Final winter, wandering in Arizona—and slightly nook of California—didn’t disappoint. I travelled in my van, chasing sunshine, heat, and wide-open areas. From the huge Sonoran Desert to petroglyph-filled canyons, I discovered magnificence, group, and quite a lot of memorable campsites. After travelling through Texas my Arizona journey unfolded.
Beginning Out: Wandering in Arizona
Willocx, Arizona – After leaving Texas I kicked issues off with a cease in Willcox the place I loved strolling by the small city Christmas fare. After a shopping for a brand new solar hat and sipping a scrumptious espresso I headed to the close by lagoon for the night time.
A lot to my shock the lagoon was full of 1000’s of sandhill cranes. I loved my night watching the cranes flying round and enjoying within the water. Gorgeous!
I additionally did my good deed for the day and made some new pals. An older couple’s automobile wouldn’t begin so I pulled out my jumper cables. First time I used them! With slightly assist from the guide we obtained their automobile began. Serving to fellow travellers at all times makes for an ideal journey day.
Freeman Highway BLM (Dec 15–18) – Tucked contained in the Sonoran Desert Nationwide Monument, this spot rapidly turned one among my favorites. This space appeared very distant despite the fact that I might see vans on the freeway within the distance – the perfect was I couldn’t hear them.
The cell service was glorious—at all times a win for staying related and performing some distant work whereas on the street. The beautiful desert panorama stretched endlessly in each course making this an ideal spot for just a few days whereas I used to be wandering in Arizona.
Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground (Dec 19–20) – At simply $8 an evening, this little campground was a gem. Good cell service, sunny spots, and the prospect to discover historical petroglyphs proper close by made it value each penny.
This expansive BLM campsite is close to Gila Bend, Arizona. The petroglyph web site has 1000’s of petroglyphs on a pile of a whole lot of basalt boulders.
I had a number of questions – why right here, who was speaking to one another and what have been the photographs saying? A very thought frightening beautiful spot to go to.
The Yuma Space: Wild Tenting
Wild Tenting (Dec 21) – East of Yuma, I discovered a quiet wild tenting spot with attractive views however poor cell service. Good cell service is one among my saftety must haves however after a protracted day of driving some compromises needed to be made. The realm didn’t really feel the perfect the following morning and was actually dusty so I made a decision to maneuver on.
Mohawk Mountain (Dec 22) – Persevering with my wandering in Arizona I discovered extra boondocking only a few miles away. I parked on the west facet of Mohawk Mountain at an ideal spot. This space had higher cell service, not dusty, was quiet and had unbelievable desert sunsets.
Tier Drop RV Park in Wellton (Dec 23) – After a stretch of boondocking, I handled myself to a $35 USD stick with electrical energy, a sizzling bathe, and low cost laundry – all have been desperately wanted. There’s nothing fairly like clear garments and a completely charged battery financial institution.
The RV park was primarily full of everlasting trailers and folks have been coming over to say hello earlier than I used to be even out of my van. I used to be invited for a Christmas film night time on the clubhouse which I totally loved. A enjoyable night assembly new individuals!
Exploring Kofa & Quartzsite: Extra Wild Tenting
BLM close to Kofa Wildlife Refuge (Dec 24–28) – This was my base for Christmas week. Simply exterior Kofa, close to the Border Patrol station on Freeway 95, it had good cell service and exquisite mountain views.
I had been to this space earlier than just a few years in the past. It’s a beautiful extensive open space with different campers dotted round within the distance. Nobody is just too shut however typically it’s good to see different campers close by so I don’t really feel too alone.
I spent the week strolling with Fortunate, having fun with the sunrises, quiet days stress-free, studying after which the gorgeous sunsets on the finish of every day. That is the gorgeous calm a part of vanlife!
Palmosa Highway BLM – Escapees New Yr’s Occasion (Dec 29–31) – I signed up with Escapees as a strategy to meet extra likeminded campers so headed in direction of the occasion web site. The cell service right here wasn’t nice, however the group was. I rang within the New Yr surrounded by fellow vacationers, campfires, and laughter underneath the desert sky.
The New Yr: Extra Wandering in Arizona
BLM Highway Runner (Jan 1) – A traditional Quartzsite space tenting spot simply north of Quartzsite. After the New Yr’s occasion I moved only a few miles to a quieter space. The cell sign was simply okay, nevertheless it’s a straightforward base for exploring the realm.
Return to Kofa (Jan 2–6) – I couldn’t resist coming again to my Christmas campsite for just a few extra days of mountain serenity and dependable service. I additionally wanted to compensate for some distant work.
BLM Highway Runner (Jan 7) – One other fast cease right here earlier than transferring nearer to Quartzsite.
Palmosa BLM North of Quartzsite (Jan 8–17) – This turned my mid-January hangout. Limitless room to unfold out and loads of pleasant faces drifting out and in.
Throughout this time I loved the 5 day Rubber Tramp Rendevous Event. It was a enjoyable time connecting with fellow travellers, getting some nice data from specialists, listening to reside music and purchasing on the “free” tables. A very informative occasion and I made some new connections!
Up the Colorado River: Fortunate’s Favourite
Earp, California BLM (Jan 18–21) – Simply west of Parker, Arizona, this spot was technically in California however had all of the Arizona desert vibes. Nice cell service, a stunning little city close by, and a slower tempo.
Fortunate cherished this space for her walks. I even let her off leash just a few occasions! A stunning quiet space to calm down, learn and simply be on my own after every week of a number of individuals and plenty of stimulation. I do want my alone time!
Mojave Desert Heritage Path BLM (Jan 22–28) – My final massive cease wandering in Arizona (truly in California), and the most effective. Incredible cell service, wide-open views, and the stark fantastic thing about the Mojave Desert made it an ideal wrap-up to my winter wanderings.
This was one among my most distant stops. The closest cities have been each over an hour away, Needles, California to the north and Blythe, California to the south.
Right here Fortunate and I took lengthy desert walks whereas trying to find quartz and exquisite rocks. I used to be not disenchanted!
Last Ideas
Over six weeks, I hopped between wild desert camps, pleasant RV gatherings, and the occasional amenity-filled cease. Some locations had wonderful cell protection, others not so nice—however every provided one thing distinctive.
Wandering in Arizona in winter is a vanlifer’s dream: gentle temperatures, infinite free BLM land, and the sort of sunsets that make you neglect the whole lot else. When you’re trying to discover the Southwest on wheels, you would possibly simply fall in love with it, too.
Blissful Travels!
The submit Epic Wandering in Arizona: My New Adventures appeared first on Sharing My Van Life.
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