Local Attractions

Yuma
Great winter temperature—Yuma is located in the Yuma and Gila valleys of southwestern Arizona and offers a climate that blends desert sunshine with the cool waters of the Colorado River. The southern Arizona desert is known for its summertime heat, but it would be difficult to find a winter climate more suitable to outdoor activities than Yuma's. Temperatures hover in the 70s and the humidity readings are among the lowest in the nation. Clean air and bright sunshine affords residents and visitors alike a year round vista of surrounding rugged mountains.

Ideal place to settle down—Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in the United States, many of the people who visit Yuma return to raise a family, retire in comfort or simply take advantage of being part of one of America's fastest growing cities.

Interesting history—Yuma's rich history offers a variety of options for those seeking to learn about the Old West. In the 1850s, the Yuma Crossing was the gateway to California for gold seekers. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Park and Quartermaster Depot top the list of sites most visited by tourists. Supportive community—Military personnel assigned to Yuma will find the community both supportive and friendly. Quarterly "block parties" and other special events on the downtown mall are excellent opportunities to get out and meet the locals.

Abundant outdoor activities and shopping—Yuma residents can enjoy the soothing waters of the Colorado River and nearby lakes, lush golf courses, a diverse selection of restaurants and shopping boutiques including the Yuma Palms Shopping Center, natural wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Unique wildlife—Yuma is surrounded by fantastic wildlife viewing areas. Betty's Kitchen Interpretive Trail, located off Avenue 7E, is a popular spot for bird watchers and bluegill fishermen. Largemouth bass, stripers and channel catfish are plentiful in Mitry Lake and the Colorado River. Hunters come to Yuma from all over the West to enjoy the abundance of dove, pheasant, chukar and bobwhite quail.

There are also three National Wildlife Refuges within an hour's drive. The Cibola, Imperial and Kofa National Wildlife Refuges provide hiking trails with signs identifying points of interest and types of plants. The Imperial Sand Dunes, just across the California border, offer plenty of space for both off-roading and camping in the desert. Whether hunting, fishing, watching wildlife or just enjoying the beautiful sunsets, you'll find Yuma is an outdoor wonderland.

Annual Yuma Air Show
For nearly half a century the air station has hosted one of the biggest events in the city, the Yuma Air Show. It's usually the first air show of the season and features an AV-8B Harrier demonstration, something that is seen at very few air shows each year. The 2011 air show is scheduled for March 26. For the 47th annual Yuma Air Show in March 2009, the air station broke a Guinness world record with a more than 10,000-foot-long wall of fire. Some past military performers have included the U.S. Army's Parachute Team, the "Golden Knights," the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Air Force Reserve Jet Car, an in-air refueling and heritage flight from a modern F-16 Viper West as well as a World War II era P-51 Mustang, representing Air Force history.

In addition, to the military performers, civilian pilots like Tim Weber, flying his Extra-300 and new addition Julie Clark, in her T-34 Mentor, wowed sky-gazing visitors. Another new routine was Greg Shelton and Ashley Battles' wing-walking act. Ground displays of military aircraft and vehicles from the air station, Yuma Proving Ground, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and private collectors gave spectators a chance to see equipment up close. Helicopters like the CH-53, CH-46 and UH-1N are displayed for visitors, as well as classic aircraft from World War I and II to modern planes like a B-52 bomber, F-16 and F-5 Tiger.

The air show is a much-anticipated event that's sure to be a treat for aviation enthusiasts and casual observers alike. For the latest information concerning the air show visit http://www.yumaairshow.com.

Winter Visitors Tour
Offered free to Yuma's large winter visiting population, the air station hosts at least three tours where visitors will be able to see firsthand some of the aircraft, vehicles, weapons and equipment used by Marines here as well as overseas in support of combat missions, and to speak with active duty personnel. In 2010, nearly 2,000 people took advantage of this opportunity to see in the Marine Corps' premiere aviation training base. The tour consists of a narrated bus tour with a stop to the flight line and a military working dog demonstration by the military police. Specific dates for 2011 are announced by November 1, but the tours are usually held in November, January and March. For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at (928) 269 2275 after November 1.

Imperial Sand Dunes
The Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in California. Just 45 minutes west of Yuma, this dune system extends for more than 40 miles along the eastern edge of the Imperial Valley agricultural region in a band averaging five miles in width. It is roughly bordered on the west by the Coachella Canal, which delivers Colorado River water to the fertile agricultural valley to the north. A major east-west route of the Union Pacific railroad skirts the eastern edge. The dune system is divided into three areas. The northern most area is known as Mammoth Wash. South of Mammoth Wash. is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness established by the 1994 California Desert Protection Act. This area is closed to motorized use and visitors can access is by hiking and horseback only. The largest and most heavily used area begins at Highway 78 and continues south just past Interstate 8. The expansive dune formations offer picturesque scenery, opportunities for solitude, a chance to view rare plants and animals and a playground for all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies and many different types of off-road vehicles.

The recreational use of the dunes has historical roots beginning with local families who would travel to the dunes to drive the plank road and have a Sunday picnic. The dunes also became a place for families to camp and try out, or develop, new machines for driving in the sand. A milestone in the evolution of off-highway vehicles use came after World War II when surplus jeeps were available for purchase by the private sector. The Imperial Sand Dunes is also believed to be the birthing place for the early dune buggies. Model A cars with their bodies removed were some of the first buggies attempting the challenges of the sand dunes. Multiple generations of families have loyally followed this tradition, flocking to the dunes to recreate and socialize several times a year. Thus a social culture, unique to the dunes, has developed and will evolve as new generations of families continue to observe their traditions.

Hollywood has also become fond of the dunes' unique scenery and they became the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, such as the desert planet of Tatooine in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi." The dunes have also been used for television commercials and both commercial and artistic photography. To reach the Imperial Sand Dunes, take Interstate 8 East toward El Centro, Calif. (12 miles). Take the Ogilby Road exit. Turn right onto Ogilby Road (24 miles), then turn left onto CA-78 (9 miles). For more information, call the U.S. Bureau of Land Management El Centro at 760-337-4400.

Lake Martinez
Lake Martinez is a recreation area located on the Colorado River about 35 miles north of Yuma off of Highway 95. Activities offered include fishing, boat rentals and swimming. Fishing licenses are also available at the lake. Accommodations for military personnel include two six-person and two eight-person cabins, eight four-person park models, three primitive campsites and 17 recreational vehicle sites. Reservations are taken by the Dos Rios Inn and can be made up to one month in advance. For more information or to make a reservation, call (928) 269-2262.

Sports & Activities
Golfers will be happy to know that Golf Digest magazine rated Yuma as the 7th best city in the United States for golf. There are some 13 diverse courses in the area, including the 18-hole, par-72 Desert Hills Municipal Golf Course, which was rated by Golf Digest as Arizona's top municipal course. It is located at 1245 West Desert Hills Drive. The Mesa del Sol Public Golf Course is another 18-hole, par-72 course that sits at the base of the Gila Mountains. The most challenging public course in the area, it is located just off Interstate 8 at the Fortuna Road exit. Tennis players should have no trouble finding an open court at Caballero Park (at Avenue A and 34th Drive), Carver Park (at 5th Street and 13th Avenue) or John F. Kennedy Memorial Park (at 24th Street and Kennedy Lane). All the courts are maintained by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Even anglers can get in on the action in Yuma. Thanks to the Laguna and Imperial Dams, the part of the Colorado River near Yuma is a series of lakes and scenic waterways. Fishermen are likely to land largemouth bass, striped bass, flathead bass, channel bass, blue bass, tilapia, catfish, crappie, striped mullet and bluegill. The waterways are also great for boating and water sports. Boat rentals are available at Hidden Shores and Martinez Lake. And water skiing is allowed at Martinez Lake, Senator Wash and an eight-mile stretch of the Colorado River that runs parallel to the Picacho State Recreation Area.

Yuma Nightlife
Feeling Lucky? Try one of the three casinos in close proximity to Yuma. The Paradise Casino Arizona on Quechan Drive in Yuma has more than 800 slot machines, live bingo, blackjack tables and poker. There are also two bars and a restaurant. Cocopah Casino on Avenue B in Somerton, just 15 minutes from Yuma, has almost 500 slot machines, live bingo and blackjack tables. There is also a full-service restaurant, a sports bar with food and a snack bar. The newest addition to Yuma's casinos is Quechan Casino Resort which offers more than 1,000 slots, 24 different table games, several restaurants and frequent music concerts from a variety of entertainers.

In addition, to the casinos, Yuma nightlife also offers popular bars such as the Mineshaft, located on South 4th Avenue and Top of the Cress on Main Street in downtown Yuma, both of which feature live entertainment. If you want something a little more laid-back, take in a movie at the Main Street Cinemas downtown or Harkins Theaters at the Yuma Palms shopping center.

Performing Arts
Most of the performing arts in Yuma take place at the Historic Yuma Theater, located at 254 S. Main St. The theater was originally opened in 1912, as a Vaudeville and movie house. After several fires, it was reopened in 1936 with an art deco décor, featuring two monumental murals in the audience chamber and the only functioning carbon arc projector west of the Mississippi. After years of disrepair, the theater has since been renovated and updated to look the way it did in the 1930s. Today, it is managed by the City of Yuma, and hosts year-round events including original film screenings, community theater productions, Saturday children's matinees, Arizona Historical Society tours, film series, jazz festivals, art symposiums, educational workshops, choir concerts and other special events. The theater seats 604 people. For information on tickets and upcoming events, contact the box office at (928) 373-5202, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Yuma Quartermaster Depot
Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, site of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, was used by the U.S. Army to store and distribute supplies for all the military posts in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas. A six-month supply of clothing, food, ammunition and other goods was kept at the depot at all times. The supplies were brought from California by ocean vessels traveling around the Baja Peninsula to Port Isabel near the mouth of the Colorado River. There, cargos were transferred to river steamers and brought upstream to Yuma.

The supplies were unloaded near the stone reservoir just west of the commanding officer's quarters and hauled up on a track running from the river dock through the center of the storehouse. They were shipped north on river steamers and overland by mule-drawn freight wagons. The depot quartered up to 900 mules and a crew of teamsters to handle them. The Southern Pacific Railroad reached Yuma in 1877, and heralded the end of the Quartermaster Depot and Fort Yuma. The railroad reached Tucson in 1880, and the functions were moved to Fort Lowell in Tucson.

The Signal Corps established a telegraph and weather station here in 1875. The supply depot was terminated by the Army in 1883, and the pumps, steam engines and equipment were sent to Fort Lowell near Tucson, but the Signal Corps remained until 1891. The U.S. Weather Service was established as a separate agency and operated at the depot site until 1949.

A few structures from the depot's active period are still standing. The commanding officer's quarters were acquired by the U.S. Customs Service in 1908. The Bureau of Reclamation, the Boundary Commission, the Yuma County Water Users Association and the Assistance League of Yuma have also used portions of the old depot during the 20th century.

The Depot is located at 201 N. 4th Ave. Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Yuma/Winterhaven 4th Avenue exit. Go south on 4th Avenue one-half mile. Park is located on the east side of 4th Avenue. For more information, call (928) 329-0471.

Yuma Territorial Prison
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma, and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within these walls during the prison's 33 years of operation. Their crimes ranged from murder to polygamy, with grand larceny being the most common offense. A majority served only portions of their sentences due to the ease with which paroles and pardons were obtained. One hundred eleven persons died while serving their sentences, most from tuberculosis, which was common throughout the territory. Of the many prisoners who attempted escape, 26 were successful, but only two were from within the prison confines. No executions took place at the prison because capital punishment was administered by the county government.

Despite an infamous reputation, written evidence indicates that the prison was humanely administered, and was a model institution for its time. The only punishments were the dark cells for inmates who broke prison regulations and the ball and chain for those who tried to escape. During their free time, prisoners handcrafted many items. Those items were sold at public bazaars held at the prison on Sundays after church services. Prisoners also had regular medical attention and access to a good hospital.

Schooling was available for convicts and many learned to read and write in prison. The prison housed one of the first "public" libraries in the territory and the fee charged to visitors for a tour of the institution was used to purchase books. One of the early electrical generating plants in the West furnished power for lights and ran a ventilation system in the cell block.

By 1907, the prison was severely overcrowded, and there was no room on Prison Hill for expansion. The convicts constructed a new facility in Florence, Ariz. The last prisoner left Yuma on Sept. 15, 1909.

The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914. Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 1920s, and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression. Townspeople considered the complex a source for free building materials. This, plus fires, weathering and railroad construction, destroyed the prison walls and all buildings except the cells, main gate and guard tower; but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.

The Yuma Territorial Prison can be found at 1 Prison Hill Road. Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Yuma, take Exit 1 to Giss Parkway and turn at Prison Hill Road. For more information, call (928) 783-4771.

El Camino Del Diablo
Yuma's Barry M. Goldwater Range is home to a historical passageway dating back around 500 years. Running from Caborca, Mexico, more than 200 miles northwest to Yuma, where it ends, El Camino del Diablo, or The Highway of the Devil, has generations of history on its inhospitable land. Beginning in 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a Spanish conquistador, commanded Melchor Díaz, a captain in his party, to search for the end of the Colorado River, where the river meets the Gulf of California. Their party named the route because of its unforgiving nature. Eusibio Kino, a Jesuit priest who was also a cartographer and astronomer, led the next major exploration in the late 1600s and was the first person to map the area and its few water sources.

In the late 1700s, Juan Batista de Anza led an expedition to San Francisco beginning the journey through the highway. In the mid-1800s, the California Gold Rush brought gold prospectors through the area en route to Northern California. Before, the primarily Spanish conquistadors fared relatively well in the poor conditions, however, the '49ers proved to be less hardy. With three or four days between watering holes, many '49ers died in the midsummer heat. They attempted to cross the desert during this time because of fear of Native American tribes north at Gila River who were known to be defensive of their territory.

In more recent years, these same lands have been used by illegal aliens to attempt entry to the United States. Historians estimate that between 400 and 500 people died of thirst during the trip down Devil's Highway since the 1500s. Most of the deaths occurred in the last 30 miles before reaching the main water source on the trip, Tinajas Altas. The "High Tanks" provided year-round water from the minimal rain in the area because of natural rock formations that pool water. When full, the nine tanks can hold about 20,000 gallons of water altogether.

Flora and fauna unique to this part of the world can be viewed on the highway. People wishing the spend time there today must pick up an annual permit for use on the Barry M. Goldwater Range at the air station's pass and identification office in Building 952 next to the main gate.

Lake Havasu
Just 160 miles north of Yuma, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., is fast gaining a reputation among travelers as the vacation destination in the Southwest. In today's economy, more and more travelers are searching for alternatives to stretch vacation dollars. Lake Havasu appeals to vacationers from all over the country, offering year-round sunshine, golf courses, water and desert recreation, a variety of hotel/condo-style accommodations, modern RV parks from which to choose, and of course, the world famous London Bridge.

Unique shops, boutiques, discount centers, cultural and night life diversity and restaurants that appeal to everyone from the gourmet diner to the budget conscious family add to Lake Havasu's appeal. Endless days of sunshine, clear blue skies and spectacular sunsets turn the rugged mountain skyline into flaming red and orange. For more information, contact the Lake Havasu Area Visitor and Convention Bureau at (800) 242-8278 or write them at 314 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

Phoenix
One of the world's premier leisure destinations, Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the U.S. with more than 1.5 million residents. It is located about 180 miles east of Yuma.

Residents and tourists alike enjoy more than 300 sunshine-filled days in a metropolis appropriately dubbed the Valley of the Sun. With nearly 200 golf courses dotting the landscape, golf rules in the recreational department. But amidst all that thirsty greenery still sits the Sonoran Desert's most obvious amenity—the naturally rugged, yet beautiful terrain.

Thousands of acres of dry mountain preserve and cacti-enriched hillsides offer challenging trails for the valley's hikers, bikers and horseback riders. During the spring, this same rugged terrain transforms into a colorful palette of wildflower-packed scenery that is frequently captured on photograph and canvas. Mild weather conditions also allow for a variety of air sports to include soaring over the Sonoran Desert in a two-seat glider or lofting above the rural areas in a hot air balloon operated by one of many companies offering daily flights.

Inner-tubing down the Salt River also offers a surprisingly cool diversion from the summer heat. The state's Urban Fishing Program provides yet another diversion—fishing inside city parks—and the valley's resorts offer a splashing good time poolside.

Twenty-three communities, including four of the oldest—Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe—offer a wide range of activities, dining, shopping and cultural events. Scottsdale, long described as the West's Most Western Town, ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in America. Some of the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe area attractions include: the Desert Botanical Garden, featuring 139 rare and endangered plant species from around the globe, spread out across 50 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits; and Rawhide, an authentic 1880s boomtown, complete with western dining, shops, street shows, saloon, stagecoach, pony rides and much more.

Phoenix is also home to several professional sporting franchises including the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the NFL's Arizona Cardinals and the NHL's Coyotes. The newest arrival was the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team, which plays at a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, recently won the World Series in 2001. Other sports include the PGA's Phoenix Open, Arizona State University college athletics, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale and Scottsdale's Parada del Sol rodeo. Nine Major League Baseball teams also conduct spring training here, including two recent additions, the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. To learn more about visiting Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun, call 877-CALL-PHX (225 5749) or write Phoenix Visitor Information Center, 50 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Tucson
Tucson is truly a city of diversity. Located 300 miles east of Yuma on Interstate 8, it is surrounded by lush deserts, cool mountain forests and a historical mixture of many cultures, which have made it a modern metropolis.

Popular one-day excursions are offered by air and ground to many famous sites, such as Old Pueblo, Tombstone and the scientific space experiment, Biosphere 2. Visitors are encouraged to experience the thrill and sensation of driving on ice at the Desert Ice Raceway or watch the races at the Malibu Grand Prix.

The warm climate year-round makes Tucson ideal for sports; especially golf, which can be enjoyed on any of the city's 46 golf courses. Other popular pastimes for sports enthusiasts include greyhound racing, horseback riding, tennis and University of Arizona athletic events.

One major attraction which brings tourism to Tucson is the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, which features educational star theater programs, laser-light shows and walk-through asteroid exhibits. Another is the Pima Air and Space Museum, with nearly 270 aircraft documenting America's aviation history. Additional sites to see include the Reid Park Zoo, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Old Tucson Studios and Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

For more information about Tucson, contact the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, 100 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701, or call (800) 638-8350.

San Diego
San Diego is a seaside city located about 180 miles west of Yuma. The climate and culture are two of the many attributes which have enabled San Diego to often be referred to as "America's Finest City." With beaches, mountains and deserts in close proximity to one another, visitors will never be at a loss for a variety of fun things to do.

The world famous San Diego Zoo features more than 3,800 animals of 800 species, many of which are rare and endangered. Other attractions include the Tiger River tour, botanical gardens and the reptile house. Adjacent to the zoo is Balboa Park, which offers a variety of museums and attractions. Nearby is Old Town San Diego, providing a look back into San Diego's history in addition to affordable shopping for all of your souvenir needs. More shopping can be done throughout the San Diego area including the many large malls and local gift shops. Near Mission Beach is the popular Sea World of California, featuring the brand new attraction, R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, a four dimensional extravaganza that will thrill your senses. Just be sure to remember what's real... and what isn't. Sea World also hosts more than 60 trained birds from six continents and Shamu, the world's most lovable killer whale.

For spectator sports enthusiasts, San Diego offers a multitude of events including San Diego Padres professional baseball, San Diego Chargers professional football and the San Diego State University Aztecs. The city also hosts college football's Holiday Bowl, thoroughbred horse racing at Del Mar, motocross racing and has 13 major golf courses.

Art and entertainment is available in the more than 40 theaters throughout San Diego. The downtown area is the aesthetic hub of the city, with the Lyceum Theater, Sixth Avenue Playhouse and Gaslamp Quarter Theater. All are located within walking distance of each other. The city is also home to the 81-member San Diego Symphony.

Some of the local sightseeing companies include Baja Expeditions, Burbury Wine Tours, Old Town Trolley Tours, San Diego Sea Planes, as well as five hot air ballooning establishments.

For more information about the San Diego area, call (619) 236-1212, or write to the San Diego Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 2215 India St., San Diego, CA 92101.

Mexico
Many visitors to Yuma can enjoy a short trip across the border to Mexico. U.S. citizens ages 17 or older need to present passport or passport card. If you have already purchased a passport but are waiting to receive it, a copy of the receipt and state ID is allowed. For children 16 and under a copy of birth certificate and state ID is all that is necessary.

All military personnel must check with their unit for the command's latest policy before travelling to Mexico. San Luis, south of Yuma on Highway 95, is the largest city along the border in Sonora, Mexico. Shopping holds a special appeal for most visitors. Visitors are recommended to park on the U.S. side and walk into Mexico.

Algodones, seven miles to the southwest, is the closest Mexican town to Yuma. Take Interstate 8 west to the Algodones/Andrade Exit and proceed south for about three miles. It's a good place to enjoy lunch and limited shopping. Again, park and walk across the border.

El Golfo Santa Clara, located 65 miles south of San Luis, draws large holiday crowds, which converge to ride all-terrain vehicles on the seemingly endless beaches and camp under the stars near the Sea of Cortez. Accommodations are very limited, with beach camping recommended for the experienced. Street signs mark the way along the two and a half-hour drive. Americans are advised to buy Mexican auto insurance and carry bottled water.

Mexicali is a winter sunspot just across the border from California's Imperial Valley. Mexicali, the seat of government for Baja, Calif., is unique among border cities in that its size and economic strength are not the result of proximity to the United States or tourism. The hub of a major agricultural region, it offers hundreds of stores, shops and a metropolitan night life.  read more...

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