Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area ~ California

The sanctioned off highway vehicle areas of the west are popular recreation spots that help to promote responsible dirt trail riding. ​In the Colorado Desert of southern California, one of the most interesting places for an OHV excursion definitely is the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. This trail riding park covers over 85,000 acres and there are even more dirt paths to explore in the neighboring BLM Public Lands. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is also right next door, but only street legal vehicles are allowed on the dirt roads in this 600,000 acre park. For this reason, it is best to become familiar with the boundaries before hitting the dusty trails and this actually is easy to do since a ranger station is located nearby.

The Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area offers a chance to explore the vast Colorado Desert terrain, which happens to be one of the most unforgiving places on earth during the long hot summer months. The extreme environmental conditions are much easier to cope with during the cool weather seasons, yet staying hydrated will still take some effort, since this is one of the driest places on earth. Loading up with extra food, fuel and water is essential, since once the fun begins, you likely will not want to leave anytime soon.

There are 85,000 acres of open country desert trails to experience at Ocotillo Wells and there are a few closed circuit tracks with three different skill levels to choose from. One track is like a trials obstacle course, with high banked turns to power through and there are even a few jumps. The OHV area features basic facilities, picnic spots and group event areas along with plenty of room for trailer parking. Right across Highway 78 is an area for campers, so it does not get much more convenient than this. For those who dream of carving up some challenging desert trails, the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation is yet another great spot in southern California that belongs high on the list!    
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