Arizona Monsoon Rainbow, Flagstaff

Double rainbow, clearing rain shower, Canyoneers river rafting office, Flagstaff, Arizona
(click on image for larger version)

We are presently in the heart of our late summer "monsoon" thunderstorm season here in northern Arizona. Moisture from the Pacific Ocean comes inland, and our hot weather and ample sunshine combine to form thunderhead clouds, which can cause very localized rain showers. 

Besides being the primary source of the Southwest's summertime precipitation, it's also a gorgeous time for photographers and nature lovers. Arizona blue sky, dramatic cumulus and thunderhead clouds, rain curtains, and sunshine can sometimes be seen all at once. Grass and other ground plants sprout, greening the forests and rangeland. 

And the rain showers usually are brief, though sometimes intense. They are what flash floods can be borne of.

Highway 89 Monsoon Afternoon

Northern Arizona. North of Flagstaff, north of Cameron. Echo Cliffs on the right.

South of the Arizona Strip, still. Not for long, though. We're continuing north.

Monsoon thunderstorm season in Arizona. Moisture from the Pacific Ocean synergizing with the blue Arizona sky.

Desert meets sky in late summer.

You might also be interested in my Grand Canyon Photography blog.

Baby Acorns, Northern Arizona

Gambel Oak foliage and acorns, July 26

Tiny, growing acorns on a Gambel Oak tree in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona.


Looks like this fall's acorn crop is coming along quite nicely. One of the beautiful, subtle joys of summer in the forest.

Dusk Cloud Colors, Flagstaff

Sunset time in northern Arizona. Summertime sunset time. 

I notice the pinks set against the clearing blue sky, and walk outside with my camera, searching for a composition. The Ponderosa pine trees in silhouette frame the rosy pink clouds nicely.

Cloud Light, Flagstaff, Arizona

Clouds lit up by the bright Arizona sunlight. Clouds blocking the sun, creating ephemeral shadows on the mountain slopes.

San Francisco Peaks, northern Arizona.

Take It Easy

Beautiful, wistful artwork depicting the legendary pickup-driving woman that inspired the Jackson Browne (the song ultimately completed by Glenn Frey of the Eagles), Standin' On the Corner Park, downtown Winslow, Arizona.

Standin' On the Corner in Winslow, Arizona

Standin' on the Corner Park, downtown Winslow, Arizona

Winslow, Arizona is a dusty little old town in northern Arizona with a (briefly) glorious past and an uncertain future. 

It was quite the famous little stop along the railroad in its glory days. A luxury hotel stayed in by the movie stars of the day.

No more. Amtrak, the modern passenger train, still stops there, while the other freight trains roar on by. But signs of resurrection occur. Most notably the restoration of La Posada, which is quite the hotel/restaurant. Beautiful.