Grand Canyon Lodge great room

Fire destroys Grand Canyon Lodge: Remembering its legacy

On July 13, 2025, the Grand Canyon Lodge and its surrounding cabins on the North Rim were tragically destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, a lightning-sparked wildfire that swept through the Kaibab Plateau.

Colorado River viewed from Plateau Point in Grand Canyon

March Magic: Explore Arizona’s unforgettable natural wonders

March is the ideal month to visit Arizona, offering perfect weather for outdoor exploration. Visitors can enjoy stunning natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, and various national parks without the usual heat restrictions. Activities include guided tours, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s °F.

Large top-heavy rock balancing on a slope

Balanced Rock in North Scottsdale boggles the mind

Balanced Rock, like many things in the Arizona desert, defies logic. And that’s part of the allure.

Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

Explore the landscape at Fountain Hills Desert Sonoran Botanical Garden and expand your knowledge of Arizona plants and geology

A short visit to the Desert Sonoran Botanical Garden can provide you a free crash course in the plants and landscape that makes Arizona so unique.

Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail leads you through a beautiful desert landscape to this world-famous fountain

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to take in the sights of Fountain Hills, I suggest you set foot on the scenic 2-mile Lake Overlook Trail Loop.

barrel cactus with yellow flowers

Bright yellow flowers explode from Barrel Cactus after drenching monsoon rains

After drenching monsoon rains in the Phoenix area, I spotted this barrel cactus with bright yellow flowers at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass resort

If you hike only one trail in the White Mountains of Arizona, make it this one

In the White Mountains of Arizona, Thompson Trail #629 is a go-to hike for the true taste of the best of this picturesque part of the state.

Sunrise transforms the sky above Phoenix into a kaleidoscope of colors

We see a lot of great sunrises in Arizona. After all, it is the Valley of the Sun. But there was something special about the sunrise on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Dee Gutierrez of Phoenix captured it perfectly.

Large boulders emerge from Watson Lake near Prescott, AZ

See why Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ is the best small lake in the country to paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard

Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide author Paul Fiarkoski makes a compelling case for why Watson Lake near Prescott is the best small lake for paddling in the United States.

View from inside the cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument

Rare view from Upper Cliff Dwellings at Tonto National Monument

Upper Cliff Dwelling access requires advance reservations for a tour led by National Parks Service personnel.

Cathedral rock Sedona, AZ

Best place to photograph Sedona’s Cathedral Rock formation: Crescent Moon Picnic Site

If you want to experience the iconic views of Sedona’s Cathedral Rock formation, head to Crescent Moon Picnic Area.