Photography Tour in Arizona State University
The best photos of Arizona State University aren't always at the obvious landmarks. Sure, 'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) will fill your camera roll, but the real magic is in the side streets, the reflected light, and the unexpected angles that only reveal themselves to those exploring on foot. Seek out Old Main for the kind of shot that no one else is posting.
ASU's Tempe campus, the largest of its four metro Phoenix locations, spreads across 661 acres with 'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) as its visual landmark — the hillside painted with a giant 'A' since 1938. Palm Walk, a half-mile palm tree-lined promenade, is the campus's central artery connecting the Memorial Union to the Fulton Schools of Engineering. Old Main, completed in 1898, is the oldest building and now houses the alumni association. The Gammage Memorial Auditorium, the last major public commission designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (completed posthumously in 1964), is an architecturally significant performing arts venue. The Biodesign Institute buildings house cutting-edge research. Sun Devil Stadium sits in the saddle of the butte. The Nelson Fine Arts Center, designed by Antoine Predock, uses desert colors and forms.
Free Photography Tour in Arizona State University with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro, also known as Roamee, offers a free photography tour route in Arizona State University. The audio walking tour can include stops such as 'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) — the volcanic butte on the north edge of campus with a giant painted 'A' and panoramic views of the Valley, plus hidden gems like Old Main — ASU's 1898 Territorial-style original building, now beautifully restored and housing the alumni association and a heritage exhibit and Secret Garden — a small hidden courtyard garden between the Language and Literature Building and the Irish Cultural Center, a cool retreat from the desert sun.
Use this page as a starting point for a Arizona State University walking tour, a free route, or the Roamee app for Arizona State University. Roamee Pro keeps the route flexible so you can follow the stops, skip ahead, or explore nearby streets at your own pace.
How to Plan This Photography Tour
A strong Arizona State University photography tour should connect recognizable anchors like 'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) with a few slower discoveries around Old Main and Secret Garden. Use the major stops for orientation, then let the route bend toward the neighborhoods, viewpoints, markets, paths, or cultural details that match a photography tour.
Roamee Pro treats the page as a starting brief rather than a fixed script: it can prioritize architecture, art, nature, adjust the walking time, and keep narration focused on why each stop matters for this specific theme.
Top Photography Tour Spots
- •'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) — the volcanic butte on the north edge of campus with a giant painted 'A' and panoramic views of the Valley
Hidden Photography Tour Gems
- •Old Main — ASU's 1898 Territorial-style original building, now beautifully restored and housing the alumni association and a heritage exhibit
- •Secret Garden — a small hidden courtyard garden between the Language and Literature Building and the Irish Cultural Center, a cool retreat from the desert sun
Photography Tour Perspective
Arizona State University attracts visitors for architecture and art, and 'A' Mountain (Tempe Butte) and every landmark doubles as a photography opportunity when you know where to stand and when the light is best. A photography-focused walk pays attention to reflections, leading lines, and street scenes between the landmarks. Hidden photogenic spots like Old Main reward those who wander off the main path.
Walking Tip
The campus is flat and spread out — Palm Walk is the main orientation axis. Climb 'A' Mountain for the view (a short but steep hike). Gammage Auditorium is on the southeast edge near Apache Boulevard. Tempe's Mill Avenue is adjacent for dining.
Best Time to Visit
October through April for pleasant desert weather. Avoid May through September when temperatures exceed 100°F regularly. Sunset from 'A' Mountain is memorable. Football Saturdays in fall are festive.
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