Palm Canyon, AZ-- Photo by Richard Elliott
The enchanting Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona holds a nearly hidden secret–palm trees! Like a pair of protective cradling hands, Palm Canyon holds perhaps the last or only naturally growing palm trees in Arizona, deep in the Kofa Mountains. These trees, California Fan Palms, species Washington filifera, are believed to be descendants of palms having grown during the last periods of North American glaciation.
Some botanists believe the trees gradually spread into the protective canyons, as the climate changed to desert conditions. Others theorize that birds and coyotes may have deposited the seeds here, from their digestive systems. Since palm trees do not have growth rings, like other trees, it is difficult to estimate their age.
Palm Canyon’s hideaway trees may be reached from US 95, either 18-miles south of Quartzsite, or approximately 63-miles north of Yuma, to a signed eastward dirt road, ending at the Palm Canyon parking and interpretive area. The dirt road is passable in a passenger car. The somewhat bumpy road is a 30-45 minute drive, covering 7-miles according to most sources. However, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services say it is 9-miles.
A breathtaking view of the Sonoran Desert’s La Posa plain stretches outward from the parking area, as far as the eye can see. The one-half mile, moderately easy foot trail to the palm tree viewing area leads from the east side of the parking area. Allow about one-hour for the round-trip trek.
The gradually rising pathway continues up the center of Palm Canyon, cool and shaded. Along the trail you will find the palo verde, a small tree with bright green branches and stems, rarely having leaves and found growing in washes. Also, in the wash are ironwood trees. They are small, gray-green trees with tiny leaves and leafy stems, covered with thorns.
The wildlife is amazing! Look high above, on the steep, rocky canyon walls for Big Horn sheep. You may hear yelping coyotes or cheerfully chirping gnatcatchers, canyon towhees and thrashers. Circling high above, you may spot turkey vultures or golden eagles.
Arriving at the viewing point, a small sign with an arrow directs your attention toward the grove of palms. For a short time, at mid-day, the trees are brightly illuminated by sunlight, in the narrow canyon–the best time for photographing the trees. Those choosing to continue hiking up into the palm grove will find themselves on a rugged, non-trail hike, adding about another 30-40 minutes to the Palm Canyon hike. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, should you advance up into the palm grove.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website www.fws.gov, “In 1986, 42 trees were counted in the main grove.” About half of these trees are adult size, with trunks of 20 feet or more. Young, new growth palms are found growing at the base of these larger trees.
The palms survive the desert environment because the direct sunlight is limited and the canyon provides protective shade and life-giving moisture. The palm’s larger leaves are called fronds. “As they die, they fold downward around the trunk of the tree, forming a petticoat. The petticoat on younger trees extends from the ground to the crest.”–U.S. Fish & Wildlife.
Palm Canyon is cut through a formation of rhyolite, a volcanic rock. Water, following cracks in the rhyolite, has eroded the canyon to its preseent shape, according to The National Recreation Trails Program’s website www.americantrails.org.
Once back at the parking area, you may choose to stay and camp. Overnight parking is permitted. Nearby, a short northward trail leads to the primitive campground, with limited sites and level ground for tenting. There is no water–bring plenty–or other facilities.
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