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Painted Desert Trail
The trail is 1.3 miles with trail markers interpreting the geologic and natural history of the area. It traverses two washes and climbs over a mesa with a picturesque view of the Lower Colorado River Valley and Sonoran Desert.
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No Allowed Uses:
Dogs - On leash
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
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Location: 40 mi. N of Yuma in the Imperial Nat. Wildlife Refuge.
State(s): Arizona
Counties: La Paz
Longitude: -114.49874
Latitude: 33.02787
Driving Directions
From Yuma: Travel north on Highway 95. Near Milepost 47 turn left onto Martinez Lake Road. Follow Martinez Lake Road west for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Red Cloud Mine Road and follow signs directing you to the Visitor Center.
Description
The Painted Desert Trail was developed by the YCC (Youth Conservation Corps). Construction began in 1980 and the trail officially opened on November 4, 1983. The trail is 1.3 miles with trail markers interpreting the geologic and natural history of the area. It traverses two washes and climbs over a mesa with a picturesque view of the Lower Colorado River Valley and Sonoran Desert.
The trail is maintained by Refuge volunteers and is used by a variety of visitors, from fourth grade school children on field trips to adventurous people enjoying a full moon hike. The Painted Desert Trail is the only designated trail on the Refuge and provides visitors an opportunity to explore the Lower Colorado River Valley and Sonoran Desert. As a National Wildlife Refuge, the trail fulfills four of the "big 6" compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities, which are: wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
Additional Details
Width: 36 inches.
Primary Surface: Sand
Secondary Surface: Sand
Average Grade: 3%
Maximum Grade: 8%
Elevation Low Point: 185
Elevation High Point: 280
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available
Year Designated: 2005
Supporting Webpages and Documents
Website: Trail informationWebsite: American Trails Featured NRT
Contact Information
For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.
Information Contact:
Sue Mcdonald
USFWS
[email protected]
Trail Management:
Ken Edwards
USFWS
PO Box 72217
Yuma, AZ
85365
(928) 783-3371
[email protected]
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kofa/
Photos
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