By popular demand: Directions to The Narrows

In response to numerous phone calls, voice mails and e-mails from readers all asking how to reach The Narrows, which was featured in a six-photograph presentation in the Yuma Sun on Jan. 25, here are the directions.

Using an odometer or tripometer will make it easy to locate and explore The Narrows, located near the (California) Picacho State Recreation Area north of Yuma. The Narrows is made up of a narrow passage through a sand wash known to locals as No Name Wash, and a number of towering chasms cut into the sand and rock walls of the wash, which can be explored by foot.

There are two ways to get to The Narrows.

The easiest is to take 4th Avenue north into California, turning onto SR 24, which becomes Picacho Road. Stay on Picacho Road to the All American Canal. Do not turn right at the intersection of SR 24 and Picacho Road.

Starting at the "Picacho State Recreation Area" sign on the south side of the All American Canal, drive about 9.4 miles north to No Name Wash. You'll know you are close when you approach a 20 mph speed limit sign, and a right-turn directional arrow before the road begins descending steeply into the wash. At the bottom of the road, where it turns sharply to the left, turn right into the wash.

The first chasm is a short distance down the wash. However, from that point on, full-size vehicles can go no farther because they will not fit between The Narrows. A smaller vehicle, such as a Jeep or something similar, or an ATV, will be required to see the remainder of the chasms.

But don't give up hope. For those who only have the use of a full-size vehicle, there is another way in, known to locals as the Back Door.

As above, travel north on Picacho Road, and about 6.4 miles from the All American Canal, observe a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation signpost on the left side of the road that indicates where Road 698 intersects from the right. There is also a "Limited Use" sign on the right side of Picacho Road at this point.

Turn right on Road 698 and travel about two miles to No Name Wash. Once in the wash, turn left onto what will be marked as Road 984. The first major chasm is about 1.2 miles up the wash.

The wash will become too narrow for full-size vehicles about 1.3 miles from the first chasm.

Be advised, however, that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, no matter which direction one enters The Narrows. Also, there are no facilities. Take plenty of water.

Also, if entering from the Back Door, the descent into No Name Wash on Road 698 is steep. Proceed with caution.