How to Visit Quartzsite, Arizona

Quartzite, Arizona, is in the middle of the low desert about 20 miles east of the Colorado on I-10. Nothing much happens in Quartzite in the summer, but in the cooler winter months of January and February, Quartzite plays host to over a million visitors, most in RVs who arrive to see rocks. Quartzite has the world's largest open air rock, gem, mineral and fossil market, and the snowbirds want to see it all. So what else happens in the tiny town of Quartzite? Let's have a look.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sturdy shoes
• Map
• Camera

1. See eight major gem and mineral shows. Not just gems and minerals are featured at the shows, but also rows and rows of crafts and raw materials being shown by over 2,000 vendors, jewelers and rockhounds.

2. From November to February, attend the four Prospectors Panorama shows and see more rocks in one place than you thought possible. Meet rockhounds and swap stories and merchandise with them.

3. See the Hi Jolly Daze Parade in January. You will not believe the tribute to a camel driver named Jolly. You don't need a map to see the Jolly Daze Parade. If you are near Quartzite, you will see the parade. Bring your camera.

4. Attend the General Swapmeeting in mid January. See more rocks, crafts and gems. You can walk through row after row of rocks and gems. Also in January and February, go to the Tyson Wells Rock/Gem/Mineral Show, the Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama and the Tyson Wells Art & Craft Fair (See Resources below). Top those shows off with a vacation and RV show in late January and a classic car Show. Get information from the local Chamber of Commerce site listed in Resources below.

5. See other attractions near to Quartzite. You are near Blythe, California, to the west and Phoenix, Arizona, 125 miles to the east. Visit Joshua Tree National Park, just 94 miles west, or Lake Havasu State Park, just 57 miles north. Do not miss the Hi Jolly Memorial just 5 miles east.

6. Join the Quartzite Yacht Club. No, it's not a boatyard, but a tavern for the RVers. It's is crowded with visitors during January and February.

Tips & Warnings

• Check ahead to see what you are most interested in and plan your day. You can find great antiques, agates, pottery, even out of country visitors selling ethnic arts and crafts.
• Remember, it is dusty in Quartzite, so dress accordingly. Desert storms can start in a moment, so be prepared for rain with a jacket and rain clothes.
• Public bathrooms are rare in Quartzite.

Resources

• Quartzite events
• Jolly Daze Parade
• Tyson Wells shows