Kofa's Palm Canyon is located approximately 90 miles north of Yuma, AZ, and it is a good place to view Washingtonia filifera palms in their native state. According to the local literature, this canyon may be the only location where native palms are naturally growing in Arizona. Some also believe that these palms are the descendants of palms growing in this region during the last periods of North American glaciation. Some botanists theorize that the trees gradually spread into these canyons and other protected niches as the climate warmed to desert conditions. Surprisingly, these palms were growing in a narrow, rugged canyon where there was little sunshine. In addition, there was no evidence that these palms have seeded or even flowered. Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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This is a view of the canyon before the start of the rugged climb. During the 3 hours I was there, the sun never shone inside the canyon.	There was a very narrow passage (about 15 inches) to pass through. This is the view after getting through the passage.	Another shot as I got closer. Apparently there was some dirt on the lens.
I climbed above the location where the palms were rooted.	Another view from above.	And yet another. Lighting made it difficult for a good picture.

This mini photo documentary was originally published on the web. We received permission from the author/photographer to reproduce the photos here.

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