Many visitors to Quartzsite, Arizona, love that the area has several nearby day trips that don’t cost a dime. You and your crew can make priceless memories without breaking the bank.
However, you’ll want to maximize every second if you’re on a tight schedule. Doing so means packing your itinerary with worthwhile experiences.
Today, we’re sharing five fun day trips from Quartzsite that are unique in the area.
Let’s explore!
About Quartzsite, Arizona
The small town of Quartzsite has around 2,300 year-round residents. It sits in the Mojave Desert, 130 miles west of Phoenix and 17 miles from the California state line. While it may have a very modest population, it experiences an explosion of growth during the fall and winter months.
It hosts several significant events from October to March. For example, the gem and mineral shows and the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show draw well over a million tourists annually.
The town comes to life as snowbirds start to arrive for the season. As you can imagine, tourism is the primary driver of the local economy.
Many arrive in their RVs to dry camp in the 11,400-acre La Posa Long-Term Visitor Area. With plenty of space and sunshine, it’s a boondocker’s paradise.
You can stay up to seven months on these public lands with the proper permit. If you want electrical, water, or sewer connections, more than 70 RV parks offer spots with hookups.
Best Day Trips from Quartzsite
Numerous day trips within driving distance will give you plenty of ways to spend time around Quartzsite. These adventures are opportunities to experience the history and natural beauty of the area. In addition, they’re free to explore!
#1 Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
One of the most popular day trips from Quartzsite is Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. It’s about 30 miles to the King Valley entrance and is a straight shot down Highway 95.
Established in 1939 to protect the endangered desert bighorn sheep, it also provides refuge for badgers, foxes, pocket mice, and kangaroo rats.
In addition, it’s a popular spot for birdwatching. Keep your eyes on the skies. You may see golden eagles, prairie falcons, or burrowing owls.
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. With several trails, diving in and exploring the park is easy. Some popular routes include Palm Canyon, Signal Peak, and Castle Dome. On the other hand, Big Eye Mine is one of the easiest as it has minimal elevation gain but stunning views.
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#2 Parker Dam
The next Quartzsite day trip to consider is Parker Dam, the deepest in the world. It sits 50 miles to the north and is along the beautiful Colorado River.
Roughly 73% of the dam is below the surface of the water. As a result, you can only see a fraction of the 320-foot structure.
Unfortunately, the facility doesn’t provide tours. However, many guests find the scenic view exiting Parker worth it. Highway 95 follows the river, with spectacular desert and water views along the way.
You’ll also be able to find several spots to pull off and park to take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and relax. Don’t be in a hurry. Just soak in the unique landscape.
It’s worth noting that you can’t drive over the bridge between 11 pm and 5 am. Additionally, the road to cross the river is very narrow, so RVs or trailers can’t use the route. Make sure you plan accordingly, or you could be in a difficult situation.
#3 Blythe Intaglios
Another incredible day trip from Quartzsite requires taking Interstate 10 west and crossing into California. It’s around a 35-minute drive to reach the Blythe Intaglios. Whether you like history or unique attractions, this is a stop you don’t want to miss.
The Blythe Intaglios contains six drawings etched into the ground. These designs spread across three sites, with the longest being 170 feet. Metal fencing surrounds each of the Intaglios to protect them.
However, the best view of these massive creations is from above. If you have a drone, bring it with you. You’ll get some epic footage to share with others.
Take your time while exploring the Intaglios, and be sure to read the interpretive signs. These are great for learning about who created the scenes between 450 and 2,000 years ago.
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#4 Harquahala Mine and Cemetery
The Harquahala Mine and Cemetery are roughly 40 miles from Quartzsite and are an excellent day trip, especially if you enjoy history.
Spanish explorers discovered gold in the Harquahala mountains in the 1760s. Sadly, multiple mining operations proved unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the nearby Vulture Mine stole the show with a promising vein of gold, and things shut down in Harquahala in 1907.
You’ll reach the mine after exiting Interstate 10 and driving five miles on Harquahala Road. Most vehicles with a moderate clearance can navigate the roads without issues.
Once you arrive, you’ll find the mine and a couple of damaged buildings. Some report that mining operations have picked back up. If so, ensure you obey any signage or warnings about private areas.
To finish your time here, drive to the Harquahala cemetery. It’s approximately a mile up the road and is worth a quick stop. Unfortunately, a majority of the graves are unmarked or missing plaques. But it’s still cool to check out for historical purposes.
#5 Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Birdwatchers will love the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, which straddles the border of Arizona and California. It’s approximately 45 miles southwest of Quartzsite.
This 18,444-acre sanctuary came into existence in 1964 to help prevent flooding. Its creation protected habitats of marshes, backwaters, and other vital spots for migratory waterfowl and wildlife.
Your first stop when you arrive should be at the visitor center. The facility’s staff and volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and information. They’ll often go above and beyond to help you make the most of your time. Explore the exhibits and grab a few brochures for some light reading.
But if you don’t have much time, drive the auto tour loop and hike the short nature trail. You can typically accomplish both in about an hour. With more time to spare, consider observing wildlife, hunting, fishing, or boating.
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No Cost to Explore These Unique Quartzsite Day Trips
We’ve shared some fun and free options for day trips from Quartzsite. Now, it’s your job to pick those you think will fit your group best.
Whichever ones you choose, get out there and start exploring!
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