Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
Living in Arizona means accepting a fundamental truth: as one desert dweller puts it, “everything in the desert hates you.” The Sonoran Desert’s plant life seems designed to leave its mark on anyone who dares to venture too close. But what happens when these prickly cactus encounters become unavoidable, and how do you deal with the aftermath? advertisement The Reality of Arizona’s Cactus Encounters Jumping Cholla Despite its name, jumping cholla doesn’t actually jump. However, its segments are so loosely attached and the barbed spines so effective at grabbing onto anything that brushes against them, it certainly seems like an
Arizona, particularly the Valley, is home to a vibrant pizza scene, from classic New York-style slices to deep-dish masterpieces. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the best pizza in Phoenix and its surrounding areas can be a delightful (albeit deliciously difficult) task. Here’s a rundown of some of the most beloved pizzerias in the Valley, according to the locals. advertisement 1. The Red Devil A favorite for many, The Red Devil has been serving up delicious pizza and wings since the early 1960s. Known for its consistently great quality, the original location at 30th Street and McDowell is
Arizona Wildlife Experts Advise Against Using Real Pumpkins as Decor As Halloween approaches, Arizona wildlife officials urge residents to reconsider their outdoor decorations. They warn that festive pumpkins and gourds could attract more than just admiring neighbors. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public that Halloween pumpkins and fall decorations can lure wildlife into residential areas. This can potentially create dangerous situations for humans and animals. AZGFD Public Information Officer stated, “They don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Halloween, but they want to avoid nightmare scenarios.” Recent wildlife sightings, including a bear spotted in the
As temperatures soar in Arizona, homeowners and gardeners must take proactive measures to ensure their plants remain healthy and vibrant. With the intense heat, here are some essential tips to help gardens thrive during the scorching summer months. Understanding the Climate Challenges Arizona’s extreme heat presents unique challenges for plant care, especially during the summer months. Many gardeners are concerned about maintaining lush landscapes when temperatures reach dangerous levels. Proper watering and care techniques become imperative to protect plants from the harsh climate. Effective Watering Techniques Watering is one of the most critical aspects of plant care in hot weather.
Get your hiking gear ready and prepare to witness the vibrant spectacle of wildflowers adorning the desert landscape in the Greater Phoenix area. March and April herald the peak bloom season in the Sonoran Desert, offering an array of hiking trails for enthusiasts of all levels. Essential Facts Bloom Period: Late February to May marks the peak of the wildflower season. Variety: Over 20 species of wildflowers and flowering plants grace the Arizona landscape, including poppies, brittlebush, chuparosa, and marigolds. The abundance of these blooms varies based on elevation and the preceding year’s rainfall. Trail Etiquette: Treat hiking trails and
The Arizona Office of Tourism has partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics© to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve the state’s stunning natural landscapes. By adopting the Leave No Trace principles, visitors can enjoy Arizona’s unique destinations while minimizing their environmental impact. Understanding Leave No Trace Leave No Trace is an individual outdoor ethic that can be practiced by anyone spending time in nature. It is a set of guidelines to minimize human impact on the environment. By implementing Leave No Trace principles, we can protect our favorite outdoor areas, from local parks to remote wilderness.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) takes hundreds of captive desert tortoises surrendered to them yearly. While these tortoises cannot be released back into the wild, they make for fascinating nontraditional pets. Families can learn to appreciate desert wildlife by caring for them and observing their natural behavior. This year, the AZGFD reported a record number of orphaned tortoises, with nearly 300 animals rescued, and over 100 are still looking for their forever homes. AZGFD is raising awareness about Sonoran Desert tortoises as the weather gets warmer. So far, around 130 animals have been adopted this year, but there
Arizona is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, with over 800 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. For nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers, Arizona offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe some of North America’s most fascinating and unique species. Arizona has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wildlife watcher. In this beginner’s guide to Arizona wildlife watching, we’ll explore some of the best places to see wildlife in Arizona and some tips for observing wildlife in their natural habitats. National Parks and Wildlife Refuges Here you can observe wildlife in their natural habitats
