Nearby
In and Around Quartzsite
Quartzsite might look quiet most of the year, but every winter, this small desert town turns into one of Arizona’s most unique destinations. It’s best known for its world-famous gem and mineral shows, but there’s much more to see once you’re here. The surrounding desert is made for off-roading, hiking, and exploring. And around town, you’ll find really cute cafes and local art.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
20 miles south of Quartzsite, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 665,000 acres of Sonoran Desert. The refuge was originally established to protect desert bighorn sheep, but today it’s a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can hike the short Palm Canyon Trail to see Arizona’s only native fan palms, take an off-road drive through King Valley, or explore old mining roads that wind through canyons and dry washes. It’s also a popular spot for photography, birdwatching, and backcountry camping. Keep in mind that Kofa is true wilderness which means no facilities, no cell service, and very few marked roads. You’ll need to bring plenty of water, a map, and a vehicle that can handle rough terrain. But if you’re looking for a real desert experience within easy reach of Holiday Palms, there’s nothing quite like it.
Gem & Mineral Shows & Shopping
Quartzsite didn’t get its name by accident. From January through February, you’ll find acres of open-air tents, tables, and RV lots filled with vendors selling everything from raw crystals and fossils to polished stones, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
The biggest events are the Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama, the Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) Pow Wow, and the Desert Gardens Rock, Gem & Mineral Show, each drawing thousands of visitors and hundreds of dealers. Even if you’re not a collector, it’s worth a visit just to browse the stalls, talk to vendors, and take in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Outside of show season, Quartzsite still has a mix of small shops and flea markets where you can pick up unique pieces, camping supplies, and local art.
Local History & Quirky Attractions
Quartzsite’s story runs deep in the desert. Once a stage stop and mining town in the 1800s, it later became famous for a very unlikely reason… a Syrian-born camel driver named Hadji Ali, better known as “Hi Jolly.” He led the U.S. Army’s short-lived Camel Corps experiment in the 1850s, using camels to haul freight across the Southwest. His gravesite, marked by a stone pyramid topped with a copper camel, now stands in the Hi Jolly Cemetery and is still of the most visited landmarks in town.
But that’s just one piece of Quartzsite’s character. You’ll also find small desert museums, roadside art installations, and a few truly one-of-a-kind stops like the Reader’s Oasis Bookstore which is famous for its maze of used books and eccentric history.