One day in Yuma can take you from the historic Quartermaster Depot to the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, then on to West Wetlands Park and downtown. This itinerary pairs Yuma historic attractions with time along the Colorado River and in the city centre.
- Morning: Start at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park.
- Midday: See the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge over the Colorado River.
- Afternoon: Leave time for West Wetlands Park.
Before you set out
A car makes it easier to connect Yuma’s sights in a single day.
Plan the day in sequence: visit the depot in the morning, continue to the bridge, then give the park your afternoon. For current park hours, check the City of Yuma’s official site before you go.
Morning at Yuma Quartermaster Depot
Begin at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, a historic stop that sets the scene for the rest of the day. Allow the morning for your visit before continuing toward the riverfront.
For background on the site and practical visit details, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park visitor guide covers what to know before you go.
How do you get from the depot to the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge?
The Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge fits naturally between the depot and an afternoon at West Wetlands Park.
Construction began in October 1914, and the bridge opened to traffic in May 1915. Its Pennsylvania truss design, with a curved top supporting longer spans, is the only example of its kind in Arizona. The bridge entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and became part of Historic US 80 in 2018.
The bridge links the City of Yuma and the Quechan Indian Nation. Its history and river setting make it a distinct stop on a Yuma itinerary; the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge guide has more on its history, views and access.
An afternoon at West Wetlands Park
West Wetlands Park gives you room to slow the pace beside the river after the historic stops. The 110-acre city park is at 282 N. 12th Avenue and includes a beach, walking path, pond, gardens, playground, picnic tables, grills, ramadas, a disc golf course and an equestrian trail.
The park’s lower bench has 30 acres restored with native trees and grasses; its upper bench has 30 developed acres with a lake, picnic ramadas, parking, lighting and landscaping.
Other features include the Arizona Public Service Solar Demonstration Garden, Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, a burrowing owl habitat and a statue memorializing the 1st Iowa Volunteers, also known as the Mormon Battalion.
If you plan to fish in West Wetlands Pond, you need a license, and special daily limits apply. The pond is regularly stocked with game fish. A boat launch and boat-trailer parking are off Centennial Beach. The West Wetlands Park guide covers trails, river views and visitor tips.
Finish with time in downtown Yuma
Finish your day in downtown Yuma. From the park, head back toward the city centre to round out the itinerary with time among downtown’s street-level buildings.
The Yuma Visitor Information Center is at 264 S. Main St. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except major holidays, and lists free parking on Main Street or in the large lot behind the center.
The centre’s published hours can help you decide when to fit it into your day. The Quartermaster Depot is about a 7-minute drive from Torch Lite Lodge.
FAQs
Can you see Yuma’s historic sights and a park in one day?
Yes. This itinerary puts the Quartermaster Depot and Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge before an afternoon at West Wetlands Park, then finishes downtown.
What is notable about the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge?
It is Arizona’s only example of a Pennsylvania truss, a design with a curved top that supports longer spans.
Do you need a license to fish at West Wetlands Pond?
Yes. Fishing requires a license, and special daily limits apply.
Where can you get visitor information in downtown Yuma?
The Yuma Visitor Information Center is at 264 S. Main St. Its published hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except major holidays.