Ocotillo Wells SVRA

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Ocotillo Wells SVRA

The official page of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Elevations here range from 176 feet below sea level to 790 feet above sea level.
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Welcome to Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), where more than 85,000 acres of southern California desert await off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Located near the Salton Sea and covering portions of both San Diego and Imperial Counties, Ocotillo Wells SVRA offers a wide variety of opportunities for OHV recreation as well as for hiking, biking, geocaching, and camping. In fa

ct, it is possible to explore the park's open environment and varied terrain for days without having to retrace your tracks. Visitors marvel at the many exotically named natural wonders such as Blowsand Hill, Devil's Slide, and the Badlands. The extreme terrain and intense climate have challenged both the skills and endurance of OHV recreation enthusiasts for generations. The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program was created in 1971 out of the critical need to better manage growing demands for off-highway recreation, while at the same time foster respect for private property rights and protect California's natural and cultural resources. Today, this program, a division of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is the largest and most successful program of its type in the U.S. The program continues its commitment to provide safe, enjoyable recreation while balancing the need to protect the state's resources. In addition to providing accessibility to off-highway recreation for everyone from hikers to bikers to bird watchers, the program provides a variety of services and benefits to California's residents and visitors, including resource management of state lands, wildlife habitat protection, youth development and law enforcement. Program funding comes from fuel taxes which are attributable to the recreational use of vehicles off highway, off-highway vehicle registration fees and fees collected at State Vehicular Recreation Areas. Be sure to visit our other pages, too! OHMVR Division
https://www.facebook.com/CAStateParksOHV

Clay Pit SVRA
https://www.facebook.com/ClayPitSVRA?fref=ts

Prairie City SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prairie-City-State-Vehicular-Recreation-Area/168242086519173?fref=ts

Carnegie SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carnegie-SVRA/203533419677830?fref=ts

Hollister Hills SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollister-Hills-State-Vehicular-Recreation-Area/131036720291981?fref=ts

Oceano Dunes SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oceano-Dunes-District-Pismo/390676052585?fref=ts

Hungry Valley SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hungry-Valley-SVRA/367908266603892?fref=ts

Heber Dunes SVRA:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heber-Dunes-SVRA/528521697180458?fref=ts

09/02/2026

Save the Date!

Bring the family, make some memories, and help us celebrate 50 years of Ocotillo Wells SVRA;

When: November 21, 2026, | 10 AM–2 PM
Where: Main Street Event Center

Family Fun • Park Stories • Community Information

We’ll see you there!

08/17/2026

Haboobs are powerful dust storms created by thunderstorm outflows, transforming the landscape in a matter of minutes.

Wild, beautiful, and a reminder of just how powerful the desert can be.

📸Robert Ureña

08/05/2026

Have you ever seen a Badger in Ocotillo Wells?

They're active at dawn and dusk, this powerful digger uses its long claws to tunnel after prey and it's one of the few animals that can take down and eat rattlesnakes.

📸 Resources Team

07/24/2026

The flat-tailed horned lizard uses its specialized camouflage to blend into desert environments while regulating its body temperature by absorbing heat from the sun.

Feeding primarily on harvester ants, its s**t is easily distinguished by the presence of ant exoskeleton remains from its diet.

📸 Jared Gravett

07/17/2026

If you're planning to ride, consider starting early in the day, stay hydrated, and be prepared for extreme afternoon temperatures. Daytime highs are expected to range from 102°F to 108°F, with overnight lows between 79°F and 85°F. Skies will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Humidity will remain low, generally 10–20%, creating typical desert conditions.

For updated weather conditions, check
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.179&lat=33.172

07/07/2026

Have you ever seen a coyote or coyote pup at Ocotillo Wells SVRA?

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that play an important role in the desert ecosystem. Their diet includes rodents, rabbits, reptiles, and insects, helping regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance. With exceptional hearing and keen senses, coyotes are well adapted to surviving in the challenging desert conditions of Ocotillo Wells.

📸 Resources Team

06/24/2026

Meet one of Ocotillo Wells' most fascinating desert residents: the sidewinder rattlesnake!

Named for its distinctive sideways movement across loose sand, the sidewinder has evolved a unique way of traveling that helps it navigate hot desert environments efficiently. Its specialized movement leaves behind the characteristic "J" shaped tracks often seen winding across sandy washes and dunes.

While sidewinders are venomous, they are generally shy and prefer to avoid people. If you encounter one during your visit, give it plenty of space and enjoy the opportunity to observe this incredible desert adaptation from a safe distance.

📸 Jared Gravett

06/17/2026

If you're heading out to enjoy Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, don't forget to check the forecast before your trip. Desert temperatures can rise quickly, and conditions can become dangerous without proper preparation.

Bring plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and know the signs of heat-related illness. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your adventure safe and enjoyable.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy your time on the trails.

06/16/2026

Have you ever spotted a gecko in Ocotillo Wells SVRA? While these fascinating reptiles are mostly active at night, you might get lucky and see one during the day. Geckos play an important role in the desert ecosystem, feeding on insects, spiders and even scorpions! They also have several unique defense mechanisms to help them avoid predators. Keep an eye out on your next desert adventure—you never know what wildlife you might discover!

📸Maritza Mendoza

06/06/2026

Celebrate California State Parks Week with us!

Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 9:00–10:30 PM for an exciting nighttime adventure as we search for scorpions and discover other fascinating nocturnal creatures that call the park home.

Also join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 9:00–11:00 PM for a guided evening program exploring the night sky. Learn about constellations, observe planets, and discover deep-sky wonders.

Please bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes. We look forward to exploring the wonders of the night with you!

Address

5172 Highway 78
Borrego Springs, CA
92004

Website

https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1217

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