California · USA

Truckhaven Hills OHV Area

Desert training ground where tanks learned to fight

Moderate

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.

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Trail Specs

Difficulty
Trail Type
Surface, ,
Features, ,
Length (miles)35 mi / 56.3 km
Duration1-2 days
Max elevation (ft)2400 ft
Best seasonOctober-April
Minimum vehicleStock 4WD high-clearance
Nearest townBorrego Springs, CA
Land managerBureau of Land Management
Permit requiredNo
Cell serviceSpotty
Water crossingsNo
Dispersed campingYes
Start coordinates
End coordinates
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Difficulty
Official: Moderate

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