Truckhaven Hills OHV Area
Desert training ground where tanks learned to fight
The Truckhaven Hills sprawl across 25,000 acres of moonscape badlands east of Borrego Springs, where General Patton once trained tank crews for World War II. The desert here fractures into countless washes, ridges, and slot canyons that form a natural playground for everything from stock pickups to full-blown trophy trucks. Shell Reef Road serves as the main artery, but the real adventure lies in the unmarked network branching through formations like Pumpkin Patch and Calcite Mine.
Moderate to difficult depending on route choice, suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles on main routes with expert lines requiring serious armor. Best tackled October through April when desert heat won’t cook you alive. No permits needed, but bring GPS waypoints since getting lost in this labyrinth is easier than finding your way out. You’ll discover why this place shaped desert racing culture — endless miles of challenging terrain where mechanical sympathy matters more than horsepower.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2400 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Borrego Springs, CA |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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