The Arizona desert in bloom: poppies and cholla cactus

Originally little more than a stage stop and way station on the California-Arizona line, Quartzsite, a small town of 1900 residents, plays host to several hundred thousand visitors in January and February each year. The majority of these part-time residents arrive in hundreds of recreational vehicles of every kind and style. Why do those thousands of RVers come to Quartzsite in the winter? Warm weather and the many shows and swap meets! Beginning in 1967 with the first Pow-Wow Gem and Mineral Show, Quartzsite has grown to the point where today twelve main shows plus a variety of special events attract visitors. The "season" runs from November to March with the main shows in January and February...[More]