North Fork Arroyo Salado

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. 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. North Fork Arroyo Salado is a 7.6-mile point-to-point trail rated 3 of 10. As with most trails within the OWSVRA, the track is predominately sand and hard-packed desert soil. North Arroyo Salado Wash and its sister Arroyo Salado Wash are on the northern edge of Ocotillo Wells OHV and Anza Borrego State Park, featuring east-west trails that are a haven for explorers and nature enthusiasts. This trail is renowned for its rugged beauty, featuring dramatic mud cliffs and panoramic views of the Anza Borrego Badlands. This trail extends from the Arroyo Salado on the east end to Truckhaven Trail (within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park) on the west end. The wash is relatively open with wide tracks as part of the OWSVRA. But crossing into the ABDSP, the trail enters the high-walled washes of the Anza Badlands. Remember, only street-legal vehicles are allowed within the ABDSP. The western 2.3 miles of this trail are within the ABDSP boundary. If you continue past Truckhaven Trail further north in the wash, Nork Fork Arroyo Salado ends at the base of SR22. 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. 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 the SVRA has something for everyone (hiking, dirt bike, ATV, UTV, dune buggies or 4x4s). It is open to the public 7 days a week and 24 hours a day so you go out and ride whenever you want. The off-road season is usually between the cooler months of October-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 North Fork Arroyo Salado

Want to see more?

Login

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