advertisement
3 February 2025
Mount Humphreys, the highest peak in Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, is a stunning natural landmark and a fascinating meteorological phenomenon. Known for its striking lenticular clouds, this unique mountain uniquely shapes the sky above it.
advertisement
Lenticular clouds, often called “lens clouds,” are striking, almond-shaped formations that can appear seemingly out of nowhere. They are typically associated with mountain ranges and are created when air flows over the top of a mountain or ridge. As the air is forced upwards, it cools and condenses, forming a cloud. These clouds are known for their smooth, polished appearance, and they often look like a “lens” or saucer-shaped object floating in the sky, hence the name.
The process that leads to the formation of these clouds at Mount Humphreys is caused by a phenomenon known as orographic uplift. When warm, moist air from lower elevations moves up the mountain’s slopes, it meets cooler, drier air higher in the atmosphere. This interaction causes the warm, humid air to rise and cool, condensing into cloud formations rapidly.
But Mount Humphreys does something special. The combination of orographic uplift and fast-moving wind layers causes the clouds to have a unique, sharp-edged appearance. Imagine the wind as a series of speeding layers with different speeds and moisture levels. As the air moves upward over the mountain, it is forced into a linear shape and condenses under the right conditions into a sharply defined, lens-like cloud. It’s a process that requires the right mix of warm winds, atmospheric conditions, and, of course, the mountain’s shape and size to create these clouds.
The shape and elevation of Mount Humphreys (12,633 feet) create the perfect conditions for lenticular clouds. As the highest point in Arizona, the peak disrupts the normal airflow, causing it to rise sharply. When this fast-moving, warm, moist air hits the mountain, it’s forced to ascend rapidly, which cools it down and causes it to condense into clouds. These clouds are sculpted by the layers of wind and varying air temperatures, which bend the cloud into its iconic lens shape. What makes Arizona’s clouds extra beautiful is that Arizona can be argued to be the state with the best sunsets. A beautiful sunset mixed with a striking cloud formation? Sign me up.
advertisement
While lenticular clouds can form on any mountain with the right conditions, Mount Humphreys is a prime location to witness them. They often appear when the winds are powerful, especially during the spring when conditions are most conducive to the phenomena.
Mountain climbers, hikers, and photographers are particularly fond of capturing these clouds as they create an otherworldly, surreal backdrop to the already stunning Arizona landscape. Whether during the winter months when snow adds to the scene or on a crisp summer day, these clouds provide an iconic view you won’t want to miss.
Photo credit: https://www.reddit.com/user/emmz_az/
advertisement
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
