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The Yuma Crossing Bike Path also goes by the names Colorado River Levee Multi-Use Path and the Colorado River Path. The trail runs for just over 3 miles between S Pacific Avenue and just east of I-8 near Gateway Park and Yuma Beach. It also passes through Joe Henry Memorial Park and the Quartermaster's State Park, traversing an open landscape just south of the Colorado River. The path closely parallels the tracks of the Yuma Valley Railroad, which it crosses three times.
This pleasant trail provides scenic vistas reminiscent of old western films. Located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, on the Mexico border, Yuma has one of the warmest climates in the country, making this trail perfect for a winter getaway.
Yuma was a central transportation hub in the late 1800s and early 1900s. At no other point is the Colorado River easier to cross, so a railroad bridge was built here, and Yuma became a major stop on the route to California. Yuma was also home to one of the most infamous correctional facilities of the Old West, the Yuma Territorial Prison. The town is a wonderful place to explore Western heritage and the trail is a great place to start.
Begin at the Yuma Crossing State Historical Park near the Fourth Avenue Bridge. Along the river, the park features picnic tables, restrooms and a riverfront beach. From here the trail heads west along the unused tracks. About halfway along the trail, you will see a connection to the East Main Canal Bike Path to the south. This trail will take you along the Main Canal 6.5 miles to 40th Street.
As you travel along the path you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. And, even though this is a desert region, the Colorado River feeds farms in the valley. The trail ends at Joe Henry Memorial Park, a grassy park equipped with picnic areas and ball fields. The park also has restrooms.
Parking is available at the Pacific Ave Athletic Complex, but it closes at 11pm. Additional parking is located at along the trail. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Very quiet and not too busy
We ride this and all adjacent trials and canals for about 20 miles out and back. Lots of restaurants not far from trail. Best way to see yuma and Colorado river and riparian area
We started at Gateway Park (lots of shaded parking available), rode west to the end, came back a short distance to the East Main Canal trail, then south for several miles, U-turned and returned to the Yuma Crossing Bike path. Travelled east past Gateway Park to the end of the trail. This section of trail is on the edge of the Yuma East Wetlands area. This “new” section of trail is 1.5 miles from Gateway Park and looks recently added. It is smooth concrete and plenty wide. Along this section are a number of informational stops telling about the area and how it was reclaimed. While at the west end of the trail we went into the West Wetlands park to see the Mormon Battalion monument, this area has a nice bike path also, so can loop back to the Yuma Crossing Bike Path. Additionally, you can make a detour around the Quartermaster Depot State Park (peek inside the fence) and end up at the Pivot Point. There are a number of informational signs and a locomotive to telling about the history of this area. Overall this trail has a lot to offer if interested in learning about the history of this important region in the Southwest. The East Main Canal trail is nicely done with smooth and wide trail, not as much to offer in the way of history but we did see a variety of waterfowl taking a swim in the canal. This a nicely done trail system. Overall we logged around 15 miles, would have been more if we had continued along the East Main Canal. Pick up a Bikeways of Yuma guide for more bike trail options.
EAST WETLANDS TO WEST END
The trail surface was good to excellent with no major hills. The scenery was boring to me as it followed a dirt canal through the city. It's a nice commuter trail.
The 1.3 miles from Gateway Park west along the wetlands was smooth as glass and has better scenery. Be sure to keep the dog (and little kids) on a leash as the canal is deep and fast!
Gateway Park is pretty with great picnic areas, restrooms, and toys for kids to play on. Lots of parking there too. Old Town Yuma is within walking distance but not much to see there. If you like beer try the Prison Hill Brewery. The territorial prison museum is walking distance from Gateway Park and I found the tour very interesting.
MAIN CANAL TRAIL
This 5.5 mile paved bike trail intersects the Levee Trail at 9th street and is more of the same as it runs along the East Main Canal southward from the Levee Trail. Again, a nice commuter but kind of boring as far as scenery goes.
Both trails are well lit with street lamps every 100 feet. The only restroom I saw was at Gateway Park. I rode these trails on a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon in January and only saw a few bikers and a couple of walkers.
They are adding two more miles right now. The trail will go from Gateway Park along a levee just next to the 400 acre wetlands restoration called Yuma East Wetlands. It should open in February 2013.
28 Nov 07
Regarding the Yuma Crossing Trail. I found an excellent Scenic Trail along the Colorado River just under 2 miles long. Starting below Yuma Territorial Prison Historical State Park under the RR Bridge at a boat launch N32.72807 W114.61574 to John Henry Memorial Park N32.72864 W114.64762. I accessed both Trails by parking at West Wetlands Park at North end of N 12th Ave, N32.72942 W114.63467. Then pedaled a short distance east on the Yuma Crossing Trail to the East Main Canal Bike Path at N32.72780 W114.63217, this excellent asphalt trail goes south for 5.9 miles, several grade level crossing at Stop Signs or Lights. One underpass at Hwy 95. One short dirt section both sides W32nd St crossing, (no light or stop sign). Ends at W 40th St. N32.65490 W114.63897.
This bike path is actually 7.5 miles. It begins on 1st Street and Madison Ave and continues through 40th Street. Good place to ride for beginners.
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