, tall grasses with mixtures of lupines and other wildflowers carpet the meadow. In spring and winter (if the road is open), there is almost always snow. This location is a 45 minute drive from downtown Flagstaff, including a few miles on a dirt roat, but worth the effort. Located in the same vicinity as Hart Prairie Preserve, Aspen Corner, and the Arizona Snowbowl Resort.
Lockett Meadow
This is a gorgeous location that brings together aspen trees, mountain vistas, meadows and water features all in one location. In the spring and summer the rich green forest offers a respite from the heat in the valley. Very popular on the weekends especially late September through mid October when the vibrant fall leaves put on quite the show. Accessible May-October. Requires a 3 mile drive down a steep dirt road, so be prepared. Road is located near the turnoff for Sunset Crater, about 20 miles north of Flagstaff.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
This location features ancient cliff dwellings and canyon overlooks for the backdrop. Located about 10 miles east of Flagstaff. There is a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
No matter what location you pick, the entire Flagstaff region is beautiful and will be a beautiful backdrop in photos! Reach out today to set up your photo session with local professional photographer Mary Redente.