Arguably the best time to photograph Grand Canyon is during the summer rainy season, otherwise known as the Arizona monsoon. On a typical day towering clouds build throughout the morning, only to explode in the afternoon in a kaleidoscope of rainbows, lightning, and pinprick sunbeams from one end of the canyon to the other. At times it’s nearly impossible to take a bad picture in any direction, and visitors can be seen shaking their heads in amazement in the wake of a world-class spectacle that only nature could provide.
The monsoon usually occurs from mid-July to early September. Be sure to dress for rapidly changing weather and remain vigilant for lightning and fast-rising waters. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can expect a visual treat you won’t soon forget!
The following slideshow is a sampling of this year’s photographic bounty. Enjoy!