DIRECTIONS TO SITE: From Yuma, go seven miles east on U.S. Highway 95 to Avenue 7E (Laguna Dam Road). Turn north and follow this road for nine miles to just past Laguna Dam. Turn left and follow the signs to Betty's Kitchen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SITE: Betty's Kitchen is a wildlife interpretive area along the Colorado River just upstream of Laguna Dam.  Heavy vegetation and access to water attracts herons, songbirds, waterfowl, and egrets.

FACILITIES PROVIDED: Betty's Kitchen includes a parking area, shady picnic tables, a small outdoor classroom, ramadas, and a fishing pier. The 0.5 mile fully-accessible interpretive trail was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1993.

FEATURES: The Betty's Kitchen Interpretive Trail winds through dense riverbottom vegetation past a fishing pier and over a rugged metal bridge. Interpretive panels along the walk familiarize the visitor with the natural and cultural features of "The Kitchen."  Waterfowl, including Spotted Sandpipers, Cinnamon Teal, and American Coots are common in the winter and spring. Other commonly-seen birds include Abert's Towhee, Green Heron, egrets, Harris' Hawk, and a variety of migrating warblers in the spring including Wilson's, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Black-throated Gray, and Nashville.

FEES/PERMITS REQUIRED: The fee is $10 daily per vehicle or $75 annually per vehicle for up to 5 people per vehicle. There will be a $1 per person fee charged for each person over the 5 person limit. Visitors must pay daily fees at self-registration fee pipes located at the site or at the BLM Yuma Field Office located at 2555 E. Gila Ridge Road in Yuma. Annual permits are currently available for purchase at the Yuma Field Office.

LIMITATIONS: Betty's Kitchen is open for day use only. All pets must be kept on a leash. Cooking fires are permitted in the provided grills only.

ACCESSIBILITY: The facilities, including the National Recreation Trail at Betty's Kitchen Wildlife and Interpretive Area are fully accessible.

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