After the chaos of January in Quartzsite, Arizona (about which I did not post), camping in the quiet of Palm Canyon about 20 miles south was very welcome. Miscellaneous photos follow.
ARIZONA. JANUARY-FEBRUARY.
Although I am not a desert person, since I have to spend each winter in its warmth, I try to look at the positives. Among those are the beautiful light and the clear night skies, illustrated in this photo set.
There is a great deal of dispersed camping in southern California (“Big River” community) just across the Colorado river from Parker, Arizona. Parker is a small town but has most all needed amenities. After I stayed in this area, I headed to Bouse, Arizona, with folks I met at Big River. I had been by Bouse a couple times but had never camped there. One must go there already well-supplied since amenities are few, but the area is beautiful and the hiking opportunities abundant and interesting.
More info in captions.
CALIFORNIA/ARIZONA. DECEMBER/JANUARY.
Stewarts Point is one of my go-to camping areas. The amenities are not great, but the views are. Nearby Valley of Fire State Park is also a great place to visit. I’ve stayed here a number of times but, oddly, I found a great new camping spot on a walk just before I left. I will be trying it out next time.
More info in captions.
NOVEMBER. NEVADA.
Of the four corners, Arizona was my choice for my next stops.
A couple friends camphost in the Flagstaff area so I spent some time there. Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet so this is a good area for cooler temperatures during the summer months. Also, there is quite a bit of public land available for camping all around Flagstaff and, that city is large enough that it includes any kind of needed amenity.
After my time here, I went south to a pretty area not far from Sedona at which I’ve camped in the past. Oddly, I have still not actually visited Sedona but will get there at some point.
See photo captions (i) for more info.
ARIZONA. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER.
This continues my summer ramblings in beautiful Idaho. More info in individual captions.
IDAHO. AUGUST.
The temperatures were getting high, so I started heading north. Using the apps, I found some nice campsites with beautiful views.
Also visited Fossil Butte National Monument. Found a good camping spot just outside it but the National Monument was so-so for me. The visitor center was well done but not much else to see.
As usual, I recommend clicking the first photo for a slideshow of larger photos (and captions).
I’ve also included a video below the gallery.
UTAH/WYOMING. JUNE.
ARIZONA. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER.
Travel through a southwestern state (and lower elevations) for warmer temperatures.
(more info in captions)
ARIZONA. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER.
This is my third or fourth stay in the White Mountains. I always love coming because the light here is extraordinary.
A strange thing happened as I neared the area. I was driving along a remote two-lane when I came upon a vehicle upside down on the shoulder. A guy had stopped, and I slowed to ask if anyone was inside. He said he hadn’t found anyone. There wasn’t a signal at that location, so he said someone had driven one way to get a signal to call 911. I said I would drive in the opposite direction to try the same. After driving some distance, I was able to call emergency services. I went back to the accident site where by now more people had gathered; I let them know I had been able to get a call through. They still had found no victims. Since it was getting late, I decided to leave and, several miles down the road, met the responders on their way to the scene. I checked the local news for the next few days but never did see anything about the accident. Both a bizarre and sobering event.
I drove all the way to the area in which I planned to camp, arriving after dark – something I almost never do. I simply pulled off the dirt road for the night and the next day, scouted out a camping site for myself and friends I was meeting.
This is a beautiful area that I highly recommend.
(see photo captions for more info)
