Frequently Asked Questions and Directions

We are 8 miles down a dirt road, you do not need 4WD but a low clearance vehicle may have trouble and is not recommended. The beauty of being 8 miles off the grid is you are immediately transported to a tranquil desert setting and feel as though civilization is much further away than it actually is.

Most cell phones have reception at Desert Photo Retreat.

There is a restroom facility and access to water.

Because traveling the dirt road can be slow we recommend you bring anything you might need for your stay,  such as food and beverages. The nearest food and gas is at the I-10 Marana exit.


The closest overnight accommodations can be found off the Cortaro Exit on I-10 in Marana, AZ. The drive is approximately 35-40 minutes from the Cortaro exit to Desert Photo Retreat.  Some of the hotels in that area are: 

  • Holiday Inn Express
  • Super 8
  • Days Inn & Suites
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites
  • Comfort Inn & Suites

Directions


Note on directions, Google maps does a good job of getting you to our property.  The iPhone Maps app also works well. The address is 6821 W. Desperado Trail, Marana, AZ.


I-10 – West (if coming from Tucson)
I-10 – East (if coming from Phoenix)
Marana Road Exit – turn right if coming from Tucson – turn left if coming from Phoenix
At Railroad tracks set trip odometer to 0 (this is important!)
Mile 1.1 dirt road begins
Mile 1.4 you will cross a cattle guard, after crossing make a sharp right.
Mile 3.6 you will come to a Y in the road, stay right. 
You will go across a wash and cross another cattle guard, keep going.
Mile 6.5 you will cross another cattle guard with a private property sign, cross the cattle guard. Leave the cattle guard gate as you find it (closed or open). Mile 7.6 (approx) make a left.  This left can be hard to see so watch for it.  It is approx. 1.5 miles from the last cattle guard you crossed and is your first left.  There is a Private Drive/No Trespassing sign at the corner.   Follow this road to Desert Photo Retreat, we are at the end of the road.  

Camera Lens Recommendations:


The morning hide has a reflection pond that extends from the blind, the far edge of the pond is 12 feet away.  Focal length of around 200mm is good for these close shots as seen here of this Gila Woodpecker shown full-frame. With a 400mm you’ll get a tight portrait as seen with this dove image.

Shot @ 200mm
Shot @ 400mm


There are several perches beyond the reflection pool that provide nice photo opportunities.  For these a longer lens will be preferred. This male Northern Cardinal was shot with a 600mm,  and the female at 840mm, both shown full-frame on the same saguaro skeleton..

Shot @ 600mm
Shot @ 840mm



The afternoon hide doesn’t have birds quite as close or as far, but again a range of 400-800mm is recommended.

Contact Info:

Jack Uellendahl Phone:

480-221-5252

Email:

desertphotoretreat@gmail.com