Imperial Dam LTVA
What’s Near
Yuma Proving Grounds
The Yuma Proving Grounds have roots that date back to 1850 when Fort Yuma was built on a hill that overlooked the Yuma Crossing of the Colorado River. The “Proving Grounds” part of the name goes back to 1943 where our WWII vets trained here. Located on the Colorado River in Arizona, it is just a few miles from the Imperial Dam LTVA. A little known fact is its joint venture with General Motors who built a new testing facility at the base costing $100 million, that is also used by the Army to test new rubber-tired vehicles. It is also a great place for LTVA visitors and shoppers. You can get bargain prices on propane and have access to a movie theater and bowling alley to name just a few of their amenities. You will need to pass a security check before entering the base, so have a valid photo ID and vehicle registration ready.
Yuma
Yuma sprang up from the Yuma Crossing, known as the safest place to cross the Colorado River. The first Europeans arrived in 1540 – some 80 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. Yuma sits on both sides of the Colorado River as it passes into Mexico. After the Mexican- American War in 1846, Mexico was forced to cede its vast northern territories – which included most of Arizona. Today’s Yuma offers a large variety of stores, services and restaurants from small family businesses to large chains like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. There is a hospice and numerous medical facilities and doctors are available in Yuma.
Baja Mexico
Baja Mexico with its low cost prescription drugs, restaurants, cantinas and friendly people is only about 20 minutes away. Los Algodones, the closest town, is a short distance west of Yuma. San Felipe, a great overnight trip, is well worth the four to five hour drive. A fishing village located right on the Sea of Cortez, San Felipe offers spectacular views and is one of Baja’s oldest towns. It is now the home to many American ex-patriots who would live nowhere else. Los Algodones, a favorite shopping spot of Imperial Dam LTVA residents, is well known for high-quality dentists, prescription medications and eyeglasses. Don’t forget to bring your passport or you may have a problem re-entering the US!
Imperial Vally
Imperial Valley, one of the area’s best kept shopping secrets, could be the eighth wonder of the world. Harsh desert was transformed into one of the most productive farm regions in the United States, by irrigation from the Colorado River. You only need to take a short drive to see this unbelievable transition from desolate desert to crops growing as far as the eye can see. While driving, almost magically, you will see a row of trees. Stop and look to either side of the trees that sharply divide these two distinct geo regions. The best of this rich farmland’s fruits and vegetables are a real bargain, when you visit one of the many farm stands along the road.
What You Should Know
Yuma Proving Grounds Army Base
-
01
This is a U.S. Military Base. You must stop at the gate and get a day pass before visiting the base. The “Proving Grounds” part of the name goes back to 1943 when our WWII vets trained here and is still very active to this day.
-
02
Once on the base you will find groceries, gas, dining, bowling, a movie theater and more. Located on the Colorado River in Arizona, it is just a few miles from the Imperial Dam LTVA whose residents take advantage of the great savings, services and entertainment available.
-
03
Emergency Medical Treatment is available at the base. The Imperial Dam LTVA Emergency Response Team monitors CB channel 12 and will both call and direct the base’s ambulance to your campsite should the need arise.
-
04
Because of the importance of emergency services which average only 8 minutes from the base with our emergency team, it is essential that you have access to a CB radio. 911 service can come from distant El Centro which can take over an hour to arrive.
Visiting Baja Mexico
-
01
You must have a valid passport, not to get into to Mexico, but to return to the United States. Be sure to check your Passport to be sure it is current before visiting Mexico.
-
02
Most visitors from the Imperial Dam LTVA will cross the border in Los Algodones, Mexico. There is a staffed, gated parking lot that costs $6 (cash only) available so that you can walk across the border avoiding the sometimes long line of cars crossing as well as having to get Mexican auto insurance.
-
03
Pharmacies, dentists, shopping, restaurants and cantinas await you. If you take your vehicle into Mexico, a short drive can get you to the Sea of Cortez, where you can enjoy seaside adventures on one of the planet’s most spectacular areas. See “Baja Mexico” for directions. Make sure you have Mexican auto insurance for your vehicle.
-
04
If you cross the border in Calexico and go through Mexicali, the capital of Baja North, you will run into Mexico Route 5 heading south. This is a drive that will always be etched into your memories. Keep heading south to San Felipe, an unforgettable seaside fishing village. Or take Mexico Route 3 west, which will take you through the rich farmlands, mountains and streams of Northern Baja.
Yuma Arizona
-
01
The Imperial Valley rose up from one of the county’s harshest deserts, the Sonoran. It was transformed into one of the most productive farm regions in the United States due to irrigation from the Colorado River.
-
02
Getting to Yuma (see Services & Amenities > Shopping). There are two routes you can take to get to Yuma from Imperial Dam LTVA. If you take a right on to S24, you pass through the town of Bard and lots of farm country. If you take a left on to S24, you pass through the Yuma Proving Grounds.
-
03
Yuma sprang up from the Yuma Crossing, known as the safest place to cross the Colorado River. The first Europeans arrived in 1540 – some 80 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock!
-
04
Yuma sits on both sides of the Colorado River as it passes into Mexico. After the Mexican- American War in 1846, Mexico was forced to cede its vast northern territories – which included most of Arizona.
Imperial Vally
-
01
The Imperial Valley was transformed from harsh desert into one of the most productive farm regions in the United States. This transformation took place when irrigation from the Colorado River was brought into the valley.
-
02
This area produces some of the best fruits and vegetables in the country. Be sure to visit one of the many farm stands along the road for great savings and value.
-
03
The Imperial Valley is almost entirely below sea level—235 feet below at the edge of the Salton Sea. Its hot desert climate is characterized by daily temperature extremes. It was once part of the Gulf of California before deposits from the creation of the Grand Canyon created the Imperial Valley.
-
04
Summer temperatures generally exceed 100 °F, but from late October through mid-April , the temperature ares relatively mild but can sometimes get quite cold. One of the best solar power locations in the United States, this area produces over 8 hours a day of sunlight even in the winter months.