The sun shines 300 days a year in Arizona. This is a fact that thousands of vacationers rarely take advantage of. Warm winters, little visitation and a beautiful natural landscape make the western part of the state an amazing and wonderful destination.

Some time ago I spent a winter in a little town no one has ever heard of called Quartzsite, in western Arizona. If you’re looking for a secluded experience that offers a taste of the Real West and all the history and natural beauty you could want, this secluded corner of the world is the vacation spot for you.

About 120 miles west of Phoenix on Interstate 10 you’ll find Quartzsite. It is a town that seems tiny. Blink and you could miss the start. The city is located south of Parker and Lake Havasu, north of Yuma, and about 10 miles from the California border right on the Colorado River.

Timeshares and resorts are closed, but not immediately to this small town. I guess 90% of the city is made up of campgrounds catering to a variety of budgets. Whether you are traveling with a tent or a coach, or anything else, you will find a place that is perfect for you.

The city hosts an annual Rock and Gem show that runs from Thanksgiving through spring each year. Collectors and dealers bring mineral samples in every imaginable quantity and size to display and sell. The fairgrounds are reminiscent of an old bazaar with vendors offering just about anything you can imagine.

Hot air balloons and glider rides are regularly available so guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran desert. A walk out of town in either direction takes explorers past abandoned mines, gold prospectors’ graves, ancient Spanish constructions, and my favorite, engravings as old as Nazca drawings best seen from the air.

Nearby is Parker, Arizona. Located on an Indian reservation, this small town offers casinos, river rides, and local cuisine. A little further north is the city of Lake Havasu, home to the famous London Bridge, which was moved from England. A trip south brings guests to the historic city of Yuma, just across the border from Nogales, Mexico.

The real charm of the area is its natural beauty and history. The region is so intact and unexplored that explorers may stumble upon a mine or structure in the desert that has not been touched for hundreds of years.

On a hike I came across tracks left by armored units that hadn’t been touched since the desert was used for training during World War II. On another occasion I discovered a trail that led to an ancient stone ledge that housed Native Americans possibly thousands of years before. The find included pottery and a grinding stone that had not been touched since it was last used. (A word to the amateur archaeologist: these are wonderful objects to find. When you find them, leave them intact for future generations.)

A quick Google search for Quartzsite will return a wealth of information, including nearby theme parks, golf courses, resorts, and other accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a new vacation spot, want to travel in the winter to keep costs down, or are just naturally adventurous. I highly recommend exploring this little town in and around Arizona. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.