The Hills are Alive: Summer Rains are Bringing on the Green

With much of the country in drought, it feels a bit indulgent to remark at what a wet and wonderful summer rainy season we’ve had in the park. Though the monsoonal bounty is only slightly elevated by historical standards, the forests on either rim are as green and lush as anyone can remember; including rare appearances by everything from moss to mushrooms. The more reliable wildflowers are putting on an exceptional display, the animals have never looked happier (soggy hikers aside), and the dramatic cloud play has made for sensational photographs.

The annual precipitation at Grand Canyon National Park is generally split evenly between the summer rains, and winter snows. If the prevailing weather pattern lingers into the holidays, we could be in for some heavy amounts of the white stuff. So grab your raingear and positive attitude, and make a beeline for the Grand Canyon. It doesn’t get any better than this.

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.