Bard California Travelers Guide – Helpful Tips for Your Visit
Introduction to Bard California
Bard, California, an unincorporated area, is located in Imperial County, California, United States. It is part of the broader Winterhaven-Bard CCD – a city, town, place equivalent, and township in Imperial County, CA.
As of 2024, the area’s population stood at about 45, with about 13 people per square mile. The median age of its population is about 36.4. (Demographics reported from places.us.com)
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History of Bard California
The community is named in honor of Thomas R. Bard. Mr. Bard represented California in the U.S. Senate between 1900 and 1905. Among his business contributions, he was one of the founders of UNOCAL. He also served on several boards, including the California State Board of Agriculture and the board of Occidental College, and he was chairman of the Committee of Fisheries. It was Thomas R. Bard who appointed George S. Patton to West Point.
The Bard CA community was founded in 1910 following the Dawes Act declaring the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation’s eastern portion surplus land.
Postal services operated in Bard between the years 1910 and 1933. After a short hiatus, the postal service was restored in 1937.
Places in and near Bard, California
Cloud Museum
Long-time Bard resident Johnny Cloud displays his personal collection at the Cloud Museum. This gathering of objects includes over 150 antique cars, trucks, tractors, boat engines, tools, and artifacts from local businesses. You can even see remnants of a vintage Texaco gas station.
The Cloud Museum is open seven days a week, most times of the year. A caretaker on the property collects the modest entrance fee.
A sign provides a warning, “Enter at own risk. Hazards may exist.”
Cloud Museum Reviews from TripAdvisor
“Some of the best junk I’ve ever seen!” (Gordy T, A TripAdvisor contributor)
“Way off the beaten path and worth a stop. Within a couple of minutes heard Johnny drive up. We chatted and he gave me a bit of background, and then he drove off while I was left to wander around the property. Then it was one “wow” moment after another. I so appreciate the collection he has built and his passion for being a steward of so many things from a time gone by. It’s truly incredible that one person has chosen to be a steward of all these things. And, if you know the expression “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” then you can truly gain from the experience of wandering through the collection amassed by Mr. Johnny Cloud.”
(Shellyrior, A TripAdvisor contributor)
Cloud Museum Location (10 miles north of Yuma, Arizona):
1398 York Road, Bard, CA, 92283
GPS coordinates: 32.803233,-114.547395
Give yourself more than one hour for a visit
Yuma Visitor Information Center
The Yuma Visitor Information Center is the perfect resource for travelers looking to explore everything Yuma Arizona offers. Located just 30 minutes from Bard, California, this center serves as a hub for all things tourism-related.
Its location at 201 N. 4th Avenue makes it easily accessible and convenient for visitors. The center offers a wealth of information about local attractions, events, and dining options. They also provide maps and brochures to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit to Yuma.
So, if you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to swing by for all the insider tips on Yuma’s hidden gems.
Hiking in Bard California
The best trail for hiking nearby Bard, California, is the Fortuna Wash to Box Canyons and Petroglyphs route. This 3.3-mile trail, rated as easy, takes approximately 1.5 hours to hike. Trekking poles are helpful on this hike.
Expect some rock scrambling upon reaching the box canyon.
The southern branch leads to a few petroglyphs, which depict a wheel, an animal, and a person among the still visible carvings. Exact coordinates for petroglyphs are provided by prior hikers on the AllTrails site.
Three best places to stay nearby Bard California
If you travel to Bard, California, and would like a place to stay overnight, please look at our recommendations below.
Radisson Hotel Yuma
Rated 9.2 of 10 on Expedia
In nearby Yuma, Arizona, the Radisson Hotel Yuma offers a complimentary full breakfast, laundry services, swimming pools, and a hot tub. An onsite restaurant, Market Grill, features American cuisine and happy hour.
Shilo Inn Hotel and Suites Yuma
Rated 8 of 10 on Expedia
Located in Yuma’s business district, the Shilo Inn Hotel and Suites Yuma offers laundry facilities, a bar, and a gym. Relax in the sauna or steam room. An onsite restaurant, the Angry Crab Shack, provides an option to enjoy a meal on the premises.
La Fuente Inn & Suites
Rated 9 of 10 on Expedia
This 3-star hotel offers 96 rooms with premium bedding. The La Fuente Inn & Suites offers complimentary breakfast, a garden area, a library, and a hot tub for relaxing.
More lodging options near Bard, California
Bard California mentioned in music
The musical act Michael K. Burke and the Honkytonk Witchdoctors recorded the song “I’m going to Bard California” on their album “We got twang if you want it.”
Bard Map
Bard, California – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: Yuma International Airport (YUM)
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
Related reading
Andrade, California – A Visitors Guide
California Resource Page – Destinations, Podcasts, and more
Thanks for checking out our Bard California Visitors Guide. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#bard #bardcalifornia
I grew up in Bard!
Thanks for doing this.
My friend lived on what is now the Cloud Museum. Johny Cloud would take us dune bugging in the washes.Me and my brothers and friends basically lived a Huck Finn existence swimming and fishing in the Colorado River and the irrigation canals. Bard once had a larger thriving community with schools, country stores and community centers. I went off to the Army, followed by college and grad school and occasionally drive thru on my way back and forth to Phoenix and or San Diego. Ive traveled all over the world but this little corner of California holds many memories. I’ve hiked the Dolomites in Italy but sometimes just hiking the nearby Kofa mountains in winter brings the same satisfaction.