6 to 10 hours
Duration
$400
per adult
Arizona’s monsoon season brings some of the most dramatic weather on the continent — towering cloud structures, dust storms (haboobs), flash floods, and world-class lightning displays.
This Phoenix-based tour puts you right in the middle of it, chasing the storms of the season with an experienced guide and camera in hand.
Your guide, Jake Case, has spent 3 years seriously chasing storms and 15 years photographing Arizona’s monsoon weather. Along the way, he will guide you through:
- How to forecast storms using weather models, radar, and satellite imagery
- “Eyes-to-the-skies” forecasting — reading the sky in real time
- Techniques for photographing extreme weather, including lightning
- Safety precautions and how to balance risk and reward while chasing
- How to handle “dud” storm days (they happen, even to the pros)
How the day works
We meet at 11am, though start times may shift earlier if the forecast calls for it — your guide will notify you the night before of any changes to time or meeting location. From there:
- Your guide walks through the day’s storm forecast and chase strategy
- The van heads to the first target area — sometimes a multi-hour drive, filled with conversation about chase strategy and the landscapes along the way
- Once storms develop, the pace picks up fast, navigating the intense and unpredictable nature of monsoon weather
- The day wraps depending on how the storms play out — sometimes shortly after sunset, sometimes as late as 2am, if the chase runs long
Guests can book a single day or multiple days.
What to bring
- Water and snacks are provided, but feel free to bring your own to suit your tastes
- A camera and tripod are recommended for capturing lightning and timelapses
- A lightning trigger is recommended if you want to capture lightning during afternoon and sunset hours
- No dedicated camera? A smartphone works too — consider a smartphone-compatible tripod
A note on mobility: Guests should be prepared to exit and re-enter the vehicle quickly and under their own power, as storm chasing can require fast movement.
To learn more, call us at (602) 429-9590 or email us at tours@mountaintripper.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the tour start and end?
The tour typically meets at 11:00 AM and lasts 6 to 10 hours. However, start times may shift earlier based on the forecast, and the day can wrap up anywhere from shortly after sunset to as late as 2:00 AM if a chase runs long.
How will I know if the meeting time or location changes?
Your guide, Jake, will monitor the weather and notify you the night before the tour of any changes to the start time or meeting spot.
Can I book more than one day?
Yes. Guests have the flexibility to book either a single-day tour or multiple days.
How far will we be driving?
The van will head to a specific target area based on the forecast. This can sometimes involve a multi-hour drive, which is filled with group conversations about chase strategies and the local landscapes.
Do I need a professional camera to join the tour?
No. While a dedicated camera is recommended, a smartphone can take awesome storm photos as well.
Besides a camera, what specific gear is recommended?
We highly recommend bringing a tripod (for lightning and timelapses) and a lightning trigger if you want to capture lightning during the afternoon and sunset hours.
Should I bring a tripod if I am only using a smartphone?
Yes. If you are shooting with a phone, we recommend bringing a smartphone-compatible tripod.
Are food and drinks provided?
Yes. Water and snacks are provided in the van, but you are welcome to bring your own to suit your personal tastes. During pit stops, you may be able to buy quick meals along the way.
What kind of weather will we see?
Arizona’s monsoon season is highly dynamic. You can expect to chase towering cloud structures, dust storms (haboobs), flash floods, and world-class lightning displays.
What will I learn during the tour?
Jake will teach you how to forecast using weather models, radar, and satellite imagery, how to read the sky in real-time, photography techniques for extreme weather, and how to safely balance risk and reward.
Do you cancel the tour if the storm forecast looks low or "dry"?
No, we do not cancel for low-activity days. If the storm potential is low, we pivot the day into a landscape-focused photography outing, utilizing Arizona’s dramatic desert scenery. If the skies clear up completely, we may even shift into Milky Way and astrophotography after the sun goes down.
What happens if the storms don't show up?
“Dud” storm days happen, even to the pros. Part of the curriculum includes learning how to handle these days and adjust strategies when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Is storm chasing safe?
Safety is a core priority. The tour includes dedicated guidance on safety precautions and managing risks while navigating intense, unpredictable monsoon weather. Every storm chasing outing comes with some element of risk.
Who is leading the tour?
The tour is led by Jake Case, who has spent 3 years seriously chasing storms and 15 years photographing Arizona’s unique monsoon weather.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour is physically low-impact. We chase the weather from the comfort of our van and typically shoot close to the vehicle. There is no intense hiking or climbing involved.
What type of terrain should I expect?
While we don’t hike long distances, you should be comfortable standing or walking short distances on uneven ground, dirt roads, or rocky desert surfaces while carrying your camera gear.
Are there any age restrictions?
If you need to cancel or change your plans, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
What is your cancellation policy if I need to change my plans?
Because the tour involves long driving hours (up to 10+ hours), unpredictable wrap times (as late as 2:00 AM), and dynamic safety protocols, the tour is best suited for adults.
Is there space in the van for my heavy luggage or large gear bags?
Van space is optimized for guest comfort and essential camera gear. We ask that guests limit themselves to one primary camera bag/backpack and no more than two tripods so everyone has plenty of breathing room during long drives.
Can I bring a friend or spouse who just wants to watch and not take photos?
Yes, but because seats in the chase van are strictly limited, non-photographers must book a discounted non-photographer ticket ($250) to secure their spot on the tour. Abuse of this policy may result in the guide asking all members of your party leave the tour without refund.
