Be prepared, watchful in exploring desert areas

Wonderlands of natural beauty and adventure await in the mountains and deserts around Tucson - but so do potential dangers.

For those craving snow, mountains have plenty

There is something quite wondrous about breaking a fresh trail - in science, in art and even in a medium as simple, and yet sublime, as new-fallen snow.

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

Left: Leigh Anne Thrasher and her donkey, Jasmine, take their time on Mint Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains.

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

Above: On Mint Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains.

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

Along the Mint Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains.

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

A bee keeps busy on Mint Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains.

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

on Mint Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains on July 19, 2012. Photo by Doug Kreutz, Arizona Daily Star

Mint Spring hike has a flavor that's all its own

Jasmine the pack donkey paused along the Mint Spring Trail to munch sweet summer grass and snatch a brief break in the bargain.

One foot of water can sweep away cars, authorities warn

Barbara Santa Maria and her nephew, Raul Benitez, 9, find a puddle on East Michigan Drive just perfect for a little post-storm horseplay. But downpours such as Saturday's are also a real threat to unwary motorists, children and others.

One foot of water can sweep away cars, authorities warn

Debris like this tattered mattress in the Rillito River bed could knock down someone trying to escape the current generated by one of our summer thunderstorms.