🤘🏻𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠k ℭ𝔩𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔰 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠k ℭ𝔩𝔬𝔲𝔡𝔰 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠k 𝔐𝔢𝔱𝔞𝔩
🌪️Award-winning storm chaser & photographer w/multiple state/int’l exhibitions (US/FRANCE/SCOTLAND). Also, I write.
Could This Be the Most Awe-Inspiring Hiking Trail in Arizona?
You know, every time I think I've found the most amazing hiking trails in Arizona, I find another one that absolutely blows my mind. Like, there are thousands of incredible trails in the Copper State, but sometimes a trail rises above…

Could This Be the Most Awe-Inspiring Hiking Trail in Arizona?
You know, every time I think I've found the most amazing hiking trails in Arizona, I find another one that absolutely blows my mind. Like, there are thousands of incredible trails in the Copper State, but sometimes a trail rises above and beyond. This is one of those trails: the absurdly photogenic Wildcat Trail (West and East Buttes). This hike is what the word 'awesome' was invented for.
Anyone who knows me knows I'm really passionate about abandoned places. Abandoned places in Arizona are extra-special to me, considering I live here. Today, let's explore an abandoned mansion in Arizona up near Kingman you can still access to this day. It's an adventure worthy of having for sure!

The Abandoned Mansion in Arizona You Can Hike To
Anyone who knows me knows I'm really passionate about abandoned places. Abandoned places in Arizona are extra-special to me, considering I live here. Today, let's explore an abandoned mansion in Arizona up near Kingman you can still access to this day. It's an adventure worthy of having for sure!
It's fall. Finally, it's fall! You know what that means: it's time to check out some of my favorite autumn destinations in Arizona.

Here are 8 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations in Arizona
Well, it's October, and we all know what that means: Fall has officially begun! I mean, for me, I count seasons starting on their meteorological days, so over here autumn began on September 1st, but I digress. No matter when you start celebrating, happy fall, y'all! When it comes to autumn in Arizona, there are so many awesome things to do that you could easily fill the whole spooky season with delights and only scratch the surface of what's out there.
Your New Favorite Guide to Ghost Towns in Arizona, Part I
Arizona has a rich, storied past filled with outlaws, old mines, and a plethora of ghosts to show for it. At the time of this writing, there are about 300 known ghost towns in Arizona, all of which have a story to tell and a bounty of…

Your New Favorite Guide to Ghost Towns in Arizona, Part I
Arizona has a rich, storied past filled with outlaws, old mines, and a plethora of ghosts to show for it. At the time of this writing, there are about 300 known ghost towns in Arizona, all of which have a story to tell and a bounty of forgotten memories to explore.
The Breathtaking State Natural Area in Arizona You’re Not Allowed to Visit
Hidden away in far southern Arizona is a stretch of land designated as a state natural area. It's an amazingly There's just one 'problem', though: it's not open to the public. While not entirely inaccessible, this fantastic…

The Breathtaking State Natural Area in Arizona You’re Not Allowed to Visit
Hidden away in far southern Arizona is a stretch of land designated as a state natural area. It's an amazingly There's just one 'problem', though: it's not open to the public. While not entirely inaccessible, this fantastic stretch of natural grassland is an example of the diversity of Arizona's landscape, which, simply put, we are not allowed to witness - at least for now.
Discover Lake Powell: Arizona’s Ultimate End-of-Summer Destination
Lake Powell is a gigantic (162,595 acres, 185.8 miles long, 254.1 square miles!), man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. Of all the amazing lakes in Arizona, this one's easily among the most…

Discover Lake Powell: Arizona’s Ultimate End-of-Summer Destination
Lake Powell is a gigantic (162,595 acres, 185.8 miles long, 254.1 square miles!), man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. Of all the amazing lakes in Arizona, this one's easily among the most popular - it's definitely a summertime favorite among locals and tourists alike. And it's so much more than 'just' a lake!
Autumn in Arizona is such a magical time. From scenic drives and hikes to farms and vineyards, here are a few of my all-time favorite things to do in Arizona in the fall. What are some of yours? Let me know!

Autumn’s Coming: My Favorite Things to Do During Fall in Arizona
If I had to pick a season in Arizona (not counting monsoon season) to call my favorite, it would be autumn. What do you know: September 1st just so happens to be the first day of meteorological fall. Calendar fall begins on the 22nd of September, but I'm over the heat. Fall is welcome! I'm stoked. Fall in Arizona is such a magical time.
It's a reminder how incredible life can be - and how fragile it is at the same time. The oldest tree in Arizona is more than 'just' a tree; it symbolizes the beauty, strength, and fragility of life. It's been allowed to grow uninhibited for at least 1,000 years.

Meet the Oldest Tree in Arizona (Probably)
It's 52 feet tall as of the time of this writing. Its trunk circumference is an incredible 324 inches (that's 27 feet) around. At its top - the crown - branches extend more than 70 feet across. It's more than 1,000 years old.
Located 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, near the tiny reservation town of Leupp, Grand Falls is an utterly stunning waterfall in Arizona whose volume depends on recent snowmelt or rainfall. It's a sight to behold, and that's too bad, because very few people will be beholding it any time soon.

The Incredible Waterfall in Arizona Nobody is Able to Visit Anymore
Located 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, near the tiny reservation town of Leupp, Grand Falls is an utterly stunning waterfall in Arizona whose volume depends on recent snowmelt or rainfall. It's a sight to behold, and that's too bad, because very few people will be beholding it any time soon.
When I say the Rams Canyon Trail is incredible and offers some of the best views in Arizona along the way, I mean it's genuinely one of those trails you'll never forget once you've done it.

The Jaw-Dropping Desert Hike in Arizona That’ll Make You Fall in Love With the Desert Southwest
When I say the Rams Canyon Trail is incredible and offers some of the best views in Arizona along the way, I mean it's genuinely one of those trails you'll never forget once you've done it. It showcases the beauty of the desert so perfectly that even the staunchest of desert-dislikers will admit that, fine, it's beautiful.
Do you believe in ghosts? I'm not sure if I do, but countless ghost towns, eerie hotels, and ghost-infested schools supposedly make up the most haunted places in Arizona. I’ve compiled a list of Arizona's most famously…
this-is-arizona.com/2025/07/09/definiti…Did you know that there's an array of bizarre things one can find submerged within Lake Pleasant? This, coupled with a strange danger surrounding the lake that many people either ignore or fail to understand, add a bit of an eerie twist to this popular North Phoenix hangout.

The Submerged Horrors of Arizona’s Lake Pleasant
When it comes to lakes in Arizona, few are quite as popular and well-known as Lake Pleasant. But did you know that there's an array of bizarre things one can find submerged within the lake? These, coupled with a strange danger surrounding Lake Pleasant that many people either ignore or fail to understand, add a bit of an eerie twist to this popular North Phoenix hangout.
Saguaro cacti are numerous in Arizona. As of the time of this writing, there are millions of them scattered all over the state. Saguaro National Park has two million saguaro alone - and that's just one park (albeit a very saguaro-y…
this-is-arizona.com/2025/07/03/saguaro-…Arizona absolutely does have occasional tornadoes. In fact, there are typically three to five confirmed tornadoes yearly - more if you count landspout tornadoes, which often go unreported under the assumption of being 'dust devils'.
blog-arizona.com/2025/06/29/scary-mo…Fellow locals claim the Copper State is a boring desert wasteland with little excitement and even less rainfall. As it turns out, though, this is incorrect. Arizona is remarkable, and we must step beyond the desert to discover it all.

So Much More Than “Just a Desert”: Arizona the Underrated Paradise
I've lived in Arizona my entire life. Often, fellow locals believe the Copper State is a 'boring desert wasteland' with little excitement and even less rainfall. Other than cacti and sweltering heat, many folks believe the state has nothing more to offer. As it turns out, though, this is incorrect. Arizona is remarkable, and we must step beyond the desert to discover it all.
The human history along this hike is truly amazing and inspiring. You'll find ancient petroglyphs drawn long ago by Hohokam people who called the region home. You'll also encounter the remains of an old fort built by the Civilian…
blog-arizona.com/2025/06/24/saguaro-…Are you a fan of scary stories and urban legends? Same. Here's the ultimate list of the creepiest urban legends from every US state.
blog-arizona.com/2025/06/18/urban-le…This trail is breathtaking. No matter where you look, you're surrounded by stereoscopic beauty. The forest is incredible, and the lake is to die for. It's one of Arizona's most ridiculously photogenic hikes, and I think you'll fall as madly in love with it as I have.

Little Elden Trail: An Adventure for Nature Lovers in Arizona
Hidden away in jaw-droppingly gorgeous Northern Arizona is a fantastic hiking trail that makes every step worth it with dazzling features sure to amaze. At just under six and a half miles long, this amazing trail is jam-packed full of amazing views that you just can't find anywhere else. It's all the wonder and whimsy of Northern Arizona packed into one tough-but-worthy hike you're sure to love.
Beauty and the Beast:
@dopplerjess.bsky.social stares down the incredible Morton 2.0 tornado back on June 5th.
today was one of those days i’ll remember for the rest of my life. we saw no fewer than seven or eight tornadoes, including twins. morton did it again, producing a photogenic wedge at one point that looked almost identical to the morton, tx beast of 2022. a surreal experience overall.
the deep glow.
Ackerly, Texas
May 29th, 2025
Another shot of the stunning structure on the storm in Nebraska that spat out numerous landspout tornadoes and THEN looked stupid amazing. May 15th, 2025. Today, I'm chasing big hail in Texas. Yeehaw.
i constantly forget this app is a thing lol
anyway here’s a texas supercell a few days back
yesterdays chase went very well. surreal!
holy cow what a day. still ain’t over.
she’s cooking.
we have initiation. she’s warned for golf ball sized hail and is headed straight here.
And we have our severe watch. Game on.
Convective Discussion issued; chance of watch 80%. Let’s do this
TODAY: We've got a slight risk issued for the day with a 5% tornado risk in a tiny bullseye. Tornado risk today is low. The forecast looks better today than yesterday, but I'm still not entirely convinced that I'll see a tornado today. But crazy shit has happened on 2%/5% days. See y'all up North!
I'd like to highlight one of my favorite hidden gems in Arizona: Keyhole Sink, which is located in the woods near Parks. Not only does this fascinating geological wonder feature some truly awe-inspiring ancient petroglyphs... it's also home to one of the most awesome waterfalls in Arizona.
The Secret On-Again, Off-Again Waterfall in Arizona You’ve Never Heard Of
When folks think about Arizona, they probably don't think about waterfalls. This is shortsighted, though; numerous incredible cascades are peppered throughout the state, and even the locals don't realize they exist. Some of them get all the recognition, like Havasupai Falls, nestled deep in the Grand Canyon, and others are more subtle, like the now-inaccessible Grand "Chocolate" Falls. Today, I'd like to highlight one of my favorite hidden gems in Arizona: Keyhole Sink, which is located in the woods near Parks.
While northern Arizona receives all the credit for its beauty, eastern Arizona is nothing short of perfect. Lovers of the forest, mountains, creeks, and streams will fall hopelessly in love with fewer crowds, less bustle, and more peace and quiet.

I Am Hopelessly Obsessed With This Secret Hiking Trail in Eastern Arizona
Eastern Arizona is a region that just doesn't get the love and admiration it deserves. While northern Arizona receives all the credit for its beauty (which it should), eastern Arizona is nothing short of perfect. Lovers of the forest, mountains, creeks, and streams will fall hopelessly in love with the region. Why bother with the crowds and bustle of places like…
Hidden in northeastern Arizona, just a short drive from Flagstaff, is an absolutely incredible natural wonder that the rest of the world envies us for. What is it, you might wonder? It's 229.6 square miles of some of the most bizarre landscapes in the country - if not all of North America.

Discover Arizona’s Unique Petrified Forest
Hidden away in northeastern Arizona, just a short hour-and-a-half drive from Flagstaff, is an absolutely incredible natural wonder that the rest of the world envies us for. What is it, you might wonder? It's 229.6 square miles of some of the most bizarre landscapes in the country - if not all of North America - and it's all ours right here in the Copper State.
Breathtakingly beautiful in all their strangeness, the Superstition Mountains lie east of Phoenix and hold many secrets, or so they say. Urban legends, ancient Apache tales, and even a secret waterfall are all just a part of the Supes experience.

Exploring the Mystique of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains
If you've lived in Arizona for any amount of time, you're probably well aware of the existence of the Superstition Mountains. If you're observant, you've likely noticed them looming off in the distance while in the east valley; they're quite unique-looking, to say the least, and they certainly stick out in terms of interesting geological formations in Arizona. They are, though, breathtakingly beautiful, even in all their strangeness.
Hidden about 90 minutes from Phoenix is a gorgeous, sparkling lake that can easily be called Arizona's most remote (and many DO call it that, actually). In fact, one can't reach it easily; it requires some doing to get there, but it's worth every ounce of effort to do so.

Exploring Horseshoe Lake: Arizona’s Best Kept Secret
Hidden - quite literally, actually - about 90 minutes from Phoenix is a gorgeous, sparkling lake that can easily be called Arizona's most remote (and many DO call it that, actually). In fact, one can't reach it easily; it requires some doing to get there, but it's worth every ounce of effort to do so. If you're anything like me, you're not a fan of…
When you think of an 'island', what's the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it's obvious: they think of a small spot of land surrounded by water, usually in the ocean; interestingly, though, this is not the only kind of island that exists on the planet.

Experience the Beauty of Arizona’s Sky Islands
When you think of an 'island', what's the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it's obvious: they think of a small spot of land surrounded by water, usually in the ocean; interestingly, though, this is not the only kind of island that exists on the planet. Did you know that there's such a thing as "sky islands", and Arizona is home to a small handful of them?
A developing storm begins inhaling deeply, dragging dust into the updraft. The lower the cloud bases, the better the odds for a tornado; in this case, the storm never produced a tornado - but it sure looked cool. Peep those powerlines on the lower left for a nice little size check.
If you've been craving a beach day but, well, we live in Arizona, no worries—Saguaro Lake has 22 breathtaking miles of shoreline to speak of, and it's awesome for setting up a nice picnic next to and simply enjoying the vibes.

Exploring Saguaro Lake: A Breathtaking Desert Oasis
Most folks in Arizona know that, in the summer, the Salt River opens up for some pretty legendary tubing adventures. What a lot of folks don't ever realize, though, is that there's more to this river system than just some tubing and wild horses; there's a handful of reservoirs scattered across the mountainscape east of Phoenix and one of them - Saguaro Lake - is easily one of my all-time favorite…
Significantly more tourists meander through here each year than residents, and for a great reason: it's truly one of the most unique places in Arizona. If you're a wine lover, you hit the jackpot: Elgin is located smack-dab in the center of the Sonoita viticultural area.
Elgin, Arizona: A Must-Visit for Wine Lovers and Nature Enthusiasts
Fun fact: there's an unusual abundance of wine country in Arizona. Our three distinct viticultural zones are sure to amaze any wine lover homesick for Napa Valley! They are Verde Valley, which is in north-central Arizona, Willcox, which is in southern Arizona south-southeast of Tucson, and Sonoita, also in southern Arizona just a bit east of Tucson. Sonoita is easily one of the…
Fun fact: Arizona is home to 128 known and named lakes, but only a couple of them are natural. Canyon Lake is not one of those (natural, I mean), but you'd never guess by looking at it. The landscape is seamless, offering some truly iconic and one-of-a-kind views in the spring.

Discover Canyon Lake: A Springtime Paradise in Arizona
Hidden away within the breathtaking Superstition Wilderness of the Tonto National Forest is a cluster of four lakes along the Salt River that are quite popular among Arizonans for all sorts of water-based shenanigans, like boating and fishing. Among these lakes is Canyon Lake, a place that truly looks and feels like something from a movie set more than any place you might stumble upon in Arizona.
Few things are as relaxing as retreating up to the cool Ponderosa pines of northern Arizona; it's wonderful for quieting the chaos within, and there is an assortment of incredible scenic drives near Flagstaff, Arizona, that are perfect for such an occasion. FR-151 is one of these.
Top Scenic Drives in Arizona: Discover Forest Road 151 near Flagstaff
The town of Flagstaff is one of my happy places. Few things are as good for my spirit as retreating north to the cool Ponderosa pines of northern Arizona and getting my think on; it's amazingly wonderful for quieting the chaos within, and there is an assortment of incredible scenic drives near Flagstaff, Arizona, that are perfect for just such an occasion.
All over the internet, you'll find alleged lists of weird laws in Arizona - things like "it's illegal to let a donkey sleep in a bathtub" or "women can't wear pants in Arizona," but surprise, surprise: like many things on the internet, each of these oft-repeated laws don't exist at all.

5 Bizarre Laws in Arizona You Didn’t Know Existed
All over the internet, you'll find alleged lists of weird laws in Arizona - things like "it's illegal to let a donkey sleep in a bathtub" or "women can't wear pants in Arizona," but surprise, surprise: like many things on the internet, each of these oft-repeated laws don't exist at all. That being said, some laws in Arizona are quite unique, bizarre, or otherwise unusual - so let's take a look at some of those.
The Top 6 Spring Hiking Trails in Arizona You Must Explore
Let's be real here: Arizona is an absolutely incredible place. It has thousands of miles of incredible hiking trails, all of which are worth exploring. In the springtime, the conditions for a hiking trip are especially ideal: the…

The Top 6 Spring Hiking Trails in Arizona You Must Explore
Let's be real here: Arizona is an absolutely incredible place. It has thousands of miles of incredible hiking trails, all of which are worth exploring. In the springtime, the conditions for a hiking trip are especially ideal: the temperature outdoors isn't too high just yet - even in the Phoenix metro area - and oftentimes, wildflowers are exploding across the entire state.
Lakin, Kansas, May 21st 2021: Sunset and dust turn a supercell's hail core orange instead of teal/green, offering up an eerie scene that I HAD to capture.
#wxsky #blueskywx #photography #stormchasing #kswz #azchaserssorry, i can't, the mothership just got here
#blueskywx #wxskyI'm quite happy with this photo. The contrast in this scene was just awesome, and I am happy I was able to capture it in more than one way here. I can't believe it's spring again already; I can't wait to see what this year holds for us all.
#blueskywx #wxskygreen skies > blue skies
#blueskywxsoon.
spring in the plains 🌪️⚡️🌈