Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park preserves Arizona’s former territorial prison on a granite bluff east of the Colorado River in Yuma. You can walk through the original cell block, see the guard tower and prison cemetery, and plan around seasonal hours and admission.
- Location: 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, Arizona 85364
- Typical opening pattern: Open daily
- Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for youth ages 7–13, and free for children ages 6 and younger
Where Yuma Territorial Prison is
The park sits on a granite bluff on the eastern side of the Colorado River, near Interstate 8. Its museum address is 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, Arizona 85364.
At about 3.2 miles from Torch Lite Lodge, the prison is a Yuma outing you can include while planning time around the city. The lodge offers rooms at this Yuma property.
The prison’s place in Arizona history
Yuma Territorial Prison opened in 1876, and its first seven prisoners were locked in cells they had helped cut from the granite hillside. The prison held 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, before closing in 1909, when inmates moved to a new facility in Florence.
The prison site is managed by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area on behalf of the City of Yuma under an agreement with Arizona State Parks and Trails.
What visitors can see
The park’s historic features include the original cell block and cells, the Dark Cell, a guard tower, a prison cemetery, and a museum with exhibits.
The museum’s visitor information suggests starting with a short film in the theater room, then walking through the Sally Port into the cell block and entering the cells. The visitor map also identifies a viewing deck, New Yard, gift shop and admission point, museum, and theater.
Admission, hours and accessibility
The museum is open daily, with hours that change by season. From October through May, it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; from June through September, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM–4 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for youth ages 7–13, and free for children ages 6 and younger. The gift shop is the admission point. A daily guided tour is held at noon; call (928) 783-4771 to confirm visit details.
The museum states that it is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the main entrance, with RV and tow-vehicle parking in the south lot and overflow parking below Cemetery Hill. Only service animals are allowed, and outside food is not permitted.
Planning the visit from the lodge
Plan your route to 220 Prison Hill Road and allow time to see the cell block, museum spaces, and outdoor features. If you want to catch the guided tour, it is held at noon. The Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is a historic park in Yuma.
Yuma’s neighborhoods and downtown give you other city areas to work into an outing.
Confirm practical details with the park before setting out, especially if you are visiting near a seasonal change in hours.
For a day that includes more of the city, Yuma’s historic riverfront and downtown feature in this one-day Yuma itinerary.
FAQs
How much does it cost to visit Yuma Territorial Prison?
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for youth ages 7–13, and free for children ages 6 and younger.
How long should you plan to spend at the prison?
The museum does not publish a recommended visit duration. Its suggested sequence starts with a short film, followed by a walk through the Sally Port and cell block.
Is Yuma Territorial Prison wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum states that it is wheelchair accessible.
Can you bring food or pets?
Outside food is not permitted, and only service animals are allowed.