Ocotillo Wells State
Vehicular Recreation Area. Over 80,000 acres of magnificent desert are
open for off-road exploration and recreation within the boundaries portrayed
on this map are operated by California State Parks. Outside the boundaries,
to the south and east, large tracts of BLM land (U.S. Department of the
Interior, Bureau of Land Management) are also open to off-highway vehicles.
The western boundary and part of the northern boundary connect with the
half-million acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is closed to
off-road recreation, but open to exploration by highway-legal vehicles along
established primitive roads.
The rangers and staff of Ocotillo Wells are dedicated to providing a safe
and enjoyable desert riding environment, and to ensuring that a quality
experience remains available for future generations.
No fees are collected for camping or day-use. Open camping is permitted
throughout the unit for up to 30 days per calendar year. Vault toilets,
shade ramadas, picnic tables, and fire rings are located in the Quarry, Main
St., and Holmes Camp areas. Water is not available. Vehicle repair shops,
fuel, telephones, groceries, a motel and restaurants are available in the
neighboring small town of Ocotillo Wells and along Highway 78.DEVIL’S
SLIDE GPS Waypoint (N33.17993 W116.11090)
This 200 foot-high granite and sand island is named for the challenge it
presents to the OHV enthusiast. It is actually an ancient decomposing
mountaintop. A dark coat of desert varnish covers the rocks as a result of
exposure to sunlight. There are several old hidden mine shafts along the
mountainside. The mines are said to be haunted. People have reported seeing
flickering lights near the mines at night after a rainfall.
BARREL SPRINGS GPS Waypoint (N33.17452 W116.09945)
These mesquite sand dunes are an oasis for wildlife. The springs seep from
the ground, especially after a heavy rain. Coyotes often dig holes to drink.
Part of the area is designated as a cultural preserve. Archeological
investigations indicate that several Native American groups and early
settlers used the area. The shade and availability of water made it a
convenient spot to rest, to meet, and to trade goods. Some of the dunes have
been fenced to allow for natural restoration. Please do not ride close to
the edge of the dunes as this kills the mesquite roots. Without these
shrubs, the sand dunes would blow away.
SHELL REEF GPS Waypoint (N32.73879 W115.99405)
Park beneath the reef and examine the soil. You will find not rock or sand
but fragments of fossilized oyster shells. Look closer and you will find
entire shells and even pieces of the reef which have fallen down the slope.
The reef is estimated to be 4 million years old! It was pushed out of an
ancient sea during a time of tremendous upheaval when the distant mountain
ranges where formed. Please help preserve the reef. Find other “hills” to
climb, and encourage others to do the same.
GAS DOMES GPS Waypoint (N33.17804 W115.94986)
To reach this natural phenomenon, you must exit the park on the Gas Dome
Trail east of Pole Line Road. These mysterious, volcano-like mud pots of
bubbling liquid are located approximately one and one-half miles into the
public lands of the Bureau of Land Management. Cold to the touch, the gray
water releases large bubbles of gas. For information about recreational
opportunities and attractions in the BLM area, contact the El Centro office
(619) 353-1060.
PUMPKIN PATCH GPS Waypoint (N33.22302 W116.06734)
This unique landscape is the result of wind and water continuously eroding
the surface soil and revealing these globular sandstone concretions. Such
concretions are believed to be formed by the natural cementing of sand
particles to a small object such as a piece of shell, a grain of sand, or
even an insect. Please help preserve the Pumpkin Patch and the nearby ridges
where new pumpkin-size desert “pearls” are emerging.
VEHICLES
PERMITTED: 4X4's, Motorcycles, Dune buggies, and ATV's.
DIRECTIONS: From LA,
Take the 101 FWY East to the 134 Burbank/Glendale FWY to the 210 Pasadena
FWY to HWY57 South. Take the 57 to the 10FWY East. Take the 10 East for
about 90 miles until you see HWY 86 South. Exit HWY86 and drive approx 50
miles until you see HWY 78. Make a right. Go about 10 Miles and your in the
Heart of Ocotillo Wells. Pick a road and unload. Check out waypoints for
different locations to camp. If you do not have a GPS then just look at the
street signs and pull off. I like turning off Chula Rd. Turn right and drive
about 5-7 miles in and your in a great area. Central to everything.
GPS
COORDINATES: (other coordinates for
Ocotillo here)
Store Blue Inn: N33.12467 W116.04473
Chula Camping Spot: N33.14435 W116.04174
Current Weather
(Here)
MORE INFORMATION:
Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station: 760-767-5391
Ocotillo Wells
State Vehicular Recreation Area
P.O. Box 360
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
760 767-5391
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