Moab,Ut or White Sands,NM. ?

[markadams99]

Absolutely.  The area around Amboy is really fun.

What about The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest NP?  Relatively close to Phoenix.  I've never been to either.

....and the amazing Meteor Crater on the way.

[Mjollnir]

I'd consider a shorter drive to Joshua Tree (under 5 hrs).  In addition to the park there are the volcanic areas around Amboy, the Salton Sea and just east of the Salton Sea is the Anza Borrego area which has some interesting landscapes.  Jim

This.

The Amboy area (to me, in any case) is sort of 'meh', but the Salton Sea is like nowhere else in the world that I've been, especially in terms of a photographer's lifeblood:  light.  Sunsets and sunrises that are just otherworldly, and occur with amazing frequency.  Every time I've been there it's been like a fishing trip to Mongolia:  almost everything's a keeper.

Side note:  Anza Borrego (and the famous Font's Point) is west of the sea, not east.

[Mr. Me]

If you've already seen much of southern Utah, you might want to go to New Mexico to see something new. New Mexico may not have as many photo opportunities, but if you were to search out some nice long hikes in the area, you could probably keep yourself occupied for a few days. It might also be fun to photograph some of the houses down there.

Edit: Oh and I should probably mention that I'm from northern Utah and we have some snow up in the mountains right now. If there is snow in Moab you could get some interesting photos, but I kinda of doubt there will be snow. It's been a pretty dry winter. You should call the visitors center in Moab, and see if they expect there to be snow when you go there.

[eleanorbrown]

A must do is to turn east off highway 12 at Boulder,UT and drive all the way to, and through, the famous switchbacks that navigate the Waterpocket fold in Capitol Reef. The scenery through these switchbacks is spectacular.  Despite what you may have heard the switchbacks are not at all dangerous.... From there you can loop back north to the highway that connects with the Capitol Reef main entrance.  Don't forget to have lunch at Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder...very famous!
Eleanor

Three areas absent from you list are Capitol Reef, Route 12 in Utah (Escalante), and Canyon Lands. Big potential with some time on your hands...

[Lonnie Utah]

I have a full 3 days to drive and shoot.

The bottom line is that from Phoenix to Moab and back in 3 days isn't enough time.  It will pretty much take you a full day 1 way (8 hours).  That gives you 2 evenings, and 2 mornings in the area.  That's not nearly enough shooting opportunities to make it worthwhile.  

All the talk of all the other destinations (highway 12 thru Escalate) is just crazy.  

[dgberg]

Probably agree Lonnie.
I love the scenic drives but 16 hours round trip is just too much. (Phoenix to Moab and back.)
What I am leaning towards is Phoenix,Sedona,Flagstaff,Grand Canyon south,then Grand Canyon North and finish up the last day over to Page and the slot canyons again. Many good things to shoot on this short trip without having to drive out of Arizona.
Thanks to all.

If I can find the time I plan on taking the half day cruise on Lake Powell.

[sierraman]

Grand Canyon North could still be closed in March so keep an eye out for that location.

[dgberg]

Will be watching for snow.
Hope to give the new NEX 7 a good workout. That is if it gets here in time.

[Ian99]

Dan, you have been given lots of good suggestions. Personally, the only value in going in the direction of White Sands would be to get into the Trinity Site, then on to Carlsbad Caverns.
For a different perspective you might think about the Four Corners area and shoot Shiprock Mountain, then Spider Rock at Canyon de Chelly, and Mesa Verde.

[Ian99]

I guess I should read all the posts before posting. You have been and gone already!!