90 Miles of Desert Wonder: Anza-Borrego to Ocotillo Wells
There are rides that are fun, rides that are challenging - and then there are rides that remind you exactly why you fell in love with adventuring out on your dirtbike in the first place. This was firmly the latter.
The Department of Wander crew set out on an extraordinary 90-mile dual sport loop through some of the very best off-road riding Southern California has to offer. From the vast openness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the playground-like chaos of Ocotillo Wells, this ride delivered variety, scale, and beauty at every turn.
Our route loops from Borrego Springs to Ocotillo Wells, Salton Sea and back.
Riding the Largest State Park in California
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is massive - the largest state park in California - and riding through it really drives home just how small you are in the grand scheme of things. The landscape stretches endlessly in every direction, a layered mix of badlands, washes, rocky canyons, and distant mountain ranges that seem to glow as the sun moves across the sky.
Despite covering serious mileage, it felt like we were barely scratching the surface. Every turn revealed something new: dramatic geological formations, wide-open desert expanses, tight canyon sections, and textures in the land that changed mile by mile. It’s the kind of terrain that keeps your mind engaged and your throttle hand honest.
Ocotillo Wells: Controlled Chaos
From there, the route flowed into the off-road mecca that is Ocotillo Wells. This area is famous for a reason - endless options, playful terrain, and something for every skill level. That said, Ocotillo is also a high-traffic area, especially with side-by-sides and other OHVs. Heads up, eyes open, and riding smart is essential out here.
Even so, the scale of the place is hard to comprehend. Open desert blends into technical sections, sand transitions into hardpack, and the horizon always seems just a little farther away than you expect.
Fuel Stop by the Salton Sea
About halfway through the ride, we rolled into the town of Salton Sea to refuel both bikes and bodies. It was a welcome pause - a moment to sit, hydrate, eat, and take it all in before diving back into the desert. These mid-ride stops often become some of the most memorable moments, where stories start forming even before the ride is over.
Highlights Along the Route
This loop is stacked with iconic desert landmarks and riding areas, each adding its own flavor to the day:
The Slot - Narrow, winding, and endlessly photogenic. Riding up to this section felt like riding through nature’s architecture.
Ocotillo Wells – Vast, busy, and full of energy. Ride alert and enjoy the endless possibilities.
Blow Sand – Deep sand and incredibly fun if you’re willing to commit.
Shell Reef – A surreal reminder that this desert was once underwater, with ancient formations that look almost alien.
Truckhaven – fun mud hills, canyons and raw desert riding.
And then there’s the crown jewel.
Font’s Point: A Desert Finale
Font’s Point is something special. Often described as a miniature Californian version of the Grand Canyon, it’s a place that stops you in your tracks. Standing there as the sun dropped toward the horizon, watching shadows stretch across the badlands, felt like the perfect ending to an already unforgettable ride.
It’s hard to describe the scale and beauty of it without seeing it yourself - but trust us, sunset is the time to be there.
We’ll Be Back
As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the desert began to cool, we pointed our bikes homeward, tired in the best possible way. This ride left a mark on us. The variety of terrain, the sheer beauty of the landscape, and the feeling of endless exploration made it impossible not to fall in love with this part of California.
We’ll be back. Soon.
