The best cycling routes in Imperial County

The Yuma Crossing Bike Path (Colorado River Levee Multi-Use Path) Figure-8 offers a delightful blend of desert and riverine scenery, making it a fantastic easy touring cycling option. You'll cruise along mostly paved surfaces, enjoying views of the Colorado River and restored wetland habitats in the Yuma East Wetlands, perfect for a relaxed outing. The route is smooth and wide, suitable for all skill levels.

This easy 6.9-mile (11.1 km) route, with only 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 50 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for a casual ride or a family adventure, especially during the winter months when Yuma's warm climate shines. You'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and shaded parking at connected parks such as West Wetlands Park.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail is steeped in history, passing through the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. This area highlights Yuma's past as a crucial crossing point on the Colorado River, offering a unique historical dimension to your ride. It's a great way to experience both nature and heritage in one accessible loop.

The East Main Canal Path Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending Yuma's natural beauty with its rich history. As you pedal, you'll follow the historic East Main Canal, a century-old irrigation system, before transitioning to the vibrant riparian ecosystem along the Colorado River. The route provides diverse scenery, from tranquil canal-side views to the lush West Wetlands Park, making it a visually engaging ride for all skill levels.

This easy 13.0-mile (21.0 km) loop, with a minimal 198 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, typically taking about 1 hour and 13 minutes. The path is mostly paved, though some sections may feature well-maintained gravel, suitable for touring cyclists. It's an ideal choice for a family-friendly cycling adventure or a casual spin, offering a gentle workout without demanding too much effort.

Originally built in 1915 as part of the Yuma Project, the East Main Canal highlights the region's agricultural heritage. The loop connects to the Yuma Crossing Bike Path, expanding recreational opportunities and providing access to significant historical sites like the Colorado River State Historic Park. This route is a great way to explore Yuma's past and present, offering a unique perspective on the city's development and natural environment.

The East Main Canal and Colorado River Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historical infrastructure with natural beauty. You'll pedal alongside the East Main Canal, observing the desert mountains, before transitioning to the vibrant Colorado River Levee Multi-Use Path. This section provides scenic river views, passes through restored wetlands, and offers chances to spot local wildlife, particularly near West Wetlands Park.

This easy 13.7-mile (22.1 km) route, with a minimal 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, typically taking around 1 hour and 22 minutes. The trail features a mix of paved and smooth crushed gravel surfaces, making it suitable for various bikes. It's a great option for families or those seeking a gentle ride, especially during Yuma's cooler winter months.

Beyond the natural scenery, the loop is rich in history, traversing the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area with interpretive exhibits. You'll also pass by the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, offering a glimpse into the Old West. Remember to bring plenty of water, as Yuma's climate can be quite warm, even in winter.

The East Wetlands Interpretive Trail loop offers a refreshing escape into a lush riparian environment, a stark contrast to the arid desert. This easy touring bicycle route, spanning 3.2 miles (5.1 km) with a mere 43 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 27 minutes to complete. You'll cycle past the Colorado River, through a mosaic of marsh, mesquite, cottonwood, and willow trees, enjoying a flat and scenic ride that's perfect for all skill levels.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round. While the East Wetlands Interpretive Trail features a mix of paved and unpaved sections, it's generally well-suited for touring bikes. Remember to bring your own water, as facilities like restrooms and drinking fountains are not available within the wetlands, though nearby Gateway Park and Riverside Park offer amenities.

This trail is a testament to a successful wetlands restoration project, transforming a former landfill into a thriving ecosystem. It's an excellent spot for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching, with opportunities to see various species, including endangered ones like the Ridgway's Rail. The trail is part of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, offering a glimpse into the region's natural and historical significance.

If you're seeking a tranquil and easy touring cycling experience, the Yuma East Wetlands offers a delightful escape. This route, spanning 6.3 miles (10.1 km) with a mere 116 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a lush riparian environment. You'll enjoy scenic views of the Colorado River, surrounded by cottonwood, willow, and mesquite trees, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like eagles, owls, and ducks.

This easy ride is accessible from Gateway Park, conveniently situated near historic downtown Yuma. The terrain is mostly flat and paved, though some sections may feature sandy paths or wide dirt tracks. Completing the loop takes approximately 46 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, refreshing outing.

The Yuma East Wetlands is a remarkable example of successful wetlands restoration in the desert Southwest, part of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. It has brought back crucial wildlife species, including the endangered Ridgway's Rail. This makes it not just a pleasant ride, but also an educational journey through a vital ecological project.

This easy touring bicycle loop offers a refreshing ride through Yuma's natural and historical landscapes. You'll pedal alongside the historic East Main Canal, witnessing the vital irrigation system, before entering the serene West Wetlands Park with its fishing pond and native flora. The route also connects to the Colorado River, providing scenic views and a chance to see historical sites, all on mostly paved surfaces with some well-graded gravel sections.

Starting conveniently from Desert Sun Stadium, this 16.7-mile (26.9 km) route is rated easy, with a gentle 289 feet (88 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed 1 hour and 39 minutes ride. West Wetlands Park offers excellent amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a mid-ride break. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a leisurely cycling experience.

Beyond the scenic beauty, this loop provides a glimpse into Yuma's past, passing by areas of historical significance like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. The connection to the Yuma Crossing Bike Path also opens up possibilities for extending your ride along the Colorado River, offering more exploration options for those who want to cycle further.

The West Wetlands Park – East Main Canal Linear Path loop offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, blending natural beauty with historical insights. You'll pedal through the revitalized West Wetlands Park, a former landfill transformed into a vibrant riverfront oasis with ponds, native plants, and a hummingbird garden, where you might spot burrowing owls. The route then follows the East Main Canal, providing views of the historic irrigation system and the Yuma East Wetlands, a remarkable restoration area in the desert Southwest.

This easy 17.2-mile (27.7 km) loop, with only 267 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed ride. The terrain is mostly paved, with some smooth gravel sections that are easily manageable for touring bikes. Parking is readily available, and the cooler months from October to April are ideal for cycling, though it's accessible year-round; just remember to bring plenty of water.

This trail is notable for its connection to Yuma's rich history and ecological efforts, passing near sites like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. The West Wetlands Park itself is a testament to successful ecological restoration, offering family-friendly amenities like the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground. It's a great way to experience Yuma's unique blend of nature and heritage on two wheels.