The beautiful landscapes of Arizona beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts to play among the towering saguaros and gorgeous views. But while nature can be admired and enjoyed, it can also be deadly. Among the 107 species of native reptiles are some of the most venomous snakes in the United States. These reptiles, although fascinating, possess potent venom that can be dangerous to humans. While this article may be alarming, we’re not here to scare you. Knowledge and awareness are essential for ensuring personal safety and fostering a deeper understanding of these perilous predators. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: The Western
Photo credit: The Dolly Steamboat For over three decades, the Grimh Family has been the proud operator of the renowned Dolly Steamboat, a magnificent vessel that has captivated the hearts of visitors since 1987. Cindi, a skilled professional, manages the Dolly Steamboat’s office operations, advertising, and marketing aspects, while Jeff, the senior captain, oversees boat operations and training. Together with our dedicated staff and crew members, they strive to deliver an unparalleled cruising and dining experience that exceeds all expectations. Dolly Steamboat History The Dolly Steamboat owes its name to its original owners, Dolly and Paul Kennedy, who commenced their
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary (PHS), located in North Scottsdale, is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and preserving native and non-native reptiles through various initiatives such as education, rehabilitation, rescue, and relocation. As a comprehensive facility, PHS encompasses a surrender facility, an education program, summer camps, and rescue and rehabilitation services. Rescue and Rehabilitation At the core of PHS’s mission are two key goals: rescue and rehabilitation and conservation education. The sanctuary recognizes the need to provide a haven for non-native and native species. Approximately 90% of the animals at PHS are from the pet trade. The sanctuary actively collaborates
Food enthusiasts in Arizona have had an exciting year, with many new restaurant openings, bars, and innovative culinary concepts popping up across the Valley of the Sun and beyond. However, only a select few have made it onto OpenTable’s prestigious Top 100 list for 2022. According to the popular dining reservation platform, the rankings are based on diner reviews collected between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022, highlighting these establishments’ exceptional dining experiences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dominick’s Steakhouse (@domsteak) Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale One of Scottsdale’s hottest fine dining destinations, Dominick’s
Experience the allure of Tovrea Castle, affectionately known as “The Wedding House,” as it opens its doors to offer a rare glimpse inside this historic landmark. Nestled off Van Buren and 52nd streets, the castle has become familiar for those traveling along the Loop 202 freeway in east Phoenix. Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, often called a “Jewel in the Sonoran Desert,” has captivated the imaginations of Valley residents for 90 years. It is not only a Phoenix Point of Pride but also an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project and holds a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
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.
Stretching across the central and eastern parts of Arizona, the Mogollon Rim is a breathtaking geological feature that captivates visitors with its rugged beauty and remarkable landscapes. This natural wonder, named after Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, the Spanish governor of New Mexico in the 18th century, is a prominent escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Geological Formation and Features The Mogollon Rim is a massive cliff that extends approximately 200 miles across the state of Arizona. It reaches elevations of over 7,000 feet and spans an impressive width of about 10 miles in some areas.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) take 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
Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands is a unique classification of mountains that rise rapidly from valley floors toward the Sonoran Desert sky, making them one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. These mountains, unofficially called “Sky Islands,” consist of 55 mountain ranges spanning Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. These ranges are so high that they can host multiple habitats from base to peak. After climbing the Sky Islands, you will find yourself in a brisk, pine-filled forest just an hour’s drive from the arid, saguaro-studded desert. This biodiversity makes these habitats attractive to wildlife, birds, and hiking
Arizona is home to the largest American Indian population currently in the United States. The history of native peoples in Arizona is vast, complex, and likely much of it is lost to history. Today’s spotlight is on the Hohokam culture, a pre-Columbian Native American civilization that inhabited parts of modern-day Arizona, United States. They were known for their advanced agricultural techniques, innovative architecture, and complex social organization. The Hohokam civilization emerged around 200 B.C. and lasted until approximately 1450 A.D. Their civilization was centered around the Salt and Gila Rivers in present-day Arizona, and their territory extended from modern-day Phoenix
