What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Peter Kane Trail
Located in the Indian Pass Wilderness, this trail is relatively remote and quiet, and it offers incredible views of the landscape and local cacti.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
East Wetlands Interpretive Trail
Located in nearby Yuma, Arizona, this trail is peaceful and beautiful, and it’s a good option for bird-watchers.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Picacho Mills Historic Trail
This peaceful trail is a good option for spotting wildlife, including the area’s wild burros.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Painted Desert Trail Loop
Located in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, this trail traverses fascinating landscapes and is an excellent option for wildlife viewing and photography.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Bucklin Park Loop
This short trail in El Centro is the perfect way to explore the area and enjoy the warm weather.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
The Colorado River is a fantastic place to fish for trout and catfish. Sunfish and carp can also be caught. You can fish from the river’s banks, but many anglers prefer to use a drift boat. The river is also a popular place to swim, paddle, kayak, canoe, or raft.
Climbing
Climbing enthusiasts can find several options in nearby Indian Wells Canyon. The Breakfast Crags, for example, offer five traditional, sport, and top-rope climbs. The Heller Rocks offer three traditional climbs and one top-rope route.
Wildlife Viewing
While the Indian Pass Wilderness is itself a fantastic place to view wildlife, many visitors choose to head to the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers desert, marsh, and pond environments, and it is home to many wild species, including burros, bighorn sheep, ducks, herons, songbirds, sandpipers, mule deer, coyotes, whiptail lizards, jackrabbits, leopard frogs, quails, and muskrats.
Picnicking
Bucklin Park in El Centro offers large green spaces, a short hiking trail, playgrounds, benches, and picnic tables. Nearby Holt Park also offers covered picnic areas and playgrounds, and there are large grass spaces and public restrooms.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an ideal way to explore the Indian Pass Wilderness. Many nearby locations, such as the East Wetlands Interpretive Trail, are also excellent options for equestrians.