Yuma Proving Ground Open Air Museum

   The proving grounds, which encompasses 1,307.8 square miles of the Sonoran Desert, is used by the army to test ground combat weapons, tracked and wheeled military vehicles, IEDs, helicopter armament, and parachutes. The open-air museum features two dozen tanks and rocket launchers with interpretive signs.

   Visitors who wish to visit the Heritage Center, which has displays on the history of the proving grounds, must stop here to get a pass. Driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance are required. We haven’t visited yet because we’ve always come by on days when the center is either closed or about to close.

    A paved, accessible path runs from the parking lot to the Visitor Control Center where passes are issued. The tanks and rocket launchers can be viewed from the path but to get a closer look it’s necessary to navigate over soft and rocky ground which is a little difficult.

   The parking lot is large enough for any RV.  Proving Grounds 32.82848, -114.39