Tule 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. Tule Wash is a 13.1-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. This trail runs east to west and is probably one of the highest-traveled routes in the area because the Pumpkin Patch and Tule Springs can be visited along this trail. The trail is mostly sand with sections of rock and hard-packed dirt. The Pumpkin Patch is a large group of pumpkin-sized features that are called "concretions" that are formed by loose sand cementing around a particle of sand, pebble, or shell. They look like round boulders and it's fun getting to see them all together. This area is protected which means you can wander around inside the fenced area, but do not disturb or remove any of the pumpkins. Following a subterranean fault line, water from the mountains trickles out here. Named for the rare tule reeds that grow here, Tule Spring is also very popular with the local wildlife. Be advised that there are motion-activated cameras in the area to monitor the springs and wildlife activity. Tule trail transits both the SVRA and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The SVRA is open to all forms of motorized travel, while the state park only allows street-legal vehicles. 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 Tule 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