Quartzsite, AZ


Rock, Gem & Mineral Show Dates and Schedule for 2022-2023

History of Quartzsite AZ| Hotels, RV Parks & Camping | Show Schedule

Where is Quartzsite, AZ?

Quartzsite is located in western Arizona, just 20 miles east of the Colorado River on I-10. It’s been a rockhound’s paradise since the 1960s. These days, it’s also a mecca to well over a million visitors each year, most of whom converge on this small town in a wave of RVs during the months of January and February.

During the winter months, 2,000 vendors of rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and everything else imaginable create one of the world’s largest open air flea markets in Quartzsite, AZ. Eight major gem and mineral shows in addition to vendors of raw and handcrafted merchandise peddle their wares to snowbirds, collectors and enthusiasts, making Quartzsite, AZ the place to be in January and February.

History of Quartzsite, AZ

In 1856, settler Charles Tyson built a fort at the present site of Quartzsite to protect his water supply. Fort Tyson soon became a stopover on the Ehrenburg-to-Prescott stagecoach route, eventually becoming known as Tyson’s Wells. After the stage stopped running, it became a ghost town.

A small mining boom revitalized the town and it became known as Quartzsite in 1897. It remained a mining town until 1965, when the Pow Wow Rock, Gem & Mineral Show initiated the rockhound winter migration to Quartzsite each year. These days, the population can swell to almost a million during January and February as rockhounders, jewelers and vendors, mostly in thousands of RVs, attend the eight major gem and mineral shows.

Photo by Barb Brown taken at the Desert Gardens Rock, Gem & Mineral Show

Population & Elevation

Quartzsite 3,714 people / 876 feet above sea level

Weather and Climate

Quartzsite has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On the average, it receives less than 4 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and homes are air-conditioned year round in Quartzsite. June, July, August and September temperatures are in the 100 plus ranges.

https://desertusa-store.com/collections/rocks-minerals-1

Hotels/Motels

There are hotels and motels in nearby (about 20 miles) Blythe, CA For more information and a complete list, click here. (Rates, availability and reservations Online.)
For Quartzsite Area

Camping & RV Parks

There are camping and a plethora of RV accommodations in and around Quartzsite. For more information, contact:

  • Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism
    1240 W. Main
    Quartzsite, Arizona 85346
    928-927-5200
    http://www.quartzsitetourism.com
  • Arizona State Parks 602-542-4174
  • Arizona National Forests 800-280-CAMP

Rock, gem and mineral vendor booths in Quartzite, AZ.

Shows & Events for Fall 2022/ Winter 2023

Bookmark this page to find out what’s happening.

Quartzsite Market Place Street Fair
Oct. 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

Tyson Wells Market Center Swap Meet 
Oct 01, 2022 – March 31, 2023

Grease Wood Swap Meet
November 2022 – April, 2023

Desert Gardens – Gem & Mineral
January 01, 2023 – February 28, 2023 

Prospectors Panorama 
January 2023 

Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
January 06- January 15, 2023- 9:00am-5:00pm 10 day show.

Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
January 20 – January 29, 2023 – 9:00am-5:00pm

Sports, Vacation & RV Show (The Big Tent)
January 21st – January 29th, 2023 – 9:00am-5:00pm (3pm closing day)

Arts and Crafts Fair
February 3-12, 2023 – 10 days, 2.2 miles of aisle frontage

Quartzsite Gold Show 
February 10th to 12h 2023 QIA building. Friday – Saturday 9-4 pm Sunday. 9-3pm

https://desertusa-store.com/collections/geodes

Day Trips from Quartzsite, AZ for Rockhounds

Bradshaw Trail also known as the Gold Road to La Paz, is located in California’s southeastern Riverside County. The trail was created in 1862 by William Bradshaw, and was the first trail that crossed the Riverside County desert all the way to the Colorado River. In 1863 it became a well-traveled overland stage route. Originating in San Bernardino, the trail was used to haul miners and other passengers to the gold fields at La Paz, Arizona (now Ehrenberg). More…

Hauser Geode Beds Take the Wiley’s Well Road exit from Interstate 10 and continue driving south to the graded dirt road just past the state prison. You will pass Wiley’s Well campground (9 miles south of I-10), and Coon Hollow campground (12 miles south of I-10). You will see a dirt road on the right with a marker indicating the route to the Hauser Geode Beds. (This is also the Imperial and Riverside county border.) More…

Opal Hill Mine Produced fire agate, and rock hounders frequented the mine for its gem-quality stones. The mine claim is currently closed to the public until the claim owner plan of operation is approved for the site. The BLM has banned all digging at the site until an approved operation plan is obtained. More…

Tumco/Hedges Ghost Town Driving Interstate 8 east of El Centro, California, after you pass through the Imperial Sand Hills, you can see off to the left a small group of mountains that appear dark brown. These mountains are known as the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. More…

Resources & Nearby Attractions

Cities & Towns

Parks & Monuments

Resources

Related Books & Gifts – Trading Post

Gem Trails of Arizona

Recreation & Wilderness Areas

  • Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: 5 miles south.
  • Cibola National Wildlife Refuge: 40 miles south.
  • Imperial National Wildlife Refuge: 50 miles south.

Historic & Points of Interest

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