Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Vision Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) serves as an advocate, with key partners, to protect the Lower Colorado River, and its rich history. Mission Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) exists to: • Restore the Lower Colorado River wetlands and habitats; • Assure river access through riverfront parks; • Tell the unique cultural and agricultural story of the area; • Manage two state parks to preserve and bring history to life; and • Promote private investment in the downtow

National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. The story of water and its impact on the people and land is the key to understanding the history of Yuma. Sitting at the narrows of the Lower Colorado River, Yuma was known as "The Gateway to the Great Southwest" and is the oldest city established on the Colorado River. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area encompasses seven square miles along the Lower Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona and Winterhaven, California. It includes the Yuma Crossing National Historic Landmark, the Yuma Territorial Prison and Colorado River State Historic Parks, Fort Yuma, and over 3 miles of contiguous riverfront parks, trails, and 400 acres of restored wetlands.