Yuma dates back to the founding of two spanish missions in 1779 at this easily accessible crossing of the Colorado River
into California by Father Garces. The original settlement was decimated by the last major uprising of the Yuma Indians.
In 1864, the US Army established a major base here.
The Yuma Crossing of the Colorado River was recognized by
early explorers as an important gateway to California. As such this
location includes several historical attractions and museums.
Yuma has bright sunny warm weather year-round and is very popular in the winter months as a place to escape the cold weather.
Local Attractions
Century House Museum and Gardens
Arizona Historical Society
240 So Madison Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364;
928-782-1841; Museum Website;
Hours: 10-4 Tues- Sat / Free Admission
Late 19th-century home of pioneer merchant E.F. Sanguinetti. Contains many period furnishings, decor, gardens, aviaries.
Special exhibits on early Yuma history.
Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historical Park
201 N. 4th Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364;
928-329-0471; Park Website;
Hours: Thu-Mon 9AM-5PM / Closed Tue&Wed;
10 acre sites includes several restored buildings of former U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot (1864-1883).
This facility distributed supplies to military outposts of the Southwest.
It is located within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
1 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364;
928-783-4771; Park Website;
Hours: Thu-Mon 9AM-5PM / Closed Tue&Wed;
Late 19th century prison located on bluff above the Colorado River held up to 3,000 prisoners from 1876-1909.
Visitors can see the cellblocks and museum made with thich adobe bricks.
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 77217, Yuma, AZ 85364;
928-783-3371; Refuge Website;
Open Daily Dawn-Dusk / Free Admission
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.
Home to Canadian Geese, ducks, egrets and eagles. The Arizona section is reached 40 miles north of Yuma by taking the
Martinez Lake Road turnoff from US-95. Other area can only be reached by boat. Hunting season opens on Labor Day.
This area is popular for hunting, hiking, fishing and boating.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
356 W. 1st Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364;
928-783-7861; Refuge Website;
Two mountain ranges dominate the landscape--the Kofa Mountains and the Castle Dome Mountains. Although these ranges are
not especially high, they are extremely rugged and rise sharply from the surrounding desert plains, providing ideal bighorn sheep country.
Regulated hunting is permitted for quail, bighorn sheep, deer, cottontail, rabbit, coyote, and fox. All other wildlife is protected.
Local Events
For more info on upcoming events see also
Discover Exciting Arizona Adventures
Arizona Highways
California Desert Adventure