Local Area: Our Arizona Outback

Founded in 1904, the town of Salome is located in La Paz County just about 60 miles southeast of Parker, Arizona.  Salome is in the western portion of McMullen Valley Basin, surrounded by the long time ago forged Harquahala and Harcuvar Mountains.  Little more than a wide spot in the road, the population has been known to swell to 5,000 during winter months (by some local estimates). 

Tri-valley Medical Clinic is located just outside of the airpark right across from the Pilots Lounge and includes a helicopter pad.  Two local restaurants, two stores, two gas stations, three auto-shops, three motels, and one "Shopping Center," all located within a five mile radius of the airpark.   Trash disposal location and hours  information may be found on drop-down Trash Disposal.

Salome has a rich history. There are several movies about Salome and many books written about our great Sonoran Desert along with many other interesting books written about the Arizona area. An author friend lives nearby who has two books published. The stories take place here in Arizona. "Shadows in Jerome" and "The Outdweller," by Curtis D. Vick. These books will give you some of the history of Arizona. Available at Author house, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

There are many local mine claims in the area and some are actively operational. Mining equipment and supplies are usually available for purchase in Quartzsite, Arizona (35 miles west of Salome), at the QIA's Gold Show usually scheduled in January or February of every year.  The QIA also hosts concerts and hosts an off-road meet and greet to learn about exploring the Outback.  More information may be found on their website in the QIA link above. 

Arizona’s desert landscape is rich with “Wonders of Nature” - its native plants.  New comers to America’s Outback are simply told, “The desert grows on you.” Arizona’s State Flower, the Saguaro Cactus Flower, to Arizona’s State Tree, the Palo Verde, are some classic favorites, but take a look, and you will see a vast assortment of native flora all around the diverse Arizona Outback. More information on native plants may be found on AZDA Arizona Department of Agriculture or by visiting some of Arizona’s plant societies found online. 

While native plants are abundant, there is a real threat to the native plant’s survival from invasive species also known to some as noxious weeds. The impact to native vegetation can be devastating as the landscape is transformed by completely eradicating or displacing natives. USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service has a published list of prohibited, regulated, and restricted noxious weeds.  Please check with Arizona Department of Agriculture for its current list of prohibited species and follow their guidelines and rules for dealing with prohibited plant species.  By doing our part to protect native plants and follow authorized removal of prohibited Arizona noxious plants we help ensure the survival of these “Wonders of Nature.”

Our local County  Centennial Library located on Centennial Road  is more than just a place to check out books.  During the Winter Season,  it's  also the surrounding area's Community Center with  weekly scheduled luncheons, Annual Events and a local fundraising central hub generating funds for our local community members. The annual Auction Fundraiser (usually in February) with its own Auctioneer is usually sold out, so purchase tickets early.  For other events check with the Centennial Center.