Last Updated on March 21, 2021
When you first glimpse Sedona the mind tricks you into thinking you’re looking at a movie set. It is so ridiculously beautiful it’s hard to believe what you are seeing is real.
But Arizona’s Verde Valley is very real and offers some of the most amazing and complex landscape photography opportunities in the United States. It is home to the City of Sedona, and the Coconino National Forest. It offers a tremendous array of natural and historically significant locations to photograph.
Where To Photograph In Verde Valley
There are many great spots in the Verde Valley and it’s impossible to do them justice in just one trip. But with some guidance you can get a lot of photographic action in while you are visiting.
One of my favorite locations in Sedona is the West Fork Trail which runs along the western fork of Oak Creek. Known as the “Subway” area to locals, this slot canyon trail offers over three miles of water views.
If you start your hike just before dawn you can catch the majesty of the sun rising and bouncing light off the canyon. This hike offers you amazing colors and patterns as well as hanging gardens that are perfect for the nature photographer.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Take SR 179 S and I-17 S to West Middle Verde road for on of the oldest National historic sites in the country. You will be able to capture some great shots of the pueblo lodge that is carved out of the surrounding mountain.
V Bar V Heritage Site
When you get to the I-17 and SR 179 Junction, head east for about two and a half miles and you will find this incredible picture taking spot. It area is pristine and huge! It offers over 1,000 petroglyphs perfect for the adventure photographer.
Jerome Arizona
Take SR 89A about twenty-eight miles southwest of Sedona and you will hit Jerome Arizona. Hailed as the largest ghost town in the United States, this site offers so many amazing photography scenes.
This location is very popular not only with photographers, but all types of artists due to it’s incredibly picturesque setting. The town is nearly vertical and almost a mile high. It is truly impressive.
Conclusion
Sedona and Arizona’s Verde Valley have so much to offer, after multiple visits I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. The locations above can keep any photographer busy for numerous days before even venturing deeper into the valley. Dress for the heat and hiking and bring a light camera bag and prepare to capture some of the most amazing pictures of your life.