Follow the road to the five palms oasis and then switch to tule wash which leads to the surreal pumpkin patch. More than 80,000 acres of magnificent desert are open for offhighway exploration and recreation within the boundaries portrayed on the park map are operated by california state parks. The anzaborrego region is located in eastern san diego county, south of palm springs and just west of the salton sea. The pumpkin patch is located just east of anza borrego desert state park boundary, in the ocotillo wells srva. With more than 85,000 acres and varied types of desert terrain, the ocotillo wells svra provides interesting and unique opportunities for all types of offroad riders.
Pumpkin patch near anzaborrego fleet science center. Arroyo salado campground is a free primitive desert campground located in southern californias sprawling anza borrego state park. Ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area, a california. From hwy s22 at arroyo salado primitive campground you can 4wd or hike to the 17. I found a place called the pumpkin patch, in ocotillo wells, where round rocks littered the ground as if it were really a pumpkin patch. Pumpkin patch is an area where the ground has eroded to reveal. The next junction is unsigned, go left here for another 0. Dont use the coordinates for the pumpkin patch on your gps, it wont be able to take you there. Pumpkin patch trail ocotillo wells svra california offroad trail. There are miles and miles of trails, hills and washes to ride atv s. And for the jeep enthusiasts out there, the scenic tierra del sol trail is a mustdo. Easy access to gas dome, pumpkin patch, devils slide, shell reef, etc. Camping is not permitted at shell reef, devils slide, blowsand hill, the notches, or 4x4 training areas. Located near the salton sea and covering portions of both san diego and imperial counties, ocotillo wells.
The site of the pumpkin patch has a large dirt parking area with picnic tables and a bathroom. Ocotillo wells has many attractions you can ride too and see pumpkin patch, blow sand, shel reef, gas dome etc but because it is a state park it is managed as one and you will see for example at the pumpkin patch. Outside its boundaries, to the south and east, large tracts of blm land are also open to offhighway vehicles. Weve listed the coordinates for the actual pumpkin patch and 3 different entrances above.
Ocotillo wells is the perfect location to enjoy your motorcycle, quad, buggy, jeep, truck or other offroad vehicle. Pumpkin patch offroad trail ocotillo wells svra, ca. The history of the pumpkin patch the pumpkin patch is located in the ocotillo wells srva, just east of the anza borrego state park boundary. Photo by david muench in the january 1981 edition of desert magazine. Ocotillo wells is an offroading playground with many trails to explore. This desert covers a large area and includes the state park of the same name, a small resort town at its center and a large offroad park called ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area. This unique pumpkin patch is actually a collection of geological oddities in the barren desert sands of ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area located along the eastern fringe of san diego county. Ocotillo wells rv camping advice sign in to follow this. Ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation areaocotillo wells state vehicular recreation ar pumpkin patch these round rocks were created long ago when the climate was wet, then shaped through centuries of erosion. The campground is located in a small desert valley about a quarter mile from borrego salton seaway highway s22 and allows you to camp anywhere you can pitch your tent or park your rv. Camping is free and entrance to the state park is free. Welcome to ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area svra, where more than 85,000 acres of southern california desert await offhighway vehicle ohv enthusiasts.
Includes color photos, maps, rules, regulations and links to. Pumpkin patch borrego springs, ca tourist information. California state vehicular recreation area discovery center. Help preserve the pumpkin patch and the nearby ridges where new pumpkinsize concretions grow.
Maine boasts of many more than 60 lighthouses, many of which can be accessed by car. This offroad vehicle area is part of the departments southern division, ocotillo wells district which is headquartered in borrego springs. Located within the ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area, youll need an offroad vehicle to get to this remote location where there is an enclosed field called the pumpkin patch off the tule wash which features numerous pumpkin sized concretions, or round sandstone formations. It is a unique geologic phenomenon called concretions.
The pumpkin patch, located within the ocotillo wells offhighway vehicle area, is an enclosed,protected area for everyone to enjoy. Amie and i were invited by polaris adventures to head down to ocotillo wells for a half day of offroading at ironwoods offroad. With over 80,000 aces and large stretches of blm land to the south and east, there is plenty to see and vast desert trails that you can ride. The name pumpkin patch is due to the sites unique structures called concretions that resemble a pumpkin patch in shape, size and distribution. Alberts rv rental san diego rv rentals ocotillo wells. We are within driving distance to many coastal areas including rockland, camden, castine and bar harbor. Most camping locations are within minutes from our location. Apr 03, 2020 ocotillo wells is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Welcome to the ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area. Being inside the state park there is no off road riding allowed but access to ocotillo wells ohv area is excellent. Over square miles of desert are open for offhighway exploration. Its so wonderful to see how you take such pride in making it so beautiful and clean. The pumpkin patch, ocotillo wells state recreation area. Ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area is set aside for offroad vehicles able to navigate deep sand, but there is limited access for highway vehicles. The pumpkin patch located on the ocotillo wells svra has a unique landscape is the result of wind and water continuously eroding the surface soil and revealing these globular sandstone concretions making it look like a pumpkin. Operated by california state parks, this large open area offers many types of interesting and unique terrain, such as the gas domes and pumpkin patch areas. This area is filled with weird sand concretions that were made when wind and water continuously eroded the surface soil and revealed these round sandstone concretions. Ocotillo wells rv camping advice open discussion san. General info maps pumpkin patch blow sand hill 4 x 4 training area. Ocotillo wells srva is one of eight state vehicular recreational areas in the state of. Blowsand hill windblown sand is a highly effective.
About 18 miles from christmas circle, as you come into the small hamlet of ocotillo wells, look for split mountain road and turn right south. Gas no gas in ocotillo wells, but there is gas in salton city off the s22 and the 86, also gas in borrego springs, but thats a bit out of the way. Sep 23, 2017 the pumpkin patch, ocotillo wells state recreation area. Pumpkin patch via arroyo salado road and tule wash. These pumpkin shaped rocks are called concretions and were formed under the sand by water carrying properties that solidified the surrounding sandstone forming a concrete like substance that dried.
Ocotillo wells is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. California state parks ocotillo wells svra has over 80,000 acres of magnificent desert for offroad exploration and recreation, including a 4x4 training area. The rocks along this area are circular which definitely makes it look like a pumpkin patch. Continue past yaqui pass road and turn left east onto s. Wind and water have washed away the surface soil and left spherical sandstone concretions. From ocotillo wells, travel another 1 mile to the pumpkin patch on your right parking situation.
Guide to the pumpkin patch in southeastern californias ocotillo wells vehicle recreation area. The trail is primarily used for camping and off road driving and is best used from november until march. Jun 06, 2017 pumpkin patch is an iconic geological site and a must see while visiting anza borrego or ocotillo wells. The odd phenomenon found here is this small patch of land thats covered with pumpkinshaped. Ocotillo wells svra california motorcycle and atv trails. We took the opportunity to explore the amazing ocotillo wells area. Ocotillo wells svra, 5172 highway 78, borrego springs, ca. My absolute favorite spot to camp in ocotillo wells is in the badlands. Pumpkin patch octillo wells lemon grove, california. You wont be taking home a pumpkin from this patch the. Wind erosion has blown away the lands surface to reveal the unique pumpkin shaped.
Your office staff was so helpful in guiding us for a restaurant as well as making us feel welcome. Ocotillo wells is a very popular state vehicular recreation area. Pumpkin patch anza borrego desert state park, ca that. Please help preserve the pumpkin patch and the nearby ridges of ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area where new pumpkin size desert pearls are emerging. Weve been camping and offroading in ocotillo wells for the past five years, and we love it so much that we normally make the trek at least 23 times each season. Ocotillo wells svra, 5172 highway 78, borrego springs, ca 2020. Pumpkin patch 25 photos local flavor ocotillo wells, ca. The pumpkin patch is full of sphericallyshaped rocks that are all the size of an average pumpkin, hence the name. Weve had our toyhauler over a year now, and have only camped ocotillo one weekend out of the 50 weve gone to glamis, plaster city and gordons well. The ultimate off road guide to ocotillo wells berts mega. Ocotillo wells atv rentals san diego motor sport rentals. Ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area hike. Pumpkin patch ohv trail is a 7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near borrego springs, california and is rated as moderate.
We were so pleased with our stay at pumpkin patch rv resort. This area is filled with weird sand concretions that were made when wind and water continuously eroded the surface. Groceryrestaurants i remember there was a private campground at the west end on the 78 that had a store maybe gas. In spite of the torrential downpour and flash flooding, we pressed on and completed what should have been an easy siteseeing trip through the desert, but turned into a six hours mud run. Ocotillo wells srva is one of eight state vehicular recreational areas in the state of california, and provides a great offroading escape and dispersed camping throughout the 85,000 acres that make up the park. Pumpkin patch this unique landscape is the result of wind and. Maps are available to those who are unfamiliar with the area. The pumpkin patch is a little known, but spectacular, geologic wonder located in the ocotillo state offroad vehicular recreation area. Camping is permitted throughout ocotillo wells for up to 30 days. Pumpkin patch trail is one of a variety of trails that lead to the pumpkin patch stock 4wd vehicles and 2wd vehicles with high. Ocotillo wells ohv area state park in anza borrego california is full of trails to ride and places to camp. The badlands are located on the northern edge of ocotillo wells, west of the 4.
On split mountain road youll pass by the parking area for the elephant tree discovery trail. Apr 01, 2020 operated by california state parks, this large open area offers many types of interesting and unique terrain, such as the gas domes and pumpkin patch areas. I drove in from the ocotillo wells side on the pumpkin patch trail. Large tracts of blm land to the south and east are also open to offhighway vehicles. If you have limited time, save the remotely located pumpkin patch and gas domes for another day. Some of the key features in the parks are blowsand hill, devils slide, shell reef, gas dome and pumpkin patch. Theres a ton of geological action at work in ocotillo wells, such as the active gas domes, the odd pumpkinshaped formations in the pumpkin patch, and the oyster shells at shell reef.
We definitely prefer camping within ocotillo wells because you cant beat the desert views, but for campers who like to have full hookups, leapin lizard is a great spot. The borrego badlands in anzaborrego desert state park. Take the s22 to the arroyo salado primitive campground turnoff and take the arroyo salado wash for approx. As cooler temperatures return to our county desert areas, its now a good time to discover some of these fascinating features. The recreation area boasts numerous trails for riders of any skill or experience level.
The california department of parks and recreation operates the ocotillo wells state vehicle recreation area which borders the community. The ultimate off road guide to ocotillo wells berts mega mall. Pumpkin patch octillo wells lemon grove, california state. Located within the ocotillo wells offhighway vehicle area, these unusual globular sandstone concretions look like pumpkins and are created by layers of sand and rock that build up over small objects like a pearl growing from sand in. See more ideas about local parks, park photos and park city.
One of the more geologically interesting places in the anzaborrego area is the pumpkin patch. The name pumpkin patch is due to the sites unique structures called concretions that resemble a pumpkin patch in. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. Big desert fun in southern california in san diego and imperial county. One of the hidden gems in anza borrego state park is known as the pumpkin patch. Ocotillo wells resource for current weather in ocotillo wells. Ive read elsewhere that the roads are easy and that you can take any stock 4 wheel drive vehicle in. The entrance to the offroad area and ranger station is directly across the street from our rv park. The trail is primarily used for camping and ohvoff road driving and is best used from november until march.
The borrego badlands fonts point anza borrego desert state park has seven unique areas and more than 600,000 acres of parkland that you can explore. And there are even educational opportunities within the park. Anza borrego state parkthe pumpkin patch the adventure portal. The ocotillo wells svra is operated by california state parks, ohmvr division, located approximately 1.
Holmes camp has vault toilets, shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings and pay showers that accept quarters. Includes color photos, maps, rules, regulations and links to nearby locations. Although there are no actual pumpkins here, the pumpkin patch is definitely one of the most. The ultimate off road guide to ocotillo wells berts. Weve also camped at leapin lizard rv ranch which is located directly across the street from the southern edge of ocotillo wells. Located within the ocotillo wells state vehicular recreation area, youll need an offroad vehicle to get to this remote location where there is an enclosed field called the pumpkin patch off the tule wash which features numerous pumpkinsized concretions, or round sandstone formations.
Pumpkin patch 25 photos local flavor ocotillo wells. The trail is primarily used for camping and ohvoff road driving and is best used. The rock formations are fenced off with a small walkway to go threw to walk around and see. There are a few restrooms and a convenience store as well as a. Dry camping is available in multiple locations and is often full of rvs. Join us for fabulous camping activities like fishing, 4x4 and jeep driving, hiking, bird watching, geocaching, and wildflower viewing. Ocotillo wells recommendations polaris rzr forum rzr. Ocotillo wells srva is one of eight state vehicular recreational areas in the state of california, and provides a great offroading escape and dispersed camping throughout the. Pumpkin patch ohv trail closed california alltrails. The name became official in 1962 when it was adopted for federal use by the board on geographic names. Ocotillo wells ohv day run, pumpkin patch, and gas domes, saturday, 14 march 2020 run leader.
Ocotillo wells ohv day run, pumpkin patch, and gas domes. Of particular interest are the concretions found throughout owsvra, particularly at the pumpkin patch. Although there are no actual pumpkins here, the pumpkin patch is definitely one of the most popular spots to visit in ocotillo wells. Ocotillo wells is an unincorporated community in san diego county, california. Una palma and the pumpkin patch read more a couple of miles to the east on s22, you will find the calcite. I had to reception to check in but thought this place was pretty cool. Concretions are found all over the world, but they are not all formed in the same way. Such concretions are believed to be formed by the natural cementing of sand particles to a small object such as a piece of shell, a grain of sand or even an insect. Call us at 8775628941 for details or reservations for ocotillo wells. Sadly, the pumpkin patch has shrunk over the years. Free camping is available at numerous locations along state route 78. I drove in from the ocotillo wells side on the pumpkin patch trail in my grocery getter 2005 honda pilot. A really unique land feature that is fun to check out while cooling off after the ride out.
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