About Yuma, AZ
Yuma is known as the “Sunniest City on Earth” due to its exceptional weather, boasting more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a warm and inviting climate. With mild winters and hot summers, Yuma offers the perfect environment for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and sun-seekers.
The city’s strategic location along the Colorado River has played a significant role in its history and development. Yuma’s roots can be traced back to its days as a strategic river crossing and a hub for early travelers and traders. Today, the river continues to be an integral part of Yuma’s charm, providing opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports.
Yuma is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage. As one of the oldest inhabited regions in North America, the area is steeped in history. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area preserves and showcases the city’s past, including its role in the Old West, the California Gold Rush, and the U.S. Army’s presence in the region. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and art galleries to get a glimpse into Yuma’s fascinating past.
Things To Do in Yuma, AZ
- Explore Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park: Step back in time and visit the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison, which operated from 1876 to 1909. Take a guided tour of the well-preserved cells, learn about the stories of the prisoners, and discover the fascinating history of this former prison.
- Discover the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park: Delve into Yuma’s military past at the Quartermaster Depot, a National Historic Landmark. Explore the restored buildings and exhibits that showcase the depot’s role in supplying military outposts in the late 1800s. Don’t miss the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Visitor Center located here.
- Visit the Colorado River State Historic Park: Located at the site of the historic Yuma Crossing, this park offers picturesque views of the Colorado River and features interpretive exhibits about the region’s history and natural resources. Take a stroll along the riverfront paths, enjoy a picnic, or learn about the diverse wildlife and plants that call the area home.
- Take a River Cruise or Jet Boat Tour: Experience the beauty of the Colorado River with a scenic river cruise or an exhilarating jet boat tour. Float along the river while enjoying the stunning scenery, spotting wildlife, and learning about the area’s history from knowledgeable guides.
- Explore the Imperial Sand Dunes: Venture just outside Yuma to the Imperial Sand Dunes, a vast expanse of sand dunes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy activities such as off-roading, sandboarding, hiking, and picnicking in this unique desert playground.
Notable Residents
- Sarah Bowman
- Robert G. Fowler
- Bill Macdonald
- Lutes Casino
- Harlan Ellison
Interesting Facts About Yuma, AZ
Sunniest City on Earth: Yuma holds the title of being the sunniest city on Earth, with an average of over 4,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Strategic River Crossing: Yuma’s location along the Colorado River played a crucial role in its development. It served as a strategic river crossing point during the westward expansion in the 19th century, connecting California and the rest of the United States.
Territorial Prison: Yuma is home to the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison, which operated from 1876 to 1909. It housed some of the Wild West’s most notorious criminals, including stagecoach robbers and murderers.
Camels in Yuma: In the mid-19th century, Yuma briefly became a part of the U.S. Army’s Camel Corps experiment. The Army imported camels from the Middle East to be used as pack animals in the arid Southwest.
Historic Crossing Point: Yuma Crossing, a shallow part of the Colorado River, was a significant crossing point for early pioneers, traders, and immigrants heading westward.
Nearby Suburbs
- Fortuna Foothills
- San Luis
- Somerton
Public Transportation
- Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT)
- Yuma Express Shuttle
- Dial-A-Ride
- Bicycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure
- Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services