Sunday, February 9, 2020 (La Posa South LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ)

It was another beautiful day today....and a great day to go to The Desert Bar. We headed off shortly after 10:00 with Dave and Leslie...Harry, Vicki and Vicki's sister, Lynn and husband Jim, would following a little later.

The Desert Bar, aka Nellie E. Saloon (the name originates from the old mining claim), is located off highway 95 on Cienega Springs Road, approximately 5 miles north of Parker, AZ. The road in to the bar is 5 miles of very rough gravel road, especially in a one ton dually as it twists it's way through the mountains.

We're almost there!
When you arrive from the road on the right you pass under the wagon and horses...that's new!
We arrived at about 11:30...it's a good idea to get there early to get a table, especially when there are going to be 8 of you. This is the view from the parking lot...back view of the skinny church...
Side view...
The church is made of solid steel and the walls and ceiling are made of the same stamped tin used inside the bar and the roof is made of copper. The names inscribed on the plaques in the church are people who donated money to help build the church. The church is a unique place for weddings and a great photo spot. There are no services held in the church and all religions are welcome.
View from the far end of the parking lot...
As you enter across the foot bridge you get a view below of some of the food vendors, seating areas, and the other stage...
Every year that we go, we notice more changes. This year they have expanded the entrance as you cross the foot-bridge and added a car...
As you continue on there is a bar on the left and Desert Bar clothing for sale, and on the right is another bar where you can get food, but for some reason absolutely "no cheese" on your burgers here...you have to go downstairs for that! The burgers are bigger and better below anyway. The stage is out of view to the right...
We think the band was called Ripple Effect...they were very good but they shouldn't let the drummer sing:)
Me, Vicki, Harry, Jim, Lynn, Leslie, Dave. and Steve
Steve went for a walk around to get some more pictures...

A turtle and rocker made from horseshoes, and a horseshoe pit in the background...
In the back are the washrooms (this is the men's) helicopter rides and parking for 4-wheelers...
Steve and Dave walked to the top of the hill...

On the way back down they ran into Leslie on her way up so Steve left them and headed to the next view point.

Dave in the grey...don't know what happened to Leslie...
View of the hill from our table...
Harry, Vicki, Jim and Lynn ventured to the top too...
Meanwhile Steve continued onto the next viewpoint. Part way up there is an arch...
From above the arch you get a view of the original Desert Bar shack and 4-wheeler parking...
Overlooking the men's washroom below, is the women's above on the right with a view...a very cool restroom, I just wish I had taken pictures inside. But as you can see, the sinks are "open-air" with a fabulous view. The stalls are behind, against the rock-face and are made of steel with big doors and latches. I wonder if the these ladies thought I was a purve taking this picture...LOL! (Steve)
Another view from the arch hilltop...
Smile you say!
Even Margaret got to come. The Desert Bar is powered by solar panels...as above.
Always a fun time at the Desert Bar and a must each year! Thanks for driving Dave!

Our day ended with a fabulous sunset and...
...dinner at our place with Dave and Leslie...


5 comments:

  1. It's been a few years since we have been there, the place is evolving.

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    1. You’ll notice many changes then. They are still expanding.

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  2. We really enjoy the Desert Bar. To go from a shack in the hills to what it is today is amazing. Would be nice if they had a separate section for smokers. Good times with good people!

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    1. We love it too...an amazing story behind it for sure. No smoking section would be nice!

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  3. I'm just getting to my blog posts from February - and could not remember the name of the band. Vicki suggested I look on your blog!! Bingo!! It was Ripple Effect!! Safe travels back to Canada!

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