Ocotillo Wells Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Shell reef!
Shell reef!
Rather lengthy, but please considering reading about this amazing and unique landscape!

Located just east of the Anza-Borrego State Park boundary is a unique geologic phenomenon known as the Pumpkin Patch.  Here, you’ll find a patch of land, covered with spherically-shaped rocks that look like pumpkins. 

One needs a high-clearance vehicle, a 4WD, because there are several stretches of sand in the washes. The terrain is pretty rough, mostly frequented by ATVs and dirt bikes. Only an adept driver can manage to drive on these rough paths!

The ‘pumpkins’ were created over the last four thousand years and are actually unique geological structures called ‘concretions’. They were formed very similar to how the pearls are created in nature. 

Formed in the Colorado river basin, the silt in the river bed created layers upon layers around a core of something as small as a pebble, leaf, stick, or a piece of bone. As the sand from the river washed away, here emerged the pumpkins and over millions of years, due to winds and other natural weather factors, became rounded in shape. Many of these concretions are over two feet in diameter.

Of course today, the terrain is very foreign-looking as if some aliens laid these rocks on purpose. 

It was a very fun trip, thanks to our friend Dan Warner, who was kind enough to drive us in his awesome brand-new specially modified truck very deftly over some harsh terrain!

We camped alongside the pumpkins (fenced off to protect them from vandalism), waking up at 1 am to shoot the rising Milky Way. It was fun sharing this experience with a few photog friends!

Personally, it was my very first time camping, EVER, and it was a beautiful experience sleeping under a very dark sky with a canopy of twinkling stars! An experience of a life-time for this senior! 

I bring you Milky Way over the Anza Borrego Desert in California. 

Oh What A Night!!!
Great place for off-roading!
Borrego Springs Resort & Spa

Borrego Springs Resort & Spa

3 out of 5
1112 Tilting T Drive Borrego Springs CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,742 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
₹13,742
₹16,818 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Borrego Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Main bartender was Awesome! Whole experience was Great!

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Borrego Springs Resort & Spa
Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort

3.5 out of 5
221 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs CA
Stay at this motel in Borrego Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Room was clean and comfortable, staff was very friendly and helpful during the limited hours they were available. It was disappointing to find that the restaurant was closed, with no hint if it would ever re-open again.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort
La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa

La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
3845 Yaqui Pass Rd Borrego Springs CA
The price is ₹26,370 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
₹26,370
₹31,006 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Borrego Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Very nice room! Excellent restaurant!

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

2 out of 5
7878 Great Southern Overland Julian CA
Stay at this campsite in Julian. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attraction Yaqui Well is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
Stage coach was great. Just be advised, their store is closed Sunday and Monday and the nearest one is about 30 minutes away.

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort
Borrego Springs Condo w/ Private Hot Tub & Views!

Borrego Springs Condo w/ Private Hot Tub & Views!

3 out of 5
1654 Las Casitas Dr Borrego Springs CA
Stay at this apartment in Borrego Springs. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions RoadRunner Golf & Country Club and Yaqui ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
The fully equipped kitchen was a joy. Beds were comfy and the soaking tub was amazing.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2025

Borrego Springs Condo w/ Private Hot Tub & Views!
Borrego Springs Hideaway: Pool Table, Mtn Views!

Borrego Springs Hideaway: Pool Table, Mtn Views!

3 out of 5
2890 Fonts Point Dr Borrego Springs CA
Stay at this cottage in Borrego Springs. Enjoy a pool table, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Yaqui Well and RoadRunner Golf & Country Club ...
Borrego Springs Hideaway: Pool Table, Mtn Views!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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