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!







Posted by at

27 comments:

  1. Wanderin'February 25, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:30 AM

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

      Delete
  2. AsTimeGoesByeFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:33 AM

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

      Delete
  3. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)February 25, 2014 at 7:10 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:34 AM

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

      Delete
  4. our awesome travelsFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:14 PM

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

      Delete
  5. Travels with EmmaFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:40 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:13 PM

      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.....

      Delete
  6. Dave Burdick (GoingRvWay.com)February 25, 2014 at 9:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:15 PM

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

      Delete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    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. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 26, 2014 at 8:06 AM

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

      Delete
  8. lovespcbFebruary 26, 2014 at 7:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 26, 2014 at 8:47 AM

      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!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2014 at 5:43 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. Big EZ TravelsFebruary 26, 2014 at 7:43 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 26, 2014 at 9:01 PM

      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!

      Delete
  11. Dawn from Camano IslandFebruary 27, 2014 at 6:45 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 27, 2014 at 7:33 AM

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

      Delete
  12. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2014 at 9:18 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 27, 2014 at 7:14 PM

      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!

      Delete
  13. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2014 at 9:12 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownFebruary 28, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Great looking group of Jeeple you passed there.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2014 at 11:11 AM

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

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)