Montana Mountain Trail Loop is approximately a 45 mile loop that takes you over 5000 ft in elevation. It is located east of Phoenix, near Gold Canyon AZ. A stock Jeep can make this trail, but 4WD is recommended for the switchbacks coming back down (especially in the winter when snow/ice is possible at the top). The trail takes about 3 hours...4 if you are an Exploretographer and make frequent photo stops! Woodbury and Rodger's Trough Trailheads are just off this loop for those who hike. Prior to reaching the trailheads you will also pass Elephant Arch (off to your left if you are completing the loop clockwise). Also, target shooting is allowed (and popular) in this area so be aware!
Here are just a few of the sights you'll see:
Photo Tips: Landscape Photography is best done early in the day or later in the evening, when there is more dramatic lighting. The exception to this is when there is weather. Clouds can help add drama to landscapes, regardless of the time of day! The majority of these pictures were taken midday (around 2pm)...no need for me to get up early on my weekend or miss out on happy hour! Often with landscapes I will use a tripod, but because it was midday and there was still plenty of light these were handheld. My settings were around ISO 200, F13, 1/400th. I shot in Raw and used auto while balance and adjusted the white balance in Lightroom after the fact. Most were shot on my Canon 6DmkII with a 24-70 2.8L.
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Enjoy!
Mary
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