A trail along the Colorado River has been recognized for its historical significance. The designation came this weekend at a ceremony hosted by the National Park Service and the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.
KAWC’s Stephanie Sanchez reports.
Hundreds of men, women and children who traveled across the frontier of New Spain and establish a settlement in the San Francisco Bay used a trail along the Colorado River.
But without help from the Quechan Indian Tribe their journey might have ended at the Colorado River.
The designation of the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail recognizes that history and Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area historian Tina Clark says it reminds visitors of the role the Quechan played in a 12-hundred mile journey led by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1774.
“The Mighty Colorado River was here," Clark said. "Most of the people could not swim, so the Quechan Indian Tribe became a life line to Anza and helped them cross the river.”
Trail planner for the National Park Service, BriAnna Welden, says the trail in Yuma is part of 30 designated across the U.S.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail connects history, culture, and outdoor recreation from Nogales, Arizona, to the San Francisco Bay Area.
The trail can be seen from the Yuma Territorial Prison watch tower. De Anza's route along the Gila River is hidden below the trees.
