YUMA EAST WETLANDS
Located within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, in Yuma, Arizona, the East Wetlands features a 3-mile loop that circles around a lush riparian area, as well as an unpaved ½-mile trail that runs along the lower Colorado River. Both trails are accessible from Gateway Park at the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, near the historic Yuma Downtown district and Yuma Territorial Prison. Offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views, the trail is quite level with a few bench seating areas, and a beautiful overlook that extends across the River and showcases the St. Thomas Indian Mission.
This 1400 acre restoration project features cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees, as well as a marsh area where you can watch an abundant variety of wading birds and water fowl. Beaver and fox have returned to the area, but they are elusive and it takes some luck to spot them. If you enjoy bird watching, check in with the Yuma Audubon Society who hosts seasonal bird walks. You can also follow the trail to the West Wetlands, passing by Pivot Point, and the Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park.
Dubbed ‘The Gateway to the Great Southwest’, Yuma is located in the southwest corner of Arizona on the border of Mexico and California, and is home to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. Of historic significance, the Colorado River was once a water highway and major crossing point at the narrows, which was the easiest place to cross the Colorado River into California. Many crossed here including expeditions such as Juan Bautista de Anza and the Mormon Battalion, and fortune seekers off to try their luck in the California gold rush.
Learn more about Yuma, Arizona here.
JIGSAW PUZZLE: Watch our Big Blend Video “60 Seconds of a #OneHourWalk – East Wetlands” and then enjoy piecing together this online jigsaw puzzle of the East Wetlands. Use the full screen icon to make it easier. Use your mouse roller or arrow keys to rotate the puzzle pieces and click and drag to put the pieces in place. Use the Image Icon to see the picture and the Ghost Icon to set your workspace.
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