Background

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area: Gateway to the Southwest

Discover Yuma's vibrant history at the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, where cultures converge along the scenic Colorado River.

4.5

Explore the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, a historic gateway to the Southwest where the Colorado River narrows, offering a blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American history. Discover the area's significance in transportation, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

A brief summary to Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October-May) to comfortably explore the outdoor sites and walking trails.
  • Check the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area's website for upcoming events, guided tours, and possible seasonal closures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and apply sunscreen, especially when exploring the parks and wetlands.
  • Explore the nearby historic downtown Yuma for local dining and shopping experiences.
  • Consider visiting the Yuma Visitor Information Center for maps, brochures, and local insights.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Yuma Visitor Information Center at 254 S Main St, head south on Main Street for about 0.3 miles. After crossing the intersection at 1st Street, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office will be on your left at 180 W 1st St, Suite E. This is a short and pleasant walk through downtown Yuma.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office via public transportation, use the Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) bus system. Several routes stop near downtown Yuma. The closest bus stop is located at 4th Ave and 1st St. From there, walk one block east along W 1st St to 180 W 1st St Ste E. Check the YCAT schedule for specific routes, fare prices, and timings. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Car

    From the center of Yuma, head north on S 4th Ave for about 0.5 miles. Turn right onto W 1st St and continue for approximately 0.3 miles. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office will be on your left at 180 W 1st St Ste E. Street parking is available nearby. Metered parking costs approximately $1 per hour, with free parking available on weekends and holidays.

Unlock the Best of Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area marks a significant point in American history and geography. Situated where the Colorado River narrows, it has served as a crucial crossing for centuries, shaping the cultural landscape of the Southwest. The area encompasses seven square miles along the Lower Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona, and Winterhaven, California. This heritage area is a cultural crossroads, highlighting the intertwined histories of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo-American cultures. Pre-contact, indigenous tribes, including ancestors of the Quechan and Cocopah, recognized the area's natural granite outcroppings, which made crossing the otherwise mighty Colorado River feasible. Spanish explorers arrived in 1540, led by Hernando de Alarcón and Melchior Diaz, who noted thriving communities along the riverbanks. The Yuma Crossing became a vital transportation and communication link between New Spain and Alta California during the Spanish colonial period. Later, it facilitated westward expansion during the American era. The area's importance continued with the arrival of the railroad in 1877 and the construction of the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, connecting the East and West coasts. Today, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area boasts two state historic parks, a National Historic Landmark, riverfront parks, restored wetlands, and an interpretive plaza. Visitors can explore the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, and the Pivot Point Interpretive Park. The area also focuses on restoring wetlands and reconnecting the city to its historic downtown.

Popular Experiences near Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office

Popular Hotels near Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office

Select Currency