Hey - I'm jealous that you get to spend some time in Phoenix, I love that town! Wish I could live there for a while. I always enjoy the drive around north Scottsdale over the mountains there and back through Fountain Hills. Off North Pima Road, take East Dynamite Boulevard to McDowell Mountain Park. A good place close into town.
And don't forget a little architectural photography at Taleisin West.
If you're coming from Phoenix, stop at the Rubio's on Bell Road for some fish tacos. Mmmmm! Take me out to the desert!
Have fun, and post a link to your pictures when you get back.