January 23, 2021 Picacho State Recreation Area

Arizona West RV Park Day 10

We both finished our morning exercise and got ready for a road trip.  We packed the cooler and headed west.  Just over the California line, we followed Picacho Road.  We crossed the American Canal.

It was then that we saw our first sign…4×4 Recommended Beyond This Point.  I swear that this gives Tim a thrill!!  He says that is when the fun begins! 

We started across the desert.  Gradually we began to climb in elevation and the landscape started to change.  We rode along a ridge with sweeping views.

Tim spotted a large bird, a red-tailed hawk. 

Our destination was Picacho State Recreation Area in Winterhaven, California.  This is a very remote park accessible only on these primitive gravel roads or by boat, along the Colorado River.  The first 6 miles were paved then we traveled 18 miles on the dirt road.

This is fee use area.  We had to self-register.  Our fee would have been $9.00, if we had correct change…we put $20.00 in the envelope and went on our way.

We took the Railroad Canyon Trail to the Colorado River Overlook.  Our first glimpse of the river was breathtaking.  This place is so far off the beaten path, rugged and stunning. 

We were initially disappointed that the picnic area at the Lower Dock was crowded.  It turned out to be lucky for us.  We drove further to the Upper Dock and had the whole area to ourselves.  A beautiful setting right along the river. 

We were joined by a couple of American Coots. 

Something else was here this morning before us…maybe a raccoon…maybe a muskrat…

We took every road to the end.  We didn’t want to miss anything!  We saw evidence of carnivores, coyotes and mountain lions, and bobcats live here.  We saw lots of evidence of burros, everywhere, but no encounters. 

We took Indian Pass Road out of the park.  This was also a 4WD trail.  Initially it ran in the bottom of a wash in soft gravel.  As we climbed out of the wash, the road was pretty rough and fun!  The scenery continued to be spectacular.  This was one of the prettiest rides we have taken since Baja!

It was almost 5:00 when we approached Yuma.  We decided to get carryout from Prison Hill.  Tim chose a burger and I had a smoked brisket sandwich.  Tim also chose a porter.  We took our meal to West Wetlands and very much enjoyed our food as we watched the sunset.