The decision to leave Quartzsite early triggered a sense of urgency to see and do things that we had taken note of in and around the area, including a trip to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge’s Palm Canyon.

The beauty of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, located about 30 minutes south of Quartzsite, had us wondering why so many people camp in Quartzsite.  If we return to the area, we will likely spend more time in this area and be prepared to be a little more off-grid. 

The seven-mile drive up the gravel road off of Route 95 leading to Palm Canyon trail is bumpy, but almost any car or RV could make the drive.  Beauty lined the road as new life makes an appearance in blooming cacti and greening plantlife.

I look forward to seeing the desert in a month or two after winter rains yield prime desert bloom. The desert that I imagined differs greatly from the desert discovered. 

A small lot at the end of the road offers parking for cars.  A trailhead to go deeper into Palm Canyon on foot is just beyond. 

A sign providing information about the area tells us the formations are likely about 25,000,000 years old.  The canyon, cut by water following the cracks in a formation of volcanic rock, called rhyolite, a result of erosion, grows a little bigger each year.  Further erosion is creating side canyons as well.

The name of the canyon comes from the palms growing tucked into these side canyons.  These California fan palms are the only native species of palm growing in Arizona.  The trail is well-marked, albeit uneven, and very rocky. 

We hiked mostly uphill (492 feet elevation climb) about a half-mile to find the sign pointing to the palms. 

Thankfully, at the start of the trailhead, we met a woman who told us to look up for the palms.  With most of the trees down the canyon from the trail, we kept waiting to see palms there.  Remembering her counsel about the sign, we found the palms which were, indeed, not amongst the other plant life of the canyon but, rather, nestled high up on the canyon wall facing the trail.

The hike down was much quicker and still quite beautiful.  Reminded again of how vast our country is, we looked out at the La Posa Plains and Dome Mountains about thirty miles north near Quartzsite.

Of note:

• No trail guides were available at the trailhead when we visited.  Click HERE for the official fact sheet published in 2014.
• Hiking boots aren’t necessary, but you may prefer to wear them, given the rocky terrain.
• Take a jacket.  The canyon is shaded most of the day and is quite cool.
• Take water.  There’s no water available in the canyon or for many miles around the canyon.
• Dogs are allowed on the trail, but should be kept on leash for their protection.