Skip to main content

Day Trips from Yuma

← All Yuma day trips

Day Trips from Yuma: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Yuma, AZ. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Yuma

Buckskin Mountain State Park, Parker, AZ 85344

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Parker, AZ 85344

Just 2 hrs 12 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 1,239 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 12 min4.7 (1,239)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Just 2 hrs 50 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 2,372 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 50 min4.7 (2,372)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, USA

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

USA

Just 1 hr 30 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 3,992 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 30 min4.7 (3,992)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, Yuma, AZ 85365

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Yuma, AZ 85365

Just 50 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 199 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

50 min4.7 (199)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Hassayampa River Preserve, Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Hassayampa River Preserve

Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Just 2 hrs 58 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 619 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 58 min4.7 (619)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Picacho State Recreation Area

Winterhaven, CA 92283

Just 1 hr from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 153 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr4.7 (153)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Just 2 hrs 50 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 5,025 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 50 min4.7 (5,025)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Yuma, AZ 85365

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Yuma, AZ 85365

Just 1 hr 43 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 924 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 43 min4.7 (924)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian, CA 92036

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Julian, CA 92036

Just 2 hrs 14 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 1,330 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 14 min4.7 (1,330)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Sheephole Valley Wilderness, CA 92277, USA

Sheephole Valley Wilderness

CA 92277, USA

Just 2 hrs 43 min from Yuma, rated 4.7 stars by 191 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 43 min4.7 (191)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

River Island State Park, Parker, AZ 85344

River Island State Park

Parker, AZ 85344

Just 2 hrs 14 min from Yuma, rated 4.6 stars by 523 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 14 min4.6 (523)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Just 2 hrs 39 min from Yuma, rated 4.6 stars by 1,927 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 39 min4.6 (1,927)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Yuma

What are the best state parks near Yuma, AZ?

The best state parks near Yuma offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Yuma?

Most state parks near Yuma charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Yuma are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Yuma offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Yuma?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Yuma. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

Surprise me