Where to Catch Lightning in Marana

Marana and Southern Arizona’s spectacular mountain and desert backdrops make it one of the ideal locations for lightning photography. The six mountain ranges that surround Marana provide just the backdrops photographers and observers are looking for.

Credit@kelvinaz_photo

Lightning-Watching Tips

Places to Watch Lightning

Each year, residents and visitors in Southern Arizona excitedly await the return of the monsoon, and the relief it brings from the summer heat. Arizona’s monsoon officially begins on June 15th and runs through September 30th, with July and early August often being the most “active” time. Along with 54% of the area’s annual rainfall, monsoon season also brings with it spectacular light shows – rainbows, striking sunsets reflected against the clouds and rain curtains, and yes, lightning!

The Tucson area’s geography, with its dry atmosphere, low cloud elevation, and higher ground elevation, make it one of the “Lightning Capitals of the World”, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. During this magical time of year, the best thing to do is to find a place to hunker down and take in the magnificent sky show.

Fred Wasmer, an award-winning storm photographer, frequently visits Southern Arizona and Florida to capture stunning weather images. Although Florida has plenty of lightning, Fred says that our area has “amazing scenery” with “beautiful mountains” that set the stage for stunning views.

You have a narrow window of opportunity to catch lightning in a bottle or with your camera during the magical monsoon season in Arizona.

CreditFred Wasmer

Lightning-Watching Tips:

Monsoon storms typically arrive later in the afternoon, after 3 p.m., but this can vary greatly throughout the season. Check the weather forecast and radar, get to your viewing spot, and hunker down.
Lightning will start to strike before rain begins falling.
Pay attention to emergency alerts, such as flash flood warnings. Microbursts can move through fast and leave a lot of rain.
If you’re out hiking, biking, or horseback riding, make sure that you get back to your vehicle well before storms start. Check the weather forecast before you leave.
Don’t drive through flowing water of any kind. A small amount of water can carry you and your vehicle away. Turn around, don’t drown. When finding a spot to watch lightning, avoid low-lying areas.
Lightning safety tip from photographer Fred Wasmer: If out in nature, watch lightning from a hard-top car (not a convertible). Being surrounded by a cage of metal, you're safe from lightning in a car. Don't watch from picnic/rain shelters, as those often aren't grounded and thus aren't safe. Or, just watch from afar. If you find a nice viewpoint with a bit of elevation, you can enjoy storms that are 50 miles away.
Be careful in areas below mountains, such as the Catalina Mountains, that have had extensive recent wildfires. Heavy monsoon downpours can move earth and cause sudden mudslides in burned areas.

Great Places to Watch Lightning in (or near) Marana:

1. Saguaro National Park West

Saguaro National Park West is known for its expansive desert and mountain views, but it’s also known for giving visitors those views while being easily accessible by car. Throughout the park, there are several pull-outs along the roads and trailhead parking lots that are excellent places to post up and enjoy nature’s light show.

You can also stop by the Red Hills Visitor Center (2700 N. Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743) and ask the rangers for their favorite lightning-watching spots.

You can purchase your visitor pass at the Visitor Center, or by clicking here.

Credit@kelvinaz_photo

2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Note that the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is only open until 4 p.m. in the summer, so it’s a better location for watching daytime storms. Ask a staff member for the best place to stay safe while watching the show.

If the museum is closed when the storm rolls through, there is a parking lot at the King Canyon Trailhead in Saguaro National Park West that is located across the street.

3. Wild Burro Trailhead in the Tortolita Mountains

Located just down the road from The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, you can park at the Wild Burro Trailhead parking lot and take in views of the Tortolita Mountains, and looking towards the Tucson Mountains from your car.

If you're feeling hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at Cayton's Restaurant at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain (with expansive views looking off to the west), or at Amore or Dove Mountain Brewing Company down the street.

4. End of Scenic Drive/Sanctuary Cove

It’s one of the top spots in Town for views of the Tucson Mountains, and the best part? It’s right in the Continental Ranch neighborhood in southern Marana. There are several pull-outs further down the street where you can watch the storm roll in with the backdrop of the rugged mountain peaks. To get there, put “Scenic Drive Trailhead” in your GPS or click the link.

In the same area is Sanctuary Cove, a peaceful, secluded place with walking trails, a chapel, a labyrinth, and spectacular mountain views. You can drive in and park, and after the storm passes, explore the trails.

Fun Fact: The views of the mountains and desert you see from here are actually in Saguaro National Park West! The Town of Marana and the park border each other at the end of Scenic Drive.

CreditStephanie Waldref

5. Ironwood Forest National Monument

If you head out to Ironwood Forest National Monument, it’ll just be you, the desert, and the storm. Head out to the west of Marana along Avra Valley Road, and it’ll take you right into the monument.

Depending on your car and the rain conditions, it may be best to stick to the paved roads in the monument. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get great views!

6. Parking Lot of the Tucson Premium Outlets

It may not be the first location you think of, but it's easy to get to and the views are still great! If you head to the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center and park in the back (in the area parallel to Interstate 10), you will get great views of the iconic rock formation that is Panther Peak and Sombrero Peak in the Tucson Mountains.

PicturedView towards the west from near the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center

CreditLa Encantada Twin Peaks

7. Topgolf

Don't let the monsoon ruin your golf plans! Head to Topgolf, where you can still relax and work on your golf game, even if it's storming. Topgolf's bays face towards the Catalina Mountains, where you can watch the storm roll in, and are sheltered, so you don't have to worry about getting wet. Topgolf remains open for play even during weather events.

CreditMichael Baxter

8. The Highlands Bar & Grille

Enjoy a delicious meal while watching the lightning. Located at The Highlands at Dove Mountain, the Highlands Bar & Grille is open to the public and is known for its spectacular views of the mountain ranges surrounding Marana. The restaurant has a wall of windows, so you can enjoy the views during the storm while staying secure and dry.

CreditThe Highlands at Dove Mountain