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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Explore the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison, where Wild West legends were incarcerated. A must-see Arizona historic site!

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Step back in time at the Yuma Territorial Prison, a preserved Wild West prison that operated from 1876 to 1909. Explore original cell blocks, the guard tower, and museum exhibits detailing the lives of inmates and the prison's history. Over 3,000 prisoners, including the notorious stagecoach robber Pearl Hart, did time here.

A brief summary to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the prison grounds.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as temperatures in Yuma can be extreme, especially during the summer months.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the prison, museum, and surrounding grounds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Yuma, head west on Prison Hill Road. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes. Follow the signs for the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the YCAT (Yuma County Area Transit) bus Route 2 towards Arizona Western College. Get off at the stop closest to Prison Hill Road and walk west for about 10 minutes to reach the park entrance. A single ride fare is typically $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Yuma International Airport or any hotel in Yuma, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. The ride to the prison is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a one-way trip.

  • Driving

    From I-8, take exit 2B for 4th Avenue. Turn left onto 4th Avenue and drive straight until you reach Prison Hill Road, then turn right. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park will be on your left at 220 Prison Hill Rd. Free parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park offers a glimpse into Arizona's wild west past. Operating from 1876 to 1909, the prison housed over 3,000 inmates, including 29 women, convicted of crimes ranging from polygamy to murder. Some of the prison's more notable residents included stagecoach robber Pearl Hart, and Mexican revolutionary Ricardo Flores Magon. Visitors can explore the original cell blocks, constructed by the prisoners themselves from the granite of Prison Hill. The prison's museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the stories of the inmates and the prison's daily operations. See the imposing guard tower, which once held an 85,000-gallon water reservoir. For a sense of the harsh conditions, visit the dark cell, a solitary confinement chamber used to punish unruly prisoners. Despite its grim purpose, the prison was considered a model institution for its time, boasting amenities like electricity, running water, and flush toilets, leading some locals to call it the "Country Club on the Colorado". However, life within its walls was undoubtedly difficult, with inmates facing the heat, insects, and reptiles of the Arizona desert. The prison cemetery, located a short walk from the main grounds, is the final resting place for 104 inmates who died while serving their time. The park offers panoramic views of the Colorado River, the Yuma East Wetlands, and the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway Bridge.

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