The thing about living in a place with so much natural beauty is that you have to capture it when you get the chance. Whether it’s on a drive through desert vegetation or a hike to the top of a mountain, there’s a good chance that your outing will offer you a great place to snap a pic for the ol’ Instagram. If you’re looking for places in Scottsdale and around the Valley that offer the most picturesque views, look no further: we’ve found some IG-worthy spots that caught our attention. Let them catch yours, too!
View this post on Instagram
Camelback Mountain
Echo Canyon Trailhead, E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018
You can start out at Echo Canyon Trailhead, and in later months, Cholla Trailhead as well, but either way, you’re going to find your way up to Camelback Mountain, a view that many Instagrammers have made a point of showing off. There’s even a cave that encapsulates the same gorgeous outlook, so if you want some interesting framing, be on the lookout for this unexpected shade. Want to get a much stronger sense of the great views atop Camelback Mountain? Have a look at this reel by an Instagram sunrise chaser, @jacquelinehurst.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
With 140 acres of natural beauty on a pedestal, the Desert Botanical Garden is a Phoenix celebration of the outside world. With the Papago Buttes in the background not too far away, and everything from prickly pear cactus blossoms to sunflowers and desert roses popping up to say hello, this place is a real gem thanks to the horticulture team at the Garden. In other parts of the year, the DBG also gets its own traditional decorations, including the luminarias you see around December. No matter what time of year you go, it’s about time you check out the Desert Botanical Garden if you haven’t already. Thanks to people like @dimitri_the_photographer, you already know it’s worth the visit.
Hole in the Rock
Papago Park, 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
This beautiful set of rock formations is only a stone’s throw away from the Phoenix Zoo, and nearby you’ll also find the Desert Botanical Garden. However, Papago Park is designated as its own Phoenix Point of Pride, and for good reason. If you climb around one of the biggest formations in Papago Park, you’ll find yourself on a short upward trail into the mouth of the stone wall, sitting in what’s known as the “Hole in the Rock”. This spot is known for facing many beautiful sunsets, and if you’re a ‘grammer, you’ll want to make it into this spot early enough to set up for such a photo. Be careful, because the Hole in the Rock tends to get insanely crowded, so wear your mask and prepare to catch a beautiful sight as you see from this post by @mikeypiswonderful.
