Anaheimer

SVRA stands for State Vehicular Recreation Area, which really means lots of fun and adventure for you and I.

Ocotillo Wells is part of the much larger “Anza-Borrego Desert State Park”.

You can experience the solitude of the beautiful desert and/or you can go wild with your 4-wheel drive SUV, ATV or dirt bike. You don’t have to have your own equipment. You can rent instead at CalActive.com (click on View Details/Order to see prices). The rental company will bring your chosen equipment to you.

Ocotillo Wells is a long drive from Anaheim, but worth every minute. You probably want to camp for the night. Depending on the weather, you can make it as casual or as professional as you like. My son and I used to sleep in the back of my SUV – with the seats pulled down. It does get cold at night, so make sure you have good sleeping bags or thick blankets.

Three camping areas are available with shades, toilets and fire rings. But you are not limited to the camping areas. You can camp anywhere you like – just be weary of possible riders around you. There are no fees for camping or using the SVRA.

Anaheimer Tip: Before you enter the SVRA (from Highway 78), keep going until you find the ranger station in the town of Ocotillo Wells. You can pick maps, self guided tour information and tips from the rangers and you can pick up some supplies from town.

Once you get your maps and stake out a camping place, now you are ready for the fun. Explore the many rock formations and sand dunes. Stay away from protected areas. Some areas are protected to allow the various native plants and animals to recover and thrive. While other areas are protected because of archeological finds.

Anaheimer Tip: Rent your ATVs before you get to the desert at kijubi.com.

Some of the most popular trails and formations:

BLOW SAND HILL: This is probably the biggest sand dune in the area. It is very popular with all kinds of vehicles. I was able to drive my Isuzu Rodeo SUV up and down the hill and I have seen a lot of dirt bikes and ATVs.

DEVIL’S SLIDE: Experience the thrill of sliding down a 200 foot-high hill or try to climb the 200’ using your dirt bike or ATV. Many try, but few succeed.

BARREL SPRINGS: This is another sand dunes hill.

SHELL REEF: The rangers ask that you do not ride your vehicles on and around this formation. Park under the reef and go exploring. You will find shells and pieces of reef. This area was under sea level 40 million years ago.

San Felipe Wash (and others): You can also have the time of your life riding along the main washes. San Felipe Wash runs all the way from the west end of the park back to highway 78. You can go under the highway and up to a store and restaurant. You can speed up a little bit along the wash because it is mainly open and flat, but watch out for the rocks and drift wood. Stay away from the wash on rainy days.

Anaheimer Tip: There is no water available in the area. Bring plenty with you, especially on warm days.

Location:

Ranger Station:

(760) 767-5391 (Don't hesitate to call for help)

More information at: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1217

Even more at: http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Ocotillo_Wells_OHV_Area.

Books about adventures in California:

• Anza-borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park & Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert
• Fodor's Southern California 2009: with Central Coast, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Diego (Fodor's Gold Guides)
• Southern California SUV Trails: A Rough-road Guide to Thirty-two Interesting Four-wheeling
  
• Excursions in the Western Mojave Desert
• Where to Go Really 4 Wheeling in California