Aerial overview at Goodyear, August 2004.  Photo by Jeremy Irish.

This area is intended to provide you with accurate descriptions and directions for airports around Arizona, as well as what to expect at each airport.  A  good road map is recommended for traveling ... Arizona is quite large and with not many state highways ... it is easy to start down one highway only realizing you've gone the wrong direction and it's 100 miles to get back on track!

The best time of year to visit is between October and February.  Temperatures are very pleasant and the sun is at a nice angle for photography. Heat haze is also reduced (though still present on warmer days). March and April are similar, though it seems more weather systems pass through during those months which bring overcast skies, strong winds, and occasional rain. May through July are hot, with temperatures typically above 100F and no relief from clouds. August and September bring the monsoon rains, which take form as strong evening thunderstorms that vary in strength, location, and direction of travel every day. They are a welcome relief for us 'desert rats' but can wreck havoc on a spotting outing!  

It is recommended that sunscreen be worn at all times while outside, during any month, even when high overcast clouds are present.  Bring and drink plenty of water during your visit, and stock up for extended days outside - it is easy to have a planned hour-long outing turn into a 3-hour spotting trek! Snakes, scorpions, and other desert creatures are found in the more remote desert areas, and usually stay hidden during daylight hours. It's still not a wise idea to overturn any rocks, however!  

Generally, spotting is OK at local airports. Caution is still urged with the "Yellow" alert level and airport security issues still in the news. If asked to leave, please do so without complaints as we don't want what's left of our hobby ruined. To date there have been no reports of DM and Marana overflights being cancelled.  

Click on the links below for a detailed description for airports in each region.  These descriptions are written by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and should in no way be taken as official permission to visit the areas mentioned.  Please obey all posted signs and warnings, as well as any authorities.  Keep in mind the common saying, "don't ruin it for the rest of us...."

© 1995-2007 Jeremy Irish, Terry Nash, Troy Prybyski, and Kevin Trinkle.