Gateway Park
Riverside park with a playground, picnic spots, and direct access to the Colorado River for swimming and kayaking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Gateway Park
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Riverside park with a playground, picnic spots, and direct access to the Colorado River for swimming and kayaking.
"Great place to get out of the heat and play in the water with shade."
Beat the Heat! :sun_with_face:
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense Yuma sun. The river offers a great way to cool down!
Park with Ease :car:
Parking is generally easy to find, especially if you arrive before noon. Cars were circling when we left at 3pm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colorado River Access
Riverside
Cool off in the river, float downstream, or swim. A perfect escape from the desert heat!
Historic Bridges
Overlooking the river
Admire the century-old bridges that span the Colorado River, offering a glimpse into Yuma's past.
Family Playground
Central park area
A fun spot for kids to play with swings and slides, making it a great destination for family picnics.
Kayaking Adventure
Colorado River launch point
Explore the river by kayak for an affordable adventure with stunning views. Easy launch from the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
River Fun Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Heat! :sun_with_face:
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense Yuma sun. The river offers a great way to cool down!
Park with Ease :car:
Parking is generally easy to find, especially if you arrive before noon. Cars were circling when we left at 3pm.
River Float Fun :water_wave:
The river current is manageable for floating and walking back. Bring water shoes for comfort.
Kayaking Deal :kayak:
Kayak the Colorado River for around $22! Launch from Gateway Park for an affordable adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Heat! :sun_with_face:
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense Yuma sun. The river offers a great way to cool down!
Park with Ease :car:
Parking is generally easy to find, especially if you arrive before noon. Cars were circling when we left at 3pm.
River Float Fun :water_wave:
The river current is manageable for floating and walking back. Bring water shoes for comfort.
Kayaking Deal :kayak:
Kayak the Colorado River for around $22! Launch from Gateway Park for an affordable adventure.
Family Picnic Spot :picnic_table:
Great for family picnics with playground access and nice spots to sit by the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gateway Park for its clean river access, easy parking, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot to cool off and enjoy a picnic. The historic bridges add a unique charm. Some note the presence of rail traffic, but overall, it's seen as a valuable, no-frills community park.
"Clean beach cool water. Easy parking. 100 year old bridges
A lot of rail traffic.
This place has much history.
Museums nearby.
Five stars cause it deserves It... not because it's luxury."
Terry Bottalico
"Great place to get out of the heat and play in the water with shade. We really had a great time. It was pretty clean. We got there at 12pm and found parking easily. Cars were circling when we left at 3pm. The current wasn't too bad and we were able to float down the river and walk back in the water against the current without too much a hard time. We will definitely be back."
jennifer b
"I loved it! It was such a pretty day! Great place for family picnics and you can play in the water."
Red Reigns
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gateway Park is located by the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, especially if you arrive early. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike looking for outdoor recreation.
Gateway Park is situated along the Colorado River, offering scenic views. While not directly on a major highway, it's a convenient stop for those traveling through Yuma, offering a refreshing break.
Information on public transportation directly to Gateway Park is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access.
From Phoenix, Gateway Park in Yuma is about a 3-hour drive. The route is straightforward, making it a feasible day trip or stopover destination.
Yes, Gateway Park is near museums and historical sites in Yuma, making it a good addition to a history-focused itinerary. The East Wetlands are also nearby and beautiful during blooming season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gateway Park is a free public park, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for everyone.
As a public park, Gateway Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local listings for any specific event hours or potential closures.
No, advance booking is not required for general park entry. However, if you plan on specific activities like kayaking, it's wise to book rentals in advance.
Gateway Park is a nice spot to sit with a dog, suggesting that pets are generally welcome. Always check local park rules for specific leash requirements.
The park offers picnic shelters, restrooms, fishing docks, and a playground, making it well-equipped for a day of outdoor fun.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming and floating in the Colorado River, have family picnics, use the playground, go fishing, and even kayak. It's a versatile park for various outdoor pursuits.
Many visitors find the river safe for swimming and floating, with a manageable current. However, always exercise caution and be aware of river conditions.
Besides the river, you can see historic 100-year-old bridges and enjoy the natural scenery. It's a simple green space offering a pleasant riverside experience.
Absolutely! Gateway Park features a playground and is a great place for kids to play in the water and enjoy family picnics.
Yes, Gateway Park has fishing docks, making it a suitable spot for anglers looking to cast a line in the Colorado River.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic bridges spanning the Colorado River, the scenic river views, and families enjoying the water. The park offers a relaxed, natural setting for photography.
The park provides lovely views of the Colorado River and its surroundings, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering a tranquil landscape to photograph.
Regulations for drone usage in public parks can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone at Gateway Park.
The 100-year-old bridges are a unique historical element to photograph. The riverbanks also offer picturesque scenes, especially with the desert landscape as a backdrop.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography, and also help you avoid the midday heat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water shoes for the little ones when playing in the Colorado River. The park's amenities make it easy to spend several hours here, making it a great stop for families on a road trip or locals looking for a casual outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Kayaking the Colorado River is highlighted as a particularly budget-friendly activity, costing around $22.
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Enthusiasts
While the park itself is a simple green space, its proximity to areas like the East Wetlands, which are beautiful during blooming season, adds to its appeal for nature lovers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colorado River Experience
For the more adventurous, kayaking the Colorado River is a highly recommended activity. Launching directly from Gateway Park, it offers an affordable way to explore the waterway and its surroundings. The experience is often cited as a bucket-list item, providing unique perspectives of the park and the historic bridges.
It's important to be mindful of river conditions, as they can change. While generally considered safe for casual recreation, always exercise caution and supervise children closely. The river provides a vital natural element that contrasts with the arid desert landscape of Yuma.
A Glimpse into History
While Gateway Park itself may not house museums, it's located in Yuma, a city with a rich historical narrative. Visitors interested in history can explore nearby museums and old buildings, making Gateway Park a pleasant stop before or after a historical exploration.
Family Fun and Picnics
The combination of the playground, the river access for cooling off, and the general relaxed atmosphere makes Gateway Park a well-rounded option for a family outing. It provides a free and accessible way for families to enjoy the outdoors together, creating lasting memories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit