As an Arizona native, I thought I would share some family experiences via photos. Some of these places are still as pristine and beautiful as when these were taken, while others have been destroyed by real estate greed so only people living in gated communities can enjoy. Obviously there are families that have been here for several generations, while I am just a first generation Arizonan (a not very proud one since the recent immigration legislation by the way), but there still seem to be so few of us.
Archive for the ‘Photo Friday’ Category
Photo Friday: My Family in Arizona
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Photo Friday: Aravaipa Canyon
Friday, April 9th, 2010With so many canyons in the Southwest, namely Grand Canyon, few are as diverse with flora and fauna like Aravaipa Canyon. Aravaipa is a Nature’s Conservancy Preserve that is home to Big Horn Sheep, Javalina, Ring Tail Cats, over 150 species of documented songbirds, owls, rattlesnakes, and seven species of native fish. It is a wildlife mecca, with lush foliage and a perennial creek that is one of the last creeks in Arizona to be in pristine condition. A hike through Aravaipa is unforgettable and a nature lover’s paradise.
These photographs are the work of talented photographers who share their images on Flickr for others to enjoy under Creative Commons licensing. If you wish to use these photographs, please visit the photographer’s page and review the image’s licensing terms.
Photo Friday: Nature’s Lines
Friday, March 12th, 2010The diversity of patterns, shapes and lines that is found in nature are truly stunning. From birds that can be found in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, to Cathedral Lake in Yosemite, we thought it would be cool to share some of the lines that capture attention and inspire imagination.
These photographs are the work of talented photographers who share their images on Flickr for others to enjoy under Creative Commons licensing. If you wish to use these photographs, please visit the photographer’s page and review the image’s licensing terms.
What is the Weather at Grand Canyon?
Saturday, March 6th, 2010
We at Just Roughin’ It are always asked what the temperatures are like at Grand Canyon for any given month. And more often than not, we get the nonbelievers challenging us on this very issue.
For example, average temperatures in the inner canyon (i.e. Phantom Ranch) for March are lows in the high 40s and highs into the low 70s (Fahrenheit). But we always have someone tell us that they also checked temperatures and they are below freezing for the lows and highs into the mid 40s.
So why are we lying to so many unsuspecting people? While it is fun to mess with everyone, we aren’t…this time.
Since there are more people who hike mountains than canyons, let’s look at it this way. The temperatures are warmer at the base of a mountain and get cooler as you ascend, maybe taking you to some snow. Well, think of Grand Canyon as a reverse mountain; you start at colder temperatures and hike into warmer temperatures. Many Winter/early Spring trips have us starting our hikes in the snow (yes, it does snow in Arizona as well), but we end in sunbathing worthy temperatures.
As for climate, the rim of Grand Canyon is a pine forest but the bottom is the desert similar to what you would find in the Phoenix, Arizona area. When hiking to the bottom of the canyon, you are descending a vertical mile, which equates to about 20 to 30 degrees F difference in temperatures. This phenomenon has gotten many summer hikers into serious trouble as they start their hikes (going downhill) in temperatures in the 70’s/80’s and quickly find themselves hiking out of the canyon (going uphill) in temperatures exceeding 110 F in the sun.
Therefore, when preparing for your Grand Canyon trip to the bottom, you want to prepare for the inner canyon temperatures. This is what makes hiking the canyon so great in Fall, Winter and Spring. Summer is definitely doable if you know how to manage the dry desert heat.
Now, take in mind what I had said about hiking from a pine forest region to the desert. Not only does this effect temperature, it also effects weather patterns. For example, the inner canyon only averages 7 inches of precipitation per year, while the rims of the canyon average 18 inches per year.
And lastly, I know it is cliche, it really is a dry heat and cold.
For current Grand Canyon weather, go to this link. Notice there is a link for Grand Canyon Village (South Rim), North Rim and Phantom Ranch. Before your first (or next) visit, be sure to check the forecast for all three areas or else you may find yourself ill prepared.
