Another fascinating desert spot in the United States, Quartzsite, Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the state and is a particular favorite among rock hounds. Visitors swarm the area in the months of January and February. This is when an annual rock hound open air flea market is held. But the flea market is not just limited to gems, fossils and rocks although there are plenty of items in that category as well.

Weather and Climate

The Quartzsite area is a low desert area of the Mojave and Sonoran Desert region. During the summer the heat is intense, but the humidity is low. Winters are mild here and most places in the area run air-conditioning all year round. It is a great place to visit and explore when the rest of the United States is buried under snow.

Things to See and Do

Quartzsite has plenty to do no matter the time of year. In November and December families can enjoy Christmas Gold Rush Days. Follow that up with a visit in January and February to the Prospector’s Panorama. During this time there is a gold show, Gem and Mineral show, Peddler’s Faire, hot air balloons, Mexicali Dancers and Horseshoe Tournaments. This is one festival you will not want to miss.

There are several other rock and gem shows and swap meets throughout the year. A Rock and Roll classic car show takes place in February along with a Bluegrass Festival.

Lodging

There is a number of camping facilities available both in and around Quartzsite. You can put up your tent or pull up your RV, there is accommodations for both. There are also plenty of hotels and motels to choose from if camping is not for you.

History

Quartzsite was built as a result of a settler named Charles Tyson. He built a fort here in 1856 to protect his supply of water from the Indians. It was later known as Tyson Wells, but in the early days it was simply called Fort Tyson. Nothing more than a stopping point along a stagecoach route, the town was eventually abandoned.

In 1897 it had a new name and a new beginning. The town became Quartzsite and it was a mining town. It was still a small relatively unknown town until 1965 when the annual Pow Wow Rock, Gem and Mineral Show became its trademark. It now has over a million visitors annually.