A Gorgeous Western Banded Gecko enjoys the Monsoon Rains near Tucson

Published on July 6, 2026

There is a specific kind of magic that settles over the Arizona desert once the summer heat begins to break. My sister was in town, and for a reptile enthusiast like me, there’s no better way to spend an evening than a night cruise through the backcountry. We headed out past Benson, pushing toward the rugged edges of the Rincon Mountains near Mt. Lemmon. The desert didn’t make us wait long for a show; barely into the drive, we encountered a stunning Arizona Black Rattlesnake stretched across the asphalt. Seeing a snake that beautiful in its natural element is always a reminder of why I’ve spent the last 45 years studying these incredible animals.

The real excitement, however, started when the clouds finally let go. As we navigated a rough, winding road, the first drops of a monsoon rain began to fall. Suddenly, the landscape came alive. Sonoran Desert Toads emerged from their burrows, their massive, heavy-set bodies moving across the road with that peculiar, almost four-legged gait. It turned into a rescue mission, and my sister and I spent the next hour carefully escorting them—along with a handful of Couch’s Spadefoots—safely into the brush. There is something profoundly rewarding about protecting these creatures, ensuring they live to thrive another night in the wash.

Just as we were calling it a night, a flicker of movement caught my eye. I whipped the car around, my heart hammering against my ribs, and there it was: a Western Banded Gecko. I have spent my entire life dreaming of finding one, and seeing that exquisite, jewel-like creature up close was nothing short of a career highlight. After capturing a few photographs, I gently moved him to the safety of a grassy field. With the monsoon season hitting its stride, I know the desert is just beginning to wake up, and I honestly can’t wait to see what’s waiting down the next dark, rain-slicked road. If you've ever wanted to experience the raw, hidden pulse of the Southwest, you know who to call.