PS - Day Trip Quartzsite Rock Shows

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  Gems, minerals, fossils – oh my!  The Quartzsite rock shows are famous among fossil fans, unique and rare mineral rock hounds, and jewelry lovers looking for loose stones or finished pieces.

  Quartzsite is a desert town about 140 miles (2.5 hours drive) east of Palm Springs on I-10.  The little town of about 2,400 year-round residents sees its population explode during the January-February rock shows, with hundreds of vendors from around the country and internationally, selling at wholesale rates to thousands of seasonal visitors.  

  This day trip will feature three major rock shows:

  1.  Desert Gardens International  (website).  Our first stop includes sellers from around the world including exceptional pieces from the Gemstone Geeks of Australian Outback Mining.  We will have 2 hours here including lunch at food trucks (or bring your own lunch).

  2.  Prospector’s Panorama (website).  Our next stop features a special tour of  Para Vida’s stunning offering of very rare museum quality cavern stalactites and stalagmites.  Depending on our timing, we’ll have about an hour to visit the other sellers here as well.

  3.  Quartzsite Improvement Association’s (QIA) Pow Wow Gem and Mineral Show (website).  On our final stop we'll go to another large collection of gem, mineral, and fossil sellers including many jewelers.

  Departure:  8 am Palm Springs.  Meet at the Walmart/PetSmart parking area at Ramon and Crossley in the north/west corner.  Please arrive 15 minutes early for an 8:00 am departure. Map Click Here.

  Carpooling  may be available if offered by drivers and is encouraged due to limited parking. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share (riders’ contributions to driver fuel costs welcome).   Please arrive by 7:45 am for briefing and carpooling for an 8 am departure.

  The GOPS day trip will end at the QIA show; drivers/riders will be on their own to choose a return time to Palm Springs.  The rock shows usually close at 5 pm.

  Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for sunny day temperatures from the 60s-70sF and bring adequate water and snacks.  Most of the vendors are in outdoor tents with a few indoor building venues.  Bring a backpack or shoulder bag for your purchases!  The shows have food trucks and porta-potties and are on desert hard pack surface aisles adding up to a couple of miles of walking depending on the show(s).     

Hike Leader:  Pat Miyamoto (click to email).

Registration:  Limit set at 12.   You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.