Gas Dome Trail

Trail Overview

Welcome to the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreational Area, the largest SVRA in California with more than 85,000 acres. OWSVRA is over 130 square miles with hundreds of miles of desert track open to all forms of off-highway vehicles. The SVRA borders the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with many of the trails transiting between both areas. Only street-legal vehicles are allowed in the ABDSP. Gas Dome Trail is an 11.3-mile point-to-point trail rated 3 out of 10. As with most trails within the OWSVRA, the track is predominately sand and hard-packed desert soil. Gas Dome Trail is one of the more popular, as the Gas Dome mud holes are located on the eastern end of the trail. The trail runs east-west starting at Wolfe Well Road and Wolfe Well Springs. The trail leads through several of the ancient mudflows and crosses the Cahuilla and Tarantula Wash trails. As the trail crosses Poleline Road, it becomes limited access, requiring vehicles to remain on designated routes. The Gas Domes are located near the eastern end of the trail before it intersects with the Artesian Trail. This area is known as the San Felipe Hills. There are two distinct sets of gas domes. These mysterious waterholes produce large gas bubbles that rise through muddy water. The water travels to the surface, emerging through a natural crack in the desert floor. The Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (OWSVRA) is administered by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, now commonly referred to as California State Parks. Travel within the OWSVRA is generally unrestricted, relying on the driver's sense of responsibility for protecting natural resources. There are no entrance or camping fees here, and open camping is permitted for up to 30 days per calendar year. All vehicles operated off-highway on public lands in California are required to be (1) street-licensed or (2) registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV). Purchase of a California Nonresident permit is required: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25669. Whether a beginner or an adrenaline junkie, you'll find something to your liking in the SVRA (hiking, dirt bike, ATV, UTV, dune buggies, or 4x4s). It is open to the public 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, go out and ride whenever you want. The off-road season is usually between the cooler months of October and May, so these months are usually the most crowded. Cell phone service is intermittent. Vehicle repair shops, telephones, groceries, hotels, motels, RV parks, and restaurants are available in the surrounding communities of Borrego Springs, Ocotillo Wells, and Salton City. Fuel is available in the communities of Borrego Springs and Salton City.

Photos of Gas Dome Trail

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Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces and mud holes possible. No steps are higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required, and aggressive tires are a plus.

Technical Rating