Behind the Scenes

In the Spring of 1982 a science-fiction fanatic named Mike Davis living in southern California heard rumors about a big movie production in the Imperial Sand Dunes west of Yuma, AZ. He and some friends decided to head to the dunes to see what was goi... Full story

Just a pinch: Territorial prison spawns legend of a ghostly girl

BY DARIN FENGER - FEATURES EDITOR

Little girls who go around pinching tourists would usually get themselves kicked out of public places.But the dead are so difficult to evict.Just ask visitors to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park who have toured the infamous Dark Cell &mdas... Full story

Yuma becomes permanent home to its former military

BY JOYCE LOBECK @YSJoyceLobeck

A native of Minnesota, Greg Wilkinson has been to the East Coast and West Coast, Texas and overseas, but when it came time to retire from the Marine Corps, he chose to make Yuma his home. “Truthfully, I like it better here than anywhere e... Full story

It's all uphill from here: Hiking Telegraph Pass

SARAH WOMER - @YSSARAHWOMER

No matter what time of year it is, there's a good chance you will find Shane Hill, 32, hiking or running up Telegraph Pass in his spare time. “I love being outside and just the physical exercise aspect of it and the challenge,” he said. &... Full story

Nature and Wildlife Photo contest

BY JOHN VAUGHN - BAJO EL SOL EDITOR

It's too bad there can be only one No. 1.That's because a panel of judges had many well-composed and colorful nature and wildlife photographs to choose from in the Southwest Living photo contest.The winner is Nisa Bottone Sutton of Yuma, who submitte... Full story

Born to ride: Dunes offer fun for off-roaders

BY HILLARY DAVIS @YSHillaryDavis

Off-road vehicles have long buzzed around the rugged Yuma and Imperial Valley desert. The dune buggy has deep and fond ties to the area, and so do many enthusiasts of the buggy and its off-roading cousins.John Debernardeaux's dad rode. So did his sis... Full story

Getting away from it all:Camping, getting close to nature

MARA KNAUB - @YSMARAKNAUB

For some people, camping is not really camping without the smoky fire, hard ground, rain, bugs and cold nights.On the other hand, some campers want to get close to nature without forgoing comfort. Take Michelle Sims, a professor of business at Arizon... Full story

Hook, line and sinker: Local ponds lure area's angling families

BY CHRIS McDANIEL - SUN STAFF WRITER

There are many places in the Yuma area where residents can grab a fishing pole, bait a hook and toss a line into the water. Fishermen and women who don't want the hassle of finding a good fishing hole on the river or at a lake can simply make a short... Full story

One step at a time: Yuma area offers many options for walkers

Nancy Gilkey

For some people, a walk means leaving trails and roads, hiking through washes and canyons, over hills and onward to places in the desert where they're likelier to see wildlife than other people.Others are happy enough getting their hearts pumping in ... Full story

Thrill of the stalk: Yuma County has many opportunities for hunters

BY JAMES GILBERT @YSJamesGilbert

While few states can boast the same hunting opportunities that Arizona provides, for hunters in the Yuma area it's all about taking down that mule deer or getting a bag limit of dove, quail, pheasants or waterfowl.“The Yuma area offers a good v... Full story

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