advertisement
25 July 2022
Fountain Hills, Arizona, located in the Greater Phoenix Metro area, doesn’t boast that name lightly; it actually has a world-famous fountain! On the hour every hour, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., this celebrated fountain runs for 15 minutes seven days a week. A fountain at the center of a desert is a celebration of life and water.
Robert McCulloch built the fountain in 1970, making it one of the largest in the world. At the top of the hour, the fountain sprays water for 15 minutes from the center of an artificial lake, and a concrete water lily sculpture emits the plume.
advertisement
Fountain Hills’ fountain stands higher than the Washington Monument at its full height of 560 feet. As a result, it is possible to see the white plume of Fountain Hills’ famous fountain from a distance. It can be seen as far away as the Superstition Mountains and Carefree. Special occasions extend the fountain to its full height; it reaches 330 feet for everyday viewing.
Viewings of the full height only happen three times a year:
advertisement
Every year, on St. Patrick’s Day, this acclaimed fountain turns green to the delight of onlookers. However, be advised that if the wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour, the fountain pump may shut off automatically, preventing the fountain from coming on or reaching its standard height.
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
