FROM "OUR PUBLIC LANDS" SPRING 1972: A REMNANT OF ARIZONA's YESTERDAY. . . Isolated in a deep canyon fringing the rugged Kofa Game Range in southwest Arizona is a botanical phenomenon unique in this desert State: palm trees growing where it makes no sense for them to grow. These last remaining Washington Filifera, are a remnant of Arizona's yesterday, a time when the hot humid climate contributed to lush vegetation. Some 50 to 60 of these trees remain today in the 30-foot-wide canyon which faces south and gets but a few hours of direct sunlight daily. The narrow sides of the red granite canyon reflect and store the heat like a fireless cooker, perpetuating the trees. The 30-foot-high palms have a self-pruning characteristic which assures that they will not outgrow their space. A parking area near the mouth of Palm Canyon is easily reached on a 7-mile graded road that turns off State Highway 94, 20 miles south of Quartzsite and 60 miles north of Yuma. From this point, a well marked trail leads one-half mile to the main grove of palm trees. Another canyon with even more examples of native palms recently was located approximately 2 miles south of Palm Canyon. This gorge, named Fishtail Canyon, is more difficult to reach, requiring about 2 miles of rugged hiking from the Palm Canyon parking area. Hikers should carry water and be alert for rattlesnakes along the trail.

By Ken White Recreation Specialist, BLM State Office, Phoenix, Arizona * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL

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