Kofa National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Quartzsite

This area we went, Palm Canyon Rd, is mostly rocky desert with plentiful cacti and scrub brush. That particular road is fairly well maintained and should be no problem for any typical car. There are a number of areas along the road that are easy to pull off onto for easy camping. Most people seem to use RV's but there are enough flat spots that we were able to find a good spot to pitch several tents. Lots of signs of wildlife in the area, holes, dens, webs, nests, stuff like that, although the creatures themselves were rather elusive. The road ends at a trail head that winds into Palm Canyon. The trail is fairly short and only moderately challenging (much easier than Telegraph Pass) ending at some good views of Arizona's only native Palm trees. Of course there seem to be a lot of opportunities for much more challenging hiking or even rock climbing, although I haven't had a chance to give it a shot yet.

Additional Notes: Verizon service was surprisingly good, 2-3 bars. KWR is also a Dark Sky area, which means that there is very little light pollution. This means really great star viewing and especially crisp views for those that are willing to bring a telescope out. During the Winter, if you are tent camping be sure to bring plenty of warm supplies, as the temperatures get cold enough to warrant a heavy jacket, take it from someone who is used to the...

We do like this spot, but to pur dismay so do many,many orher people. This makes it an easy access for FAST DIRT ROAD drivers - blowing road dust all over as they sped by ours and others camp sites! I would like to think everyone knows to not only follow the speed limits (25 mph) but alao to have some respect for campers. There were also, if you were in a large turnout, the dreaded generators - making the desert quiet sound like a roaring train. So, if you should decide to visit, try to takenthe "four-wheel" roads if you can in order to get a true desert experience. This place, unfortunately on the main Palm Canyon road is a very popular spot for looky-loos and drive-bys and it kinda ruined it. We made the best of it and when the stars came out at night - we forgot the noise, dust and tourists of the day. I might reccomend it, but with reservations if you want an...

I took a ride on my dual sport motorcycle and I loved the entire time I spent which was three quarters of the day. However I feel that I should say something to warn hiker's of the Huge, and I mean huge swarm of Bees that was in one spot hovering, I couldn't believe how big that swarm was. I tried to located it and thought it was in the rock face and I walked toward it then the swarm moved and I realized I made a huge mistake. I turned and ran in the opposite direction full speed and I didn't stop until I was back at the parking area. I could hear the swarm heading away toward the other rock formations. I'm not sure if those were Africanized Killer Bees, but help is a long ways away from that place. Also, don't wear gloves, those cactus needles are easier to get out when you're not wear gloves. All the other off-roads were very very cordial and waved every time I...