Campground and Places to See Suggestions - Anaheim to AZ

[JudyJB]

I am meeting my son and his family for a few days the second week in January in Anaheim, CA, to do the Disneyland thing. Afterwards, I want to head east, probably along I 10 (although that is still in jello) and end up eventually in the Phoenix Area a couple of weeks later.

Any suggestions on places to stay a few days and things to see on the way? I like state and national parks and quiet places with some scenery and wildlife, and places to walk or ride my bike, but an interesting small city would be OK, also. I do need cell service, however, for internet, and I like electric service in campgrounds.

I will be spending most of December in the Las Vegas/Lake Mead/Valley of Fire area, so I don't think I want to go back up there after the holidays.

Any suggestions?

[WickedLady]

Just south of Quartzsite is KOFA Nat. Wildlife Refuge. North of Phoenix is Montazuma Castle (cliff dwellings). East of Flagstaff is Meteor Crater; and not far from Holbrook, are the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest if that isn't too far north and east for you.

[JudyJB]

I'll check out the Quartzite Wildlife Refuge. I have seen the other places on previous trips.

What is there to see and do around Palm Springs, CA? Does anyone know?

And is it worth taking a trip up to Lake Havasu or Alamo Lake State Park just east of there?

[BarbaraRose]

Palm Springs area is very nice! A beautiful little oasis in the desert! Lots of shopping and restaurants. Thursday evenings there is a Street Fair (Village Fest) in Palm Springs that is fun. There are the Follies shows which are retired LV show girls (over 60 yrs old) that do a great show there.
There are the Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon to hike and explore. A very nice zoo (Living Desert) in Palm Desert. And the PS Arial Tram Ride up the side of the mountain to a restaurant at the top. There is hiking up there, but in January, you probably need snowshoes as there is about 3 feet of snow up there then.

Here is a link to more info... http://www.visitpalmsprings.com/page/it ... deas/14241

[avalen]

I thought the Biosphere was really neat to see.

[JudyJB]

Any suggestions on campgrounds near Palm Springs? That town sounds very interesting and worth a few days.

[Azusateach]

You will find it very busy in the winter there with all the snowbirds. If you can stay in Anza Borrego or Borego Springs you might be better. And there are a couple of RPI parks near Desert Hot Springs that are nice. Palm Springs proper is going to be busy.

When you have a better idea of when you'll be in the area it would be fun to get together. I wouldn't be far from your route out to the desert.

Laura

[chalet05]

Hot air balloon festival the latter part of January in lake havasu

[WickedLady]

Lake Havasu baloons January 17-19. Good Sam Club is having a rally there.

[snowball]

That time frame is a neat time to visit Quartzsite...the big show the little shows and the gem show are all going on a various times of the month not to mention the gtg is generally around the 22 of Jan usually corresponds with the big tent show and gem show...when we know more will have it on the gtgsbut we would love to have you put that on your agenda to do...I didn't remember that there were air balloons up in Havesue at that time will have to see about going up unless it's during the gem show and gtg
sheila