If you have any ideas for activities that have worked well for you and you would like to share it, please feel free to contact a member of the Stake Young Men's presidency and it may be added to this website.
Lake Mittry
Purpose
Develop aquatic skills that will be useful for recreation and survival
Description
Located approximately 30 minutes from the 8th Avenue building. Has multiple sites that are able to host small and large groups for free, and no permit required. Everyone needs a fishing license if that is to be part of the instruction/activity. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards are recommended. There are no facilities available. These sites are easily accessible with vans, cars, and trucks.
Resources
Anyone in the ward or stake who is willing to lend their water craft or fishing gear. Anyone that is proficient in fishing and willing to teach it to the class.
Sears Point
Purpose
Practice outdoor skills, learn more about our past by visiting the petroglyphs and the Butterfield Trail
Description
Sears Point is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Yuma. There are no facilities available and no fee or permit required to visit. There is a dirt road after exiting the highway but a higher clearance vehicle is recommended such as a truck or an suv. Take exit 78, cross to the north side of the highway and then head east to Ave 76E. Proceed north about 5 miles until you find a good camping spot (if there is a good known spot for camping, insert coordinates here).
Resources
Ask Gary Smith in the Yuma Ward for information regarding the Mormon Battalion and the Butterfield Trail
Laguna Mountain
Purpose
Learn about and explore different biomes, escape the Yuma heat
Description
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area (LMRA) is the closest expanse of coniferous forest to Yuma. It takes roughly 2 hours to drive to the campsites. All camping within the LMRA is regulated. Campsites need to be reserved ahead of time (usually months ahead of time) and the costs vary from campsite to campsite. There are small single campsites as well as a few group sites. Fires are generally very restricted. Activities here could include hiking and exploring, hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, mountain biking, camp games, practicing survival skills, etc. The LMRA is fairly small and campsites are usually in close proximity to eachother, be mindful and courteous to your neighbors.
Resources
Recreation.gov site for campsite reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232279
Colorado River Canoe Trip
Purpose
Practice aquatic skills, learn minimalist camping
Description
For a full 2 day trip, Take Ogilby road to Ben Hulse Highway (78). Head Northeast to the exit for Paymaster Landing (Walters Camp Rd). Drive past Paymaster Landing to these coordinates where you can put in 33°12'46.0"N 114°40'42.7"W. There is a spot just before the coordinates where you can turn your trailer around.
If you put in by mid-morning or lunch you should be able to make it to Carrizo Campground at 33°02'11.3"N 114°40'11.0"W where there are vault toilets or Picacho Campground at 33°01'28.5"N 114°36'40.5"W. Resume paddling in the morning and you should be able to make it to Martinez Lake or Fisher's Landing by lunch.
Resources
Contact Kim Broby in the Rancho Sereno Ward for more information on additional campsites and areas of interest along the way.