Monday, February 24, 2014

Indian Pass Road to Picacho State Recreation Area

Cocopah RV Resort
Yuma, AZ
February 22, 2014

This past Saturday, after our 2 mile walk at the East Wetlands Park with Ronnie and Carol, the four of us headed west on Interstate 8. We took exit 159 on Ogilby Road in search of Indian Pass Road. 

Right turn onto Indian Pass Road...









The graded dirt road crosses a broad, open region and heads toward a tall rock outcrop on the horizon...Picacho State Recreation Area in the Chocolate Mountains.

 We passed strands of ocotillo, cholla cactus and prickly pear...already blooming.





We all noticed a difference in scenery from our last ride thru the Cargo Muchachas...this trail was lined with yellow wildflowers and the trees were much greener.


At about 9 miles in, you come to a gap in the road known as Indian Pass. Its about 1,040 feet above sea level...just enough elevation to make your ears need a pop.
 
What a nice view! 
 
 
Beyond the pass is a half-mile descent into a wash...a rocky, narrow, section of the trail.
 

 For the next 6 miles or so we enjoyed the view looking up as we traversed thru the wash. Indian Pass Wilderness on the left and Picacho Peak Wilderness on the right.
A $5 fee per vehicle is required.
 We came to a fork in the road...a sign pointed left to 4-S Ranch and right to the camping area. Choose the right turn...4-S Ranch was a dead end!









 For the next 8 miles, we enjoyed a beautiful drive along the Colorado River. Spectacular views with lots of "WOW" moments.
















 

We exited Picacho State Recreation Area on Picacho Road...



 ...which took us right back to exit 172 on Interstate 8, the exit to Cocopah RV Resort! A perfect loop!
We passed this group or Jeeps on our way home.

 Picacho State (California) Recreation Area is rich in history. Quechan and other native people of the Great Basin culture lived along this part of the Colorado River. Spanish soldiers discovered the area in the 1500s.

Gold was discovered in the rock surrounding Picacho Peak and by 1890 a large scale gold mine operation was booming.



 
We had a wonderful day...
 
Until next time...
 
 
 enjoy!
 
Up next...a dang good work-out!







27 comments:

  1. Love the blooming cactus! What a great loop that must have been. The Colorado River is such a contrast to the rest of the scenery in that area.

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    1. It was...for sure...the prettiest ride we have had in a very long time!

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  2. Gorgeous scenery, especially with everything greening up & coming into bloom.

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    1. It was really pretty Gayle....especially with the Colordo River as a backdrop on the last few miles!

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  3. Definitely Pinning this trail! You are right about the views...magnificent! Thanks so much for taking us along.

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    1. You are so welcome Pam.....highly recommend this ride when you are in the area!

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  4. We are hoping to spot some blooming cactus soon too.
    Thanks for the tour.

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    1. Aren't they just beautiful George? We saw lots of them!

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  5. I like your closing shot. Is a jeep necessary for that drive?

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    1. Hi Judy....Joe says a Jeep isn't necessary but 4 wheel drive is...he wouldn't do it without it. There was one section that high clearance was needed, but you can by-pass it and go a different way.

      The closing shot was an afterthought to add...glad you
      Ike it! Thanks.....

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  6. You all are just having too much fun....great pictures. --Dave

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    1. You are right Dave...we sure feel thankful for each day!

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  7. We are enjoying our balmy beach scenes but must admit that after 25 years in the southwest I am a bit of a desert rat and sure do miss her! Your photos are fabulous! Thanks for giving us a suggestion for a future trip. :)

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    1. Thanks LuAnn.....the weather has been perfect this winter in Arizona! We are loving it.....

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  8. I had many "Wow" moments enjoying your beautiful pictures!

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    1. Hi Robbye...it's good to hear from you. Hope you and Tom are doing great!
      What a pleasant surprise Yuma has been. The weather has been wonderful! We have been so busy and enjoyed every minute!

      I have been on camera overload....thanks for the compliment!

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  9. These photos are stunning! It looks like a peaceful place.

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  10. I love seeing signs of springtime in the desert. The view with the multiple layers of colors in the mountains is breathtaking.

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    1. We just heard to day that this has been the warmest winter on record in Yuma...I was surprised to see the blooms so early. We had a such a fun time Pam!

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  11. Gorgeous photos! Can't get over how green the desert is! What a fun drive--thank you for taking us along!

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    1. Hello Dawn and welcome to good-times-rollin! The desert is especially pretty this year!

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  12. Beautiful and great photos as usual. You guys are having too much fun on your jeep! I missed the desert...

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    1. Thanks MonaLiza...the desert has been especially pretty this year. Also, the folks around here say this has been the nicest February in Yuma in many years. We got lucky and picked a good time to visit!

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  13. Next time stop and say "Hi", we was in the group of Jeeps you passed.

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  14. Great looking group of Jeeple you passed there.

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  15. Well done write up and great photos. I enjoyed reliving past moments of years gone by.

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