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14 April 2025
In our day-to-day hustle, it’s easy to overlook the beauty surrounding us while on the road. Arizona’s cities are surrounded by incredible landscapes such as the Sonoran Desert, the Sedona monuments, and Flagstaff’s trees and mountains. Still, it’s sometimes too easy to forget the daily beauty we have the opportunity to enjoy. It’s beneficial to remember that Arizona’s commutes can be far more than just a means of getting from point A to point B while trying to avoid traffic.
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According to a recent survey by Quantrell Volvo, which surveyed over 3,000 commuters, several Arizona routes earned recognition for their scenic beauty and enjoyable driving experience. Here are the top Arizona commutes that made the list:
While Arizona commutes offer great views and enjoyable drives, the traffic in the Phoenix metro area can sometimes be less than ideal. If you’re commuting through Phoenix, it’s helpful to know when traffic is at its peak to avoid frustration and long delays.
Rush Hour in Phoenix According to the director of transportation technologies and services at the Maricopa Association of Governments, Phoenix sees its heaviest traffic during two key periods each day:
The peak hour during both rush periods tends to be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., especially during weekdays.
According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), most crashes in Phoenix happen between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., just before the busiest rush hour. Motorcycle crashes peak between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., while fatal accidents are most likely between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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Arizona’s desert landscapes offer some of the country’s most beautiful and unique commutes. However, it’s essential to know when the roads will be busiest to make the most of your commute. By doing your best to plan your drive around the peak rush hours, you can avoid frustrating delays and enjoy a smoother ride on Arizona’s beautiful highways.
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A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
