Remote Surveillance Trailer in Yuma, AZ

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — The 60th Annual Yuma Airshow is here, bringing a major boost of excitement to the Yuma area, especially after another air show in nearby El Centro was canceled.

Crowds said the main attraction was an easy answer: the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.

“Oh my gosh, I am super excited!” one attendee said.

This year’s show features an added highlight that many locals and visitors have been waiting decades for. After 40 years away, the Navy’s Blue Angels are scheduled to take to the skies over Yuma.

Maria Sais said she spotted the team practicing as she was coming into town.

“I saw them yesterday… I was coming into town, and I saw them practice… I squealed… I was like, oh my god, they are here!” Sais said.

Sais added that watching the Blue Angels has become a family tradition.

“We got here about ten-ish… ten o’clock because I saw online that they were going to practice from 9 to 4,” she said.

The annual event brings in spectators from across the country—and sometimes from across the world.

Raymon Acuna traveled from Indio, California, and said it was his first time attending the Yuma Airshow. He said the Blue Angels were enough to convince him to take the day off work.

“I said hey… I am taking the day, and I am going over there to see the Blue Angels,” Acuna said.

In the crowd, some attendees said they traveled overseas to see air shows in the U.S. A group visiting from France said the Yuma stop was part of a larger trip.

“We come from France…” one visitor said.

They said they had already seen an air show in Las Vegas, but kept coming back to Yuma.

“It’s not the first time in Yuma… it’s five or six times here… because Yuma [is] very, very well—fantastic and beautiful,” another visitor said.

The airshow is free to attend and begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Attendees 16 and older who are U.S. citizens must bring a valid ID. All foreign nationals must bring a passport to enter.

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WELLTON, AZ (AZFamily) — Border Patrol officials have arrested a man suspected of cartel scouting activity who they believe had been living in the mountains just north of the U.S.-Mexico border for an extended period.

Border Patrol officials said Monday morning that while this type of arrest is not uncommon in the area, the circumstances surrounding this particular case are eye-opening.

Officials discovered an extensive survival setup that included food supplies, survival equipment and even a solar panel. Photographs from the scene show a mini stove, a pan, a blanket and other survival supplies. It is evidence that suggests the individual had established a semi-permanent camp in the harsh desert environment.

The arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation into cartel scouting activity in the Wellton, Arizona, area.

The news came as a surprise to winter visitors who have been frequenting the area for more than two decades. Frank Jones, a seasonal resident, first learned about the arrest through the local newspaper.

“I’ve never been afraid,” Jones said. “He was in New Mexico for a while, and I stayed here by myself, and I was fine with that. I am never worried about it. We have a lot of friends, but come summer, there are only seven of us.”

Jones expressed a mix of amazement and concern about the man’s survival in such a hostile environment.

“He’s got more gumption than I got out in the desert,” Jones said. “The rattlesnakes are not out yet; it won’t be too long.”

When asked about his feelings regarding the arrest, Jones said, “Yeah, I’m kind of glad that he is safe.”

Arizona’s Family has documented other drug scout activity along the border with Mexico over the years, even coming face-to-face with scouts on two occasions in the past.

What makes this latest arrest particularly noteworthy is its timing. The discovery comes at a time when the Trump administration claims the border is all but shut down. The man arrested near Wellton is charged with entering the country illegally.

According to recent statistics, Border Patrol arrested slightly over 6,000 undocumented immigrants in the Southwest desert during January — a significant decline compared to January of last year.

Despite the overall reduction in border crossings, this case demonstrates that sophisticated surveillance operations by cartels continue to operate in remote areas along the Arizona-Mexico border.

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YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — One of the most anticipated events in the Desert Southwest is finally here.

The three-day “Midnight at the Oasis” festival opened Friday in Yuma and will run through Sunday, bringing classic car enthusiasts, music fans and families from across the region.

Gates open Friday at noon and remain open until 11 p.m. On Saturday, the event begins at 8 a.m. and runs until midnight. Sunday’s final day begins at 8 a.m. and wraps up around 1 p.m.

The event is organized by Caballeros de Yuma, a nonprofit group made up of local business owners and community leaders. The group says Midnight at the Oasis is designed to promote Yuma, give residents and visitors more things to do, and showcase the city’s desert weather and hospitality. Proceeds raised during the weekend support scholarships, community donations and other local initiatives.

“We work really closely with the city,” a Caballeros de Yuma representative said.

“Caballeros started as a group of local business people who wanted to promote Yuma and create more things for people to do, especially our youth and local families. By putting on events like Midnight at the Oasis, we bring everyone outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather Yuma has to offer. And because we’re a nonprofit, we’re able to give back to the local community, so it’s a good thing for everyone,” said Clint Osborn, president of Caballeros de Yuma.

Throughout the weekend, guests can walk among rows of polished vintage vehicles, talk with car owners and enjoy live music in the evenings. Organizers say the event not only celebrates automotive history and local culture, but also provides a significant boost to Yuma’s economy, filling hotels and restaurants and driving business to local shops.

Organizers say guests can purchase separate tickets for daytime activities or evening concerts, but they recommend buying the $35 weekend passport, which provides access to all events throughout the weekend.

As the engines rev and crowds filter through the grounds, Midnight at the Oasis continues its long-standing role as a signature Yuma event—highlighting the city’s community spirit, desert charm, and growing appeal as a tourism destination.

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Yuma, a city tucked away in the southwest corner of Arizona, is a sun lover's paradise. And we don't mean that lightly. According to the “sunshine hours” index by the World Meteorological Organization, Yuma experiences more than 4,000 hours of sunlight per year. In fact, it holds the world record as the sunniest place on Earth.

“Yuma’s year-round sunshine and unique offerings make it a special place to visit. The Yuma community is just as warm as its sunny weather, offering a blend of cultures, a rich history, and the easygoing spirit of the Southwest,” Marcus Carney, executive director at Visit Yuma, shared with Travel + Leisure. “More sunlight means more time to enjoy all that the region has to offer—from sunrise hikes at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to late-night floats down the Colorado River during the summer months, and plenty of activities in between.”

This city has more of a small-town feel, and it offers easy access to some stunning natural scenery. Here’s how to plan a trip to Yuma, Arizona, including where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit.

Best Hotels & Resorts

La Fuente Inn & Suites offers visitors the chance to kick back and relax around its midcentury modern pool, lined with bright lime-green loungers ideal for sunning. Guests can choose between courtyard or pool-view rooms (several of which are ADA-compliant). There's also complimentary breakfast in the lobby, as well as evening happy hour for mixing and mingling with other guests.

Yuma has a fantastic selection of vacation rentals, including The Dandy House, a three-bedroom home close to all the action in town. The property is large enough for six guests and comes with plenty of communal spaces, such as a backyard fire pit, an oversized kitchen, and a living room with cozy furniture and a fireplace.

Another beloved rental, this town house in Yuma is rated as an Airbnb guest favorite. The stylish home is large enough for up to six guests, and it's even pet-friendly, so every member of the crew is welcome to come along. Cook a feast in the chef’s kitchen, dine next to the fireplace, and enjoy a bit more outdoor time in the home’s grassy backyard.

Best Things to Do

One of the best things to do in Yuma is getting on the Colorado River, and 3:10 Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals is happy to help. The company will deliver the equipment to the water’s edge, which you can rent for two- or six-hour sessions, or book for an entire day.

History buffs will love visiting the Castle Dome Mine Museum, which offers a glimpse at life in this mining town in the 19th century. Explore more than 60 preserved buildings, and venture into the caves to see a kaleidoscope of color thanks to the natural fluorescent and phosphorescent minerals lining the walls.

Get an adrenaline rush with an ATV ride through the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, located just over the Colorado–California border near Yuma. The vast landscape made up of rolling sand dunes is the perfect place for some thrills with friends. Check out outfitters like Jet Rent for tours and rental information.

Make one more Wild West-era stop on your tour of the city with a visit to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Travelers can explore the preserved prison cells and guard towers, as well as learn more about the inmates who spent time here in the 1800s. The park is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas (Eve and Day for both).

Head down Telegraph Pass for an afternoon hike. The trail is rated as moderately difficult and takes people on a 5.7-mile loop through rugged terrain, offering fantastic views at every turn. Make sure to set aside about three to four hours to complete the trek, and bring plenty of water because, as you already know, things can get hot and sunny around here.

Best Restaurants

The Garden Cafe offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee or two. The charming cafe is, as its name suggests, nestled within a garden, providing the perfect backdrop for breakfast. Go for plates like the Country Scramble, made with ham, cheese, green onions, tomato, and potatoes grown right in their garden.

Enjoy a little spice? Make your way to The Chile Pepper, a family-run restaurant known for its Mexican fare. Here, you can order a Sonoran-style burrito and top it with any number of salsas, or opt for a taco, including carne asada, asado chicken, and whole bean options.

It’s worth the 30-minute drive from Yuma to Wellton to visit Naked Dates. The certified organic, eight-acre farm grows medjool dates—and can buy them in bulk or get a taste of the product at the farm's cafe and brewery. Try them in everything from date cookies and shakes to sandwiches such as a bacon date melt—and even a date ale.

Best Time to Visit

“If you prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace, we recommend visiting April through October,” Carney explained. “The warmer summer months are great for sunrise hikes followed by a dip in the lake or river. Cool off in the afternoon as you dine around town, shop, or visit a museum.” As a hot tip, Carney noted the Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens offers air-conditioning and “refreshing Shirley Temple drinks” for guests. And on those summer evenings, Carney suggested visiting “Lute’s Casino and taking in the Summer Jazz Series while you enjoy a Lute’s Special or potato tacos. Tip: During the summer months, we recommend calling ahead before visiting museums or attractions.”

But, as Carney also noted, “With the year-round sunshine, there’s no bad time to visit Yuma. Truly!”

How to Get There

American Airlines offers direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Yuma International Airport (YUM).

Travelers who prefer the rails can get there via two Amtrak lines: the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. Both will take you straight to the Yuma train station.

Yuma is also easily accessible for road trippers, especially those coming from the American West. It’s just a 2.5-hour drive from San Diego or a three-hour drive from Phoenix, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

How to Get Around

Attractions are quite spread out in Yuma, making a car the easiest way to get around. Bring your own or pick up a rental at Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, or Budget—all near the airport. Taxis and Ubers are both available across Yuma as well.

Public transportation is an option, too, via the Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT), which offers a fixed route around town. You can find a map and schedule on the YCAT website.