Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Randy Reinhart
As crisp air replaces summer’s scorching heat, Arizona unveils a lesser-known facet of its natural splendor. Through the lens of photographer Randy Reinhart, Images Arizona this month embarks on a visual journey that challenges preconceptions about autumn in our desert state.
“I think it’s safe to say we’re all drawn to the hues of autumn,” Reinhart muses. “There’s something about the interplay of vivid orange, golden yellow, vibrant red and light pink leaves that captures our imagination. It’s almost too pretty not to photograph.”
Reinhart has explored various corners of Arizona to capture the state’s fall beauty, finding some unexpected gems along the way. His favorite locations for capturing fall’s palette include the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon and Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior.
“West Fork is beautiful year-round, but when those autumn colors start to come alive, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a prettier hike in Arizona,” shares Reinhart, adding that the Arboretum, which he describes as “still a bit of a hidden gem,” offers a surprising variety of fall colors.
“There’s a cool suspension bridge there with what I believe is a Chinese pistache tree towering above it that makes for the most lovely fall scene. I’ve photographed it several times, but still can’t get enough of it.”
While the high country offers classic autumn scenes, Reinhart also finds beauty in more surprising locations. For those seeking a uniquely Arizonan autumn experience, he recommends the lower Salt River.
“The trees that line the river turn brownish-orange in December, and there are saguaros standing on the hills beyond the trees that will make people realize this isn’t your standard autumn scene,” Reinhart explains.
As Reinhart continues to explore Arizona’s fall landscapes, his adventures have yielded many magical moments, each reinforcing his passion for capturing the state’s autumnal beauty.
There have been a few times when I was exploring a trail when a strong breeze came through and blew a plethora of leaves off their branches, and they just swirled around as they fell to the ground. It’s kind of what it must be like to be in a snow globe, but instead of snow, it’s colorful leaves dancing around you.”
As autumn paints Arizona in warm hues, Reinhart’s photographs serve as a reminder of the state’s ever-changing beauty. His work invites us to explore the hidden corners of our state and witness firsthand the magic of fall in the desert.
About the Photographer
Born in Dallas, Texas, Randy Reinhart moved to Arizona as a child and has called the state home ever since. His journey into photography began casually, with disposable film cameras and cellphone snapshots of Arizona’s famous sunsets.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Reinhart’s passion for landscape photography truly ignited.
“I began doing sunrise hikes at Camelback Mountain as a way to increase my physical fitness,” he recalls. “Sitting on top of Camelback while snapping photos of the sunrise with my phone is when I started to realize how much I enjoyed photographing nature.”
A trip to Zion National Park in 2018 prompted Reinhart to invest in his first dedicated camera. From there, he began exploring Arizona’s diverse landscapes, from the iconic saguaro-studded deserts to the lush forests of the high country.
Largely self-taught, Reinhart credits online resources and hands-on experience for his growth as a photographer.
“I am a student of what I call YouTube University,” he jokes. “I’ve learned mostly everything about photography from YouTube videos, from the exposure triangle to composition and even photo editing.”
As Reinhart’s passion grew, so did his skills and the scope of his adventures. A pivotal moment in his photographic journey occurred during a predawn shoot at Roosevelt Lake in February 2019.
“As the sun began to rise, we were treated to what’s still the most incredible sunrise I’ve ever witnessed,” he remembers. “The joy I experienced photographing that moment is what cemented my passion for photography.”
Through his lens, Reinhart has gained a deeper appreciation for Arizona’s diverse landscapes.
“I have such a full appreciation of the diversity of landscapes that Arizona has to offer,” he reflects. “You could be looking at a sea of saguaros and then jump in your car, drive a few hours, and find yourself within an alien desertscape filled with the most unique rock formations on Earth.”
When not behind the camera, Reinhart enjoys hiking, listening to music and participating in Spartan Races.
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