Yuma Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge: History and Where to See It

Quick Verdict

The Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Yuma and a good, free stop. It is a steel truss bridge from the mid-1910s that crosses the Colorado River at the historic Yuma Crossing, and the name is spelled out in large letters along the top. You can see it well from the riverfront near Gateway Park, and it pairs naturally with a visit to the Territorial Prison and the Quartermaster Depot. Confirm current access, especially for walking or driving across, with the City of Yuma or the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area before you go.

Why There Is a Bridge Here

Yuma exists because of a narrow, workable place to cross the Colorado River. Travelers, soldiers, and gold seekers used this crossing long before there was a bridge, and the story is told across several sites in town. Our Yuma Crossing guide explains the wider heritage area, and our Prison and River history page lays out the timeline.

The Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge is the road side of that story. It was built in the mid-1910s and named for the Ocean to Ocean Highway, an early automobile route across the country. Sources differ slightly on the exact year, so treat the date as mid-1910s unless you confirm a specific year with a local source.

What You Are Looking At

The bridge is a steel truss structure painted white, with the words OCEAN TO OCEAN HIGHWAY and YUMA built into the arch. A darker steel span runs beside it, and the two together make a distinctive silhouette against the sky. It stands within the Yuma Crossing historic area. If you need details on any historic designation, confirm them with the National Park Service or the heritage area.

Where to See It

The easiest view is from the riverfront near Gateway Park, where paths and picnic shelters sit below the bridge. From there you can look up at the trusses and get a clear photograph. A few tips:

Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures
Wear sun protection and carry water in any season
Stay on marked paths and obey posted signs near the water and the bridge approaches

Walking or Driving Across

Whether you can walk or drive across the bridge, and what rules apply, can change. We have not verified current access, so check with the City of Yuma before planning a crossing. If you do cross on foot, stay well clear of traffic and the edges.

Pairing It With Other Stops

The bridge sits within a short distance of the other Yuma Crossing sites. A walkable half day can combine the bridge view, the Territorial Prison, and the Colorado River State Historic Park, then lunch in historic downtown. In summer, do it early; in winter, it is comfortable most of the day. Our best time to visit page has seasonal context.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge built? +

It dates to the mid-1910s. Sources differ slightly on the exact year, so confirm a specific date with a local source such as the City of Yuma or the heritage area.

Why is it called the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge? +

It was named for the Ocean to Ocean Highway, an early automobile route across the country that used this crossing of the Colorado River.

Where is the best place to see the bridge? +

The riverfront near Gateway Park offers clear views of the trusses from below. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for better light.

Can I walk or drive across it? +

Access can change, so check with the City of Yuma before you plan on it. If you cross on foot, stay clear of traffic.

What else is nearby? +

The Territorial Prison, the Colorado River State Historic Park, Gateway Park, and historic downtown are all close, making for an easy half day.

The Lowdown Guide earns a commission on qualifying bookings at no additional cost to you. Details such as prices, hours, distances, and access rules change — always verify with official sources before you go.