San Diego is surrounded to the east by thousands of acres of desert and red rock country. Outdoor enthusiasts and off-road drivers use the region for a variety of activities, including all-terrain vehicle (ATV driving and 4x4ing. San Diego county has several trails and areas designated as ATV and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use areas. Remember to wear a helmet when heading out into the dusty backcountry around San Diego.
The Ocotillo Wells SVRA is part of the California State Parks system. There are no day use or camping fees collected at Ocotillo Wells, making it a popular destination for off-road aficionados. Blow Sand Hill Trail has shifting sand dunes to test the skills of even the savviest of drivers. The Devil's Slide has a 200-foot-high granite peak to challenge ATV riders. In addition to trails, there are vault toilets, camping areas and fresh-water spigots.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Highway 78
Borrego Springs, California 92004
800-777-0369
parks.ca.gov
The Heber Dunes SVRA is managed as part of the California State Parks. Heber Dunes has 343 acres of trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, 4x4s and dune buggies. Heber Dunes is southeast of San Diego, near the Mexican border. Heber Dunes is day-use only site, and there is no camping allowed. Trails and obstacles include hard-packed sand fins, dry lake beds with hard-packed clay and shifting sand dunes. There are flush toilets, showers and water spigots at the park.
Heber Dunes SVRA
1610 Heber Beach
Holtville, California 92250
760-767-5391
ohv.parks.ca.gov
Portions of the San Bernardino National Forest are open for OHV and ATV use. The San Bernardino National Forest encompasses thousands of acres of forest, desert and scrub land north of San Diego. ATV and OHV vehicles may use designated fire roads and ATV trails for exploring the forest. Forest rangers ask that you be trail aware as you are sharing these access routes with mountain bikers and equestrian riders.
San Bernardino National Forest
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave
San Bernardino, California 92408
909-382-2600
fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/recreation/ohv/
