West Wetlands Park
About West Wetlands Park
From Landfill to Lush Oasis: The Park's Story
Nestled along the Colorado River at the northwest edge of Yuma, West Wetlands Park spans 110 acres of revitalized land. This beautiful space was once a city landfill that operated for six decades until 1970. In December 2002, the area was transformed and opened to the public, becoming one of Yuma's most popular green spaces.
Exploring the Layout
The park is thoughtfully designed with two distinct sections. The upper area houses the practical stuff - roads, a fishing pond, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and lighted paths for evening strolls. Meanwhile, the lower section focuses on nature, with 30 acres dedicated to restoring native trees and grasses along the riverbank. You can wander through miles of well-kept trails that showcase the park's unique riparian ecosystem - a refreshing escape from Yuma's desert landscape.

A Playground That Sparks Imagination
One of the park's true gems is the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground, but locals simply call it "Castle Park" - and once you see it, you'll understand why. This expansive play area features everything kids love: swings, slides, and climbing structures, including an adaptive swing for children with disabilities.
The playground stands out with its Pebble Flex surface, a soft material that cushions falls while allowing wheelchairs to navigate easily. Parents will appreciate the single entrance/exit design for keeping track of little explorers, and the castle-themed elements that resemble a miniature fantasy western village will capture any child's imagination. There's even a separate area designed specifically for toddlers with age-appropriate equipment, all within a fenced perimeter for added peace of mind.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife Havens
Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the hummingbird garden named after former Congressman Ed Pastor, who supported riverfront restoration in the area. The garden features plants specifically selected to attract these tiny, vibrant birds, but you're likely to spot other species too, including quail darting between the foliage.
Water features abound at West Wetlands. There's a boat ramp for launching onto the Colorado River and Centennial Beach for those hot Yuma days when only a swim will do. The 15-foot deep fishing pond is regularly stocked by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, offering chances to catch catfish, bluegill, and bass. Even if fishing isn't your thing, the pond attracts ducks, geese, egrets, and turtles, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching.
Amenities for Everyone
Planning a gathering? The park offers numerous covered picnic ramadas complete with tables and BBQ grills - some even include power outlets for convenience. You can reserve these for special occasions or simply claim one on a first-come basis for an impromptu afternoon cookout.
Active visitors might enjoy a round on the disc golf course or exploring the extensive walking trails that wind along the Colorado River, offering scenic views and quiet moments to observe native plants and wildlife.
There are clean restrooms available within the park, however worth noting they're a bit of a walk from the playground area - something to keep in mind if you're visiting with young children.
A Community Gathering Place
Beyond day-to-day recreation, West Wetlands represents a hub for community connection. The open spaces regularly host walkathons, marathons, festivals, and outdoor movie nights that bring Yuma residents together.
The restored wetland areas have created an ecosystem that's particularly appealing to birdwatchers. On any given day, you might spot great egrets wading in shallow waters or hummingbirds darting between flowers.
All Features & Facilities
Active Recreation
Nature & Wildlife
Water Features & Activities
Visitor Services
Food & Gathering
Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)


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Top Restaurants Near West Wetlands Park
Eduardo's Mexican Food
0.7 miles204 S Madison Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
Authentic Mexican restaurant serving high-quality dishes with generous portions and friendly, attentive service.
Da Boyz Italian Cuisine
0.8 miles284 S Main St, Yuma, AZ 85364
Family-style Italian restaurant serving hearty pasta dishes and flavorful pizzas with generous portions.
Lutes Casino
0.9 miles221 S Main St, Yuma, AZ 85364
Quirky American bar and grill featuring hamburgers and comfort food with distinctive eclectic decor throughout.
Mr. G Drive-In
0.9 miles501 S 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
Classic drive-in serving traditional Mexican fare including tacos, burritos, and hearty breakfast options since 1962.
Top Hotels Near West Wetlands Park
Historic Coronado Motor Hotel by OYO
0.6 miles233 S 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
A Spanish-style historic motel featuring spacious rooms with jetted tubs and complimentary breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point
0.6 miles310 N Madison Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
Riverside hotel featuring modern amenities, convenient location near the Colorado River, and comfortable accommodations.
RegaLodge Motel
0.7 miles344 S 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364
Budget-friendly motel offering clean rooms with convenient parking and early check-in options for travelers.