A Dusty Little Desert Town

Quartzsite is a dusty little town of just 1,900 people in western Arizona. Situated just 20 miles east of the Colorado River—which also serves as the California state line—the town welcomes thousands of “snowbirds“ from frozen areas farther north every January-February.  You cannot drive a block in any direction without encountering an RV, motor home or semi truck navigating through town (the trucks hop off the I-10 interstate for fuel or service at Love’s or the Pilot Flying J truck plazas).

The town is also unique since it is a mecca for rock hounds. Quartzsite may be the world’s largest open air swap meet for everything from gold nuggets to quartz, obviously, and tons of other items in between.

The real draw, however, is the warm, dry air, deep blue skies and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, at least in my opinion. Well, that and the free camping available on public lands.

“The Big Guy above” does some beautiful work, that’s for sure!

My visit complete, I’m moving on tomorrow  either west to check out Ehrenberg at the Colorado River or due north just 30 miles to Parker. We’ll see which way the wind blows.