Return of the Rain Spells Relief

Navajo Point Silhouettes | Photo by Mike Buchheit

Few weather events are more anticipated at the Grand Canyon than the arrival of the summer rains. It is typically early July when the so-called “monsoon” kicks in, bringing with it higher humidity, welcome clouds, and scattered thundershowers.

True to form, the storms arrived on July 3rd, and have been treating residents, visitors, plants, and animals to the occasional deluge ever since. The mood this year was exceptionally jubilant given this year’s extremely dry winter in Arizona, and the resulting tinder dry conditions in the regional forests.

With the diminished threat of catastrophic wildfires, the National Park Service recently lifted fire restrictions for residents and visitors.

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.