Quartzsite, Arizona is a small oasis in the desert of southwest Arizona and lies approximately 22 miles from the California border directly on I-10. Only 2 off-ramps feed into the small town of Quartzsite.
Aerial view of Quartzsite
With a permanent population of approximately 3500 residents, it becomes the third largest city, population wise, in the state of Arizona during the winter months, swelling to 1 million plus.
Traveling East on I-10 Toward Quartzsite
The biggest draw is the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Lands surrounding Quartzsite. Arizona has some 12 million + acres of BLM Land and can be used by the public for recreation purposes including camping for free. Snow birds from the frozen north flock into the desert during the winter as southwest Arizona averages only 2″ of rain, cool nights and sunny days in the low to mid 70’s making this a preferred location for tens of thousands of snow birds who RV in, bringing with them their prospecting gear and ATV’s.
Quartzsite is surrounded by mountains and desert
In addition to the draw of the desert for RV’ers; the RV Show is a major draw as is the QIA Pow-Wow (http://www.qiaarizona.org/PowWow.html), world famous gem shows, the largest swap meet in the world, RV Trailer Parks with full hookups or dry camping all make this area of Arizona a “must-visit” destination. and thousands of acres of BLM areas to accommodate the RV’er, Prospector & ATV enthusiast.
LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area)
Quartzsite is surrounded by open desert and magnificent mountains and has long been a crossroads for an array of people.
Established as a stage stop on the site of old Fort Tyson in 1866, Quartzsite is now internationally famous for its annual Rock & Mineral shows. Quartzsite Improvement Association, (QIA) started it all 39 years ago with the first “POW WOW” rock & gem show helping to build Quartzsite to its status of “World Famous Rock & Gem shows.” Today they have over 10 themed shows with a variety of venders. Some stay for a few days, others a few months. Quartzsite’s history is rich with prospecting & mining from the 1880’s to early 1900’s. Even today’s modern miners and prospectors are drawn to “try their luck.” Some find nuggets, gold dust & specimen quality gold bearing quartz.
The “Hi Jolly” Monument located in town, honors the camel driver, Hadji Ali (Hi Jolly) who took part in an unsuccessful 1850’s experiment to use camels as beasts of burden in the desert. To the south are the Kofa Mountains where you’ll find Palm Canyon, a tight gorge and home to Arizona’s only native palms. Historic and scenic areas include, Crystal Hill, Tyson Tanks, and Tyson Wells Stage Station Museum.
Some links you may find of interest:
Quartzsite Museum
http://www.quartzsitemuseum.com/
Tyson’s Well Stage Station- Museum, operated by the Quartzsite Historical Society Inc. The original adobe stage station was built in 1866 by Charley Tyson at its present location. It was an important way station on the California – Arizona line because of excellent water and grass for the horses. Miners and freighters, hauling mining equipment and military supplies from the river port at Ehrenberg, AZ also stopped here.
The Quartzsite Historical Society opened Tyson’s Well Museum in February 1980, after extensive restoration work. The original structurally sound walls were retained and others were rebuilt. A shell of stabilized adobe brick was built around the original walls to protect them.
Town of Quartzsite Official Website
http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/
The Quartzsite Gem and Mineral Club
http://qrgmc.org/
Boondocking Guide
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/waters/
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Information on camping on BLM Land.
https://www.blm.gov/arizona
Quartzsite, AZ Weather
https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/az/quartzsite
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