This pic shows just one of the obstacles at the RC truck off-road course just to the left of the Discovery Center at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). I’m not sure who was having the most fun, the kids or the adults!!
The Discovery Center at Ocotillo Wells SVRA is a great source of information about what’s available in the park, the applicable regulations, maps of the area, etc. I was impressed by the displays of native animals and most surprised by the badger seen in this pic. I was not aware that badgers lived in the desert! The Center also has a balloon tired wheel chair available for loan so everyone can get out and enjoy the desert.
Links: Ocotillo Wells SVRA
In my last post I discussed attending the American Adventurist Desert Rendezvous 2017 in Ocotillo Wells. A major part of that event was a cleanup of the desert landscape around where we were camped. All attendees fanned out across the desert with garbage bags in hand and picked up anything that shouldn’t have been there. The most interesting find was a large gun safe which had been drilled twice but was still locked!
Links: previous related post
Over this past weekend I camped at Sheep Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with a great group of folks. This pic shows our campsite with a view of a palm oasis on the mountain behind. The campsite was next to a stream which actually had some flowing water in it! Didn’t get to hike up to the oasis on this trip but definitely want to come back and get a closer view.
If you’re heading over to Borrego Springs from the west on the S22, you’ll go through the small town of Ranchita. On the northern side of the road you’ll see the fellow in this pic who is affectionately known as the Ranchita Yeti. The convenience store just to his left is now open after having been closed for a while so stop by, get a drink or snack, have a seat on the bench and ponder why a yeti would take up residence in Ranchita.
This pic shows Highway 78 between Escondido and Ramona, as seen from the Clevenger Canyon North trail. A great hike with plenty of interesting rocks, nice views, and 1400-1600 feet of elevation gain for a good workout.
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As I write this in early December it’s now “desert season” when the temperatures have fallen to the comfortable range and one can go out and enjoy beautiful terrain like that shown in this pic from Joshua Tree National Park. Go explore!
This view of the San Pasqual Valley with its colorful citrus groves was taken about a third of the way up the Clevenger Canyon North trail. The trail takes off from Highway 78 about 5 miles east of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The trail is an out and back of about 5 miles with 1400-1600 feet of elevation gain. My quads and knees got a good workout!
Links: Modern Hiker
As a Jeep enthusiast, I couldn’t resist posting this Ricardo Breceda sculpture that is located in Borrego Springs. Just remember to “tread lightly”.
If desert riding is your thing, look no further than Ocotillo Wells Vehicular Recreation Area which is adjacent to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It offers 85,000 acres of varied terrain to explore on two or four wheels. Open camping is available throughout the park and no fees are collected for camping or day use. But ya gotta love dirt!!!
Links: CA Parks previous related post
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