Yuma Territorial Prison State Park

1 Prison Hill Road
Yuma, Arizona 85364
(928) 783-4771

Description: Between 1876 and 1909, this penitentiary housed many of Arizona's most dangerous and notorious criminals. Famed in movies, literature and television, the remains of the prison are now Arizona's most visited State Historic Park.

Hours/Season: Daily - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed at 2:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.

More Information: www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/yuma.html

Yuma Crossing State Historic Park

210 North 4th Ave
Yuma, Arizona 85364
(928) 329-0471

Description: The Quartermaster Depot was authorized by Congress in 1865 and served the entire Southwest as a material transfer and distribution point for troops stationed at the outposts of the Arizona Territory.

Hours/Season: Daily - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays.

More Information: www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/yuma.html

Yuma West Wetlands

Enter the West Wetlands from First Street at 12th Avenue and at 23rd Avenue.

Description: The Yuma West Wetlands is an approximate 135 acre recreation and wildlife preserve along the south bank of the Colorado River from the 4th Avenue Bridge to Joe Henry Park in Yuma Arizona. 

More Information: City of Yuma, Parks and Recreation

Adair Park

Located 16 miles Northeast on Highway 95, with entry 3/4 mi. East of McPhaul's bridge.

Description: Covering 660 acres, this park has nine rifle, pistol and archery ranges. There is also a baseball diamond, radio-control model airplane strip, picnic areas and camping sites available. Shooting matches and other activities are frequently scheduled at the ranges.

Hours/Season: Schedules and Reservations: Sprague's Sports, Inc., (520) 726-0022.

More Information: Sprague's Sports and RV, Inc., (520) 726-0022

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

From Yuma, go north on Highway 95 for 25 miles. Turn west on Martinez Lake Road for 13 miles and follow signs to visitor center. (928) 783-3371

Description: Imperial National Wildlife Refuge protects wildlife habitat along 30 miles of the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California, including the last unchannelized section before the river enters Mexico. The river and its associated backwater lakes and wetlands are a green oasis, contrasting with the surrounding desert mountains.

Hours/Season: Visitor Center: Mon through Fri. - 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 10/15 to 3/31 open Sat. and Sun. - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More Information: southwest.fws.gov/refuges/arizona/imperial.html

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

From Yuma, take Highway 95 north towards Quartzite, Arizona, to refuge entrance signs (approximately 40 miles north of Yuma).
(520) 783-7861

Description: The Kofa Refuge protects 665,400 acres of mountainous Sonoran Desert habitat and encompasses the Kofa and Castledome Mountain ranges. It is home to a variety of unique animals and plants including desert bighorn sheep and saguaro cactus.

Hours/Season: N/A

More Information: http://southwest.fws.gov/refuges/arizona/kofa.html

Picacho State Recreation Area

From Yuma, Take 4th Avenue North across the 4th Avenue bridge into California, past I-8, take S-24 and head North, continue North on Picacho Road (S-24 turns to the right and becomes Ross Road), a few miles later the pavement ends, but can be easily traveled by passenger cars (approximately 23 miles north of Yuma). (760) 393-3052

Description: 100 years ago Picacho was a gold mining town with 100 citizens. Today the site is a State Park, popular with boaters, hikers, anglers and campers. The park offers diverse scenery, including beavertail cactus, wild burros, bighorn sheep and thousands of migratory waterfowl. (The park is on one leg of the Pacific Flyway.) Eight miles of the lower Colorado River are the recreation area's eastern border.

Hours/Season: N/A

More Information: www.picacho.statepark.org/

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

From Yuma, go West on I-8 to Gray's Well exit to Frontage Road that leads to the dunes (approximately 20 miles west of Yuma).

Description: This 40-mile-long dune system is one of the largest in the United States. Formed by windblown beach sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, some crests reach heights of over 300 feet. These expansive dune formations offer picturesque scenery, opportunities for solitude, a chance to view rare plants and animals, and a playground for Off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

Hours/Season: N/A

More Information: www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro/sanddunes.html

Sanguinetti House Museum & Garden

240 South Madison
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-1841

Description: Located in three historic buildings on Madison Avenue in downtown Yuma, the AHS Sanguinetti House and Garden is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Yuma County and the lower Colorado River valley. Exhibits and turn-of-the-century period rooms are displayed in the Sanguinetti House. Built in the 1870s, the house was acuired in the 1890s by E.F. Sanguinetti, who embellished it with gardens and aviaries. Its cool greenery and exotic birds still refresh and intrigue visitors.

Hours/Season: Tues. through Sat. - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More Information: http://ahs.dreamteamtech.com/

Cocopah Indian Museum Exhibit & Gift Shop

W County 15 & Ave. G
Somerton, AZ 85350
(928) 627-1992

Description: Gift shop items include tribal beadwork, arts & crafts, tribal dolls, Native
American tapes and CD's, beading and jewelry supplies.

Hours/Season: Mon. through Fri. - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More Information: (928) 627-1992

Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center

From Yuma, head north US 95, Turn in at the guns (between Mileposts 44 and 45 on US 95) and continue one mile.
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma, Arizona 85365
(928) 328-3394

Description: The Heritage Center is an historical holding dedicated to the history of the United States Army and the history of military munitions and equipment testing at YPG. Many artifacts and pictures on display.

Hours/Season: Mon. through Thurs. - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More Information: www.yuma.army.mil/heritage_center.htm

Yuma Valley Railway

980 S Palm Ave
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 783-3456

Description: Ride back through time aboard the historic Yuma Valley Railroad. Travel along the winding banks of the beautiful Colorado River within sight of Mexico, and listen to the folklore and historical facts as told by a local historian. Enjoy the scenery of the rolling farmlands from the comfort of a 1922 Pullman Coach, pulled by a 1941 first generation diesel locomotive or a 1952 Davenport Bessler.

Hours/Season: October though May - Sat. and Sun.

More Information: www.azrail.org/railroad/yvry/

Colorado King River Cruises

1636 S 4th Ave
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-2412

Description: Enjoy the Colorado River on a double deck riverboat, the only true stern wheeler in America driven by a paddle wheel. Captain Ron's narrative excursions add to the relaxing enjoyment of the Colorado River.

Hours/Season: October through May

More Information: www.coloradoking.com/aboutus.htm

Yuma River Tours

1920 S Arizona Ave
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 783-4400

Description: A narrated jet boat tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Colorado River, as well as sight a variety of birds and wildlife, and view historical Indian Petroglyphs. Yuma River Tours is offering individual, group or custom tours.

Hours/Season: Varies

More Information: www.yumarivertours.com/

Fishing

While one does not often associate waterways with the desert, this is what sets Yuma apart from other Southwest destinations. With the completion of the Laguna Dam in 1909, and the Imperial Dam in 1938, the Colorado River became a series of lakes and scenic waterways. For the avid fisherman, these cool waters are home to world class bass fishing, where the serious or novice angler will find Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Flathead Bass, Channel Bass, Blue Bass, Tilapia, Catfish, Crappie, Striped Mullet and Bluegill.

For more information on fishing in the Yuma area, see the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, www.gf.state.az.us

Hunting

Hunting in the Yuma area is also available. Dove season is twice a year, Sep.1st-Sep.15th and Nov. 23-Jan. 6th, while Mule Deer season happens several times during the year. For information on licenses, regulations and fees contact the Arizona Game & Fish at 928.342.0091.

For more information on hunting in the Yuma area, see the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, www.gf.state.az.us

Paradise Casino

450 Quechan Drive
Yuma, Arizona 85366
(760) 572-7777

Description: Paradise Casino is a Native American casino in Yuma, Arizona. The 30,000 square foot casino features 675 slots and twenty table games. The property has two restaurants.

Hours/Season: Open 24 hours

More Information: www.paradise-casinos.com

Cocopah Casino and Bingo

15136 South Avenue B
Somerton, Arizona 85350-7648
(928) 726-5152

Description: Cocopah Casino and Bingo is a Native American casino in Somerton, Arizona and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The 24,000 square foot casino features 475 slots. The property has one restaurant and a hotel.

Hours/Season: Open 24 hours

More Information: www.cocopahresort.com/

SOURCES:

• Yuma Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Individual Websites