Home > California > Ocotillo Wells |
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Other Names | Anza-borrego Desert, Borrego Springs, Pole Line Road, Colorado Desert |
Last Known Status | Open |
Operated by California State Parks, this large open area offers many types of interesting and unique terrain, such as the gas domes and pumpkin patch areas. With over 80,000 aces and large stretches of BLM land to the south and east, there is plenty to see and vast desert trails that you can ride.
There are no fees, and there are virtually unlimited primitive camping opportunities, however, this is a party place, especially on holiday weekends. This area gets rowdy, especially at night, so be sure to mark and light up your camp well and square it off with vehicles so people don't ride through it.
Recent upgrades have been added which include a couple youth tracks and coin operated showers at the Discovery Center and Holmes Camp. Jeep tours are sometimes offered on Fridays and Saturdays.
Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
Dates Open | Daily Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted from 10/1 to 5/31 |
Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
Whip Flags | Yes (96 inches) | Whip Flags Required For Safety flags mandatory for ATV's but recommended for dirt bikes & autos |
Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
2 Stroke Engines | Certain Times | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
Campfires | No Restriction | |
Night Riding | Yes | |
Trail Blazing | Permitted | areas that are off limits are well marked |
Alcohol | Some Areas | permitted in campsite |
Rule Enforcement | Many | Dedicated Rangers/Officers On-Site Office/Station Armed OfficersJeep/SUV Patrol ATV/Saddle Mounted Patrol heavy law presence on holidays |
Comment | Drones and unmanned aerial systems are prohibited. |
Approx Size | 85,000 acres (133 sq mi) | |
Miles Of Trail | 500 | |
Climate Type | Desert | |
Elevation | 0 to 400 ft. | |
Trail Maintenance | Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained | |
Loose Dirt | Little | |
Hard Pack | Mostly | |
Sand | Some | |
Mud | Little | |
Dust | Some | |
Rocks | Little | |
Trees | Few | Holmes Camp has tamarisk trees and shade gazebos. |
Steep Hills | Some | |
Water Crossings | None | |
Small Jumps | Many | |
Large Jumps | Some | |
Berms | Few | |
Sand/Gravel Pits | Some | |
Single Track | Some | |
Roads | Some | |
Intersections | Some | |
Rider Traffic | Many | busy and rowdy on holidays, especially Thanksgiving |
Shade | Few | some shade ramadas in developed camp areas, very few trees |
Ranges/Gunfire | Few | |
Hazards | Some | (hazards not marked) Beware of nearby bombing ranges, cliffs. |
Novice | Mostly | |
Amateur | Some | |
Expert | Little |
Area | Motorized Trails, open area mostly, variety of terrain |
Land | State Recreation |
Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (E) | Ocotillo Wells |
Diesel | 1-5 Miles (E) | Ocotillo Wells |
Water | 1-5 Miles (W) | potable water Desert Ironwoods Resort (760) 767-5670 |
RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (W) | Leapin' Lizard RV Ranch (760) 767-4684 |
RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (W) | Desert Ironwoods Resort (760) 767-5670 |
Campground | On Site | |
Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (E) | Ocotillo Wells |
Parking | (None) |
Entry | (None) |
Riding | (None) |
Camping | (None) |
Pros | open area, interesting & unique terrain, warm climate, no fees |
Cons | crowded on holidays, rowdy at night on holidays, many night riders, dusty, party atmosphere |
Our Rating | Very Good |
Recommended Stay | 3-5 Days hot in summer, recommend fall |
Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
Nearest City | Borrego Springs, CA | ||
Address | 5172 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 | ||
| From: San Diego, CA
1) I-8 East to 79 North 2) 79 North to 78 East 3) 78 East to small town of Ocotillo Wells 4) Multiple staging areas on left (north) side of highway. |
Contact Info | Ocotillo Wells SVRA 5172 Highway 78 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (760) 767-5391 ohvinfo.ohv@parks.ca.gov ohv.parks.ca.gov |
Contact Info | Ironwoods Off-road Rental 4875 Hwy 78 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (866) 230-2933 info@ironwoodsrental.com www.ironwoodsrental.com |
Contact Info | Steve's ATV Rental (760) 394-1188 info@stevesatv.com stevesatvrentals.com |
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