Attractions and Places To See in Imperial County - Top 14

Imperial County is rich in natural landscapes. You can visit the vast Salton Sea, California's largest inland lake, known for its unique biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities, especially at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. The Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis) offer striking desert scenery and are a popular spot for off-roading. Portions of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park also extend into the county, featuring expansive vistas and hiking trails. Don't miss the unique geological formations like the Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field with its bubbling mud pots, or the ancient Obsidian Butte.

Imperial County offers several significant historical and cultural sites. Explore the Mission La Purisima Concepcion - St Thomas Indian Church, a whitewashed church near the site of an original 1780 Franciscan mission. The Yuma Crossing Bike Path runs along the Colorado River, passing historical sites like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Other notable landmarks include Fort Yuma, the Museum of History in Granite, and the historic Ocean-To-Ocean Highway Bridge.

Yes, Imperial County is home to some truly unique artistic and cultural sites. Slab City is a settlement renowned for its experimental outdoor art installations, including the vibrant and iconic Salvation Mountain. Another outdoor art exhibit and community, East Jesus, is also located in Slab City, offering distinct cultural experiences in the desert environment.

The Colorado River, forming the county's eastern boundary, provides various recreational opportunities. The Yuma Crossing Bike Path (Colorado River Levee Multi-Use Path) is excellent for cycling, walking, and birdwatching, connecting to parks like West Wetlands Park and Gateway Park. You can also explore the Colorado River Levee Linear Park for trails and river views. For more cycling options, check out routes in the Cycling in Imperial County guide.

Many attractions in Imperial County are suitable for families. The Yuma Crossing Bike Path offers access to West Wetlands Park, which features the highly inclusive Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground, fishing ponds, and picnic areas. Historical sites like Mission La Purisima Concepcion - St Thomas Indian Church and Pivot Point Plaza overlook are also family-friendly. The Imperial Sand Dunes can be exciting for older children interested in off-roading or simply experiencing the vast desert landscape.

The best time to visit Imperial County's desert attractions, such as the Imperial Sand Dunes and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is typically during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring (November to April). During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities like hiking and exploring more comfortable. Spring can also bring beautiful wildflower blooms to the desert after sufficient rain.

Imperial County offers various hiking opportunities, particularly in its desert and riverine areas. Portions of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide expansive trails. Along the Colorado River, the Yuma Crossing Bike Path and Sunrise Park Trails offer scenic walks. For specific hiking routes, you can explore the Easy hikes in Imperial County guide, which includes trails like Old Senator Mine Loop and Smugglers Cave Trail.

Yes, several attractions in Imperial County offer accessibility. The Yuma Crossing Bike Path and Colorado River Levee Linear Park are noted as wheelchair accessible, providing opportunities to enjoy the riverfront and historical sites. West Wetlands Park, accessible via the bike path, also features the highly inclusive Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground.

Imperial County is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. The Salton Sea and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge are critical habitats for over 400 species of birds, particularly migratory birds. The East Wetlands area along the Colorado River also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Desert areas like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are home to various desert animals, though they can be more elusive.

For panoramic views, visit the Pivot Point Plaza overlook, which offers scenic perspectives of the surrounding area. The Desert View Tower is another historic landmark known for its expansive views. Additionally, the vastness of the Imperial Sand Dunes and the landscapes within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide numerous natural viewpoints.

Calexico, a border city with Mexico, offers a blend of Californian and Mexican cultures. You can explore outdoor areas like Las Casitas Park and Border Park. The city also features the historic Calexico Carnegie Library and the US Inspection Station-Calexico, a notable border landmark. It provides a unique cultural experience reflecting its cross-border heritage.

Imperial County boasts several unique geological formations. The Davis-Schrimpf Seep Field is known for its gas vents and bubbling mud pots, formed by short muck volcanoes, offering an eccentric natural spectacle. Obsidian Butte, flanking the Salton Sea, features humongous obsidian formations resulting from ancient volcanic activity. Fossil Canyon and Painted Gorge also present interesting rock formations and scenic beauty.