Oil Well Wash

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. Oil Well Wash is a 5.4-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. Oil Well Wash trail will provide a different feel to the desert than other trails in the area. The deep-cut wash has a high sheer bank formed by the eons of water rushing out of the Santa Rosa Mountains heading toward the Salton Sea. Blowing sand may cause deep drifts, restricting the trail or even blocking it at times (until the next rain forces the sand down the wash). Oil Well Wash is aptly named due to the oil exploration boom of the 1950s when several oil wells were drilled in this corner of the SVRA (note the SVRA did not exist at that time). The trail can be accessed directly from Highway 78 on the south end and will cross a nice open area before entering into the twisting and winding wash. This twisting and winding make the trail a must for dirt bikes and small ATVs which can speed through the area. But take care, as you can come around the corner at any point and find a wall collapsed, blocking a portion of the trail. 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 Oil Well Wash

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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