Trail: Bettys Kitchen Interpretative
National Park: Bureau of Land Management
Features: River(s)
Meadow(s)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Camping - Backpacking
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Wildlife observation - Birds
Motorized vehicles - OHV driving
Boating, Motorized
Equestrian - riding

Difficulty: Easy
Miles: .5 miles
Desc: This natural-surfaced, 1/2 mile foot trail throading through the desert riparian enviroment of the lower Colorado River offers visitors unique taste of the area’s natural resources and settlement history. It focuses upon mammals, migratory birds, and flora specific to the riverbank enviroment. The trail overlooks Laguna Dam, the first dam built on the Colorado River. The terrain is relatively flat and vegitaion includes native Fremont cottonwood, black willow, arrowweed, screw bean, and honey mesquite. Recreation facilities include universally accessible picnic and parking areas, restrooms, trailside benches, a fishing pier, walking bridge, and a self-guided interpretive walk. Visitors can kick off their shoes while casting a line and fishing from the pier, pack a lunch or barbeque in the picnic area, or take a stroll along the interpretive trail. No matter what time of the year, Betty’s Kitchen promises visitors a glimpse at some of Arizona’s wildlife, including numerous mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles.
The are was undoubtedly important to local people in their search for food. Many of the native plants found in the area were a source of food and the terrace on wich Betty’s Kitchen sits is ideal for agriculture, Early agricltualists were dependent on seasonal flooding to water their crops and archeologists have assigned artifacts made by these prehistoric agricultualists to the Patayan archelogical complex with occured from about 700 A.D. to 1850 A.D. Historic activities in the vicinity of the Betty’s Kitchen area began in the late 1850’s when gold placer deposits were found along the east side of the Colorado River. Later, small farm plots were established and the construction of Laguna Dam commenced, bringing numerous homesteaders to the area. A combination cafe and bar was established during the 1930’s or 1940’s known as “Betty’s Kitchen” for Mrs. Betty Davidson who worked at the cafe.
Betty’s Kitchen is a very important part of our community and is also a favorite field trip destination for the local schools because it is so close to town. A Betty’s Kitchen Watchable Wildlife and Interpretive Area Teahcer’s Guide is also available for teachers to prepare students for their visit and also provides additional learning tools for use in the classroom.
From Yuma, go 7 miles E on I-95 to Ave 7E (Laguna Dam Road) Turn N , ahead for 9 miles TL and follow signs for Bettys Kitchen.