Yuma Biking Trails

During the hot summer months, outdoor fitness routines are often limited to early mornings and evenings. But they don't have to be boring.

The scenic Colorado River Biking Path can offer a refreshing break from mundane, sometimes accident-prone, neighborhood bike routes.

"The path is heavily used in the early morning, especially in the summertime," said Ron Ramirez, grounds maintenance supervisor with the city of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department. "I see a lot of people riding their bikes or running in the mornings."

From where the path starts at the levee by Joe Henry Park on 1st Street, to where it ends behind Desert Hills Municipal Golf Course on 40th Street, the path is about 5.3 miles long. But cyclists can start out at any trail head at the various segments along the way, parking at nearby city parks and utilizing the facilities before heading out.

There are segments of the paved bike path that snake along the Colorado River, past the West Wetlands Park and clear across the city along the East Main Canal. And there is a segment that begins at the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, where cyclists can pedal around and check out the historic trains and buildings.

Dotted with fuchsia bougainvillea, orange bird of paradise, purple sage and other plants, the path meanders along the south side of the park, then over a wooden bridge that crosses the canal.

Behind the old City Hall building, the path continues east toward Madison Park, which is located on the south bank of the Colorado River. There are several shade trees and concrete benches along the way where cyclists can stop to listen to the birds and enjoy the sights.

Cyclists can also pick up the trail head on the east canal bank at 1st Street. From there, they can follow the path clear across town, all the way to 40th Street, Ramirez said.

One of the nice things about pedaling down the path is that people can slow down to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and see the wildlife they may not be able to see from a car. The sunlight sparkles on the canal water, lending a soothing element to the path. Rabbits, doves, ducks and burrowing owls can be seen and heard along the way.

And cyclists can expect the path to be fairly quiet since no motorized vehicles, except for park maintenance vehicles, are allowed, Ramirez said.

The section of the path the follows the canal also sports lively landscaping, shade trees and concrete benches.

Although the path crosses several major roads in the area, safe street skills will make them a snap. At 16th Street it is even easier as cyclists can cross under the roadway through a tunnel.

To the east, sprawling homes can be seen perched up on the mesa. And at 24th Street, a traffic light and crosswalk provide easy crossing for cyclists.

The path picks up again below the hospital. Beyond that, the path runs parallel to Smucker Park, where cyclists can stop to picnic or use the restrooms. The landscape changes along this section, where housing subdivisions thin out and agricultural fields and distant mountains come into view.

Cyclists can continue on, but they should be aware that parts of the path near 32nd Street can get a bit rough. Although the unpaved areas are mostly hard-packed gravel, they may prove challenging for some bicycles.

"Mountain bikes are best; the bigger the tire, the better, but almost any kind of bike can get through there," said John Garren, owner of Johnny Yuma's Bicycles.

After crossing 32nd Street and reconnecting with the path below The Dunes subdivision, cyclists will soon find the remainder of the path is paved. Beyond that, it runs parallel with Friendship Park and ends just below Desert Hills Municipal Golf Course.

From the beginning to the end of the path, there are more than 300 light posts that illuminate the path from dusk to dawn.

Since there are no parking lots or restrooms along the path itself, Ramirez said folks may want to park their vehicles at the nearby parks and use the restroom facilities there before heading off for bike rides. He also advises taking along some drinking water, as there is none available on the path, other than at the nearby parks.

Cyclists may also want to take sunblock. And if they plan to go riding at night or early in the morning when visibility is compromised, an inexpensive light on the front of their bicycles will allow others to see them.

Cyclists under 18 years of age are required by law to wear helmets.

Nancy Gilkey can be reached at ngilkey@yumasun.com or 539-6851