Palm canyon in Arizona
Palm canyon in Arizona
On Christmas day, we decided to go for a drive and do some exploring. This is our third year coming to this area, and I hate to say it, but there is a lot around here we haven’t seen yet.
I got on the trusty interweb to see what was kinda close by, and read about an area in the Kofa national wildlife refuge. We have driven past the Kofa refuge on our way to Yuma, but never stopped. I read about a short hike there that goes to a place called palm canyon. A short hike sounded about right, since the weather had turned cold and blustery that day. So off we went. Leaving the main highway, we drove 7 miles down a good dirt road. This is an incredibly beautiful area, and we are planning on boondocking here on our way to Yuma in the next week or so. The photo opportunities for me, and painting for Al, is just too much to not take advantage of.
The hike was short and steep, probably a 1/2 mile. But the scenery was great.
Palm canyon is named that, because of the naturally occurring palm trees that are growing in one of the steep narrow canyons. These are the only natural palm trees in Arizona, and there are several theories as to how they got there. In 1986 forty two trees were counted in the main grove, and about half were adult size with trunks of 20′ or taller. Smaller trees are growing in the grove too.
Apparently, we unknowingly timed our visit perfectly. Because the canyon that the palm trees are in is so steep and narrow, the sun only shines on the trees for a short time during the day. And we were there at the right time.
If you want to hike up into the steep canyon to see the trees close up, you can. Maybe another day. We weren’t prepared to do that, plus Roxy was having a bad day with her back and Al was carrying her. To the west of this canyon is another steep canyon with 2 or 3 palm trees growing way up high. It’s really quite crazy to see them.
When we left we started scoping out a spot where we could camp. We stopped at this flat spot where someone had made these very large, and very cool Zen circles. We are going to park here when we pull up stakes and move.
And just because, here is a photo of the sunset from Christmas eve. It was a nice one.
What a GORGEOUS place to boondock!! The views there are absolutely stunning!! I just love the Palm Trees!! Of course, I am a palm tree fanatic…
So glad you had a nice Christmas Day. I sure hope that Roxy’s back is feeling better. If she continues to have difficulties with it, you may want to take a look at the Wiggleless back brace. It has helped my girls when they have issues. You can find out more about them at wiggleless.com
I actually have a wiggleless that I will be reviewing in a couple of days. Thanks though. And yes, palm trees are great.
Lovely photos and scenery! I love the palm trees, the zen circle and the beautiful sky! Happy Monday!
Gorgeous photos! I visited a friend in Arizona last year and saw the Grand Canyon and Sedona but this gem we missed. Next time I’d love to explore more of the state.
There is so much to see here. Every winter we try to go someplace new and see more of the state.
Pretty cool with those palm trees in there! You know you were meant to be there if the sun was shining for you!
I know right, that’s what I thought too.
Your posts bring me a world I’d never otherwise explore. Such peace and quiet here, and WARMTH! Mary dear, wishing you a wonderful new year. Anita
The peace and quite are what I crave, and why I love it here so much. And the warmth helps too.
The terrain is amazing! What a great place to roam and take photos. I would love to see how those Zen circles were created!
Someone took a long time creating the circles. They are perfect.
Cool canyons – reminds me of some we used to hike out in Palm Desert, CA.
OMG! It is beautiful there! I love the palm trees growing in the canyon; too cool. I cannot wait for more of your photos from here!
what a neat peachy keen place. I have never heard of this spot in Az. even after reading about many hiking spots in the Az. highway . I love the pictures of the very queer palm trees and the zen circle. Excellent job. Sad to hear that Roxy is in pain. Do you think altitude pressure changes could be the blame? Do they have back braces for dogs? We didn’t know Al was into painting. AWESOME!
What gorgeous shots!
the palms growing there are very cool as is that zen circle!
Oh Mary, thank you for coming to visit my world, and it is YOU who gives me such inspiration from a totally different angle of our globe. Such warmth, texture and nature. Oh the love! So happy to have found your blog this year. Looking forward to your spring and summer exploits! Anita
What a cool place! We’ve lived in AZ for 8 years now and never heard of Palm Canyon. That pic w/ the palm trees growing right in the crevice of the canyon is wild! Definitely putting this place on my To Go list! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
It was very cool. The whole area is so rugged and colorful. We are moving there in the morning, should be fun.
Your photos are so inspiring, you find such amazing treasures to share.
Oh thanks!! I try to share the beautiful and fun spots we go.
That is so cool about the palm trees, you were so lucky to see them like that. I sure hope it was someone not “something” that made those circles! Love Dolly
I hope so to, since we plan on camping there.
that zen circle is beyond cool!! It is all so breathtaking! So happy you had a wonderful Christmas!
The Zen circles are so interesting as are the Palms growing in the canyon. I look forward to your post on boondocking there. I’ll need to keep that in mind for next winter :-)
We are moving in the morning. It should be a good spot to be for a little while.
That looks like a gorgeous spot. I can’t wait to see more photos. The Palm trees sure look out of place. Funny!
I’m excited to move there in the morning. The colors and just the ruggedness there are just to beautiful to not want to stay for a bit.
Love your blog name and your “about” text LOL. Excellent overview of what looks like a lovely spot. LOVE the zen circles!!!
Thanks so much, I’m glad you liked it. The zen circles are pretty awesome.
I think it’s kind of nice that you haven’t seen everything there and have new places to explore. Who would have thought there would be palm trees in the middle of the desert – very cool!!
Just seeing these now. Remarkable photos!