TL;DR
Fish Creek Wash is a roughly 37-mile out-and-back sand wash through Split Mountain in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, rated moderate and reliably open to street-legal 4WDs. It's a different kind of desert driving than Glamis's dunes, and it stays open while the park's Coyote Canyon route remains closed to vehicles.
Recommended
Recommended for this trail
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We research rather than test, and commissions never change our rankings. This site is reader-supported: those commissions pay for hosting, research and keeping every guide up to date, so if a guide helped you, buying through our links is an easy way to support it. How we rank · Full disclosure
Best for fast inflation of larger off-road tires.
- Heavy-duty 12V off-road compressor.
- Built for inflating larger off-road tires quickly.
Best for plugging a tread puncture on the trail.
- Reamer-and-plugger kit for tread punctures.
- Lets you plug a tire on the trail instead of changing it.
Quick answers
- Need a 4WD, or will AWD/2WD do?
- 4WD is recommended. Some sections may be passable in high-clearance AWD in dry conditions, but the research basis for this place assumes 4WD. Noted vehicle needs: street-legal, high-clearance vehicle (OHVs are prohibited in the state park); 4WD recommended for the deeper wash sections; aggressive/all-terrain tires a plus.
- Trailers/RVs OK?
- Not confirmed — check with California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park before you go.
- Dogs allowed?
- Not confirmed — check with California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park before you go.
- Campfires allowed?
- Not confirmed — check with California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park before you go. Fire restrictions change with drought and season — confirm the current status with California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park before you light one.
- Permit or pass needed?
- Not required, per the research on file for this place.Official page
- Suggested air-down range?
- Check conditions — no official air-down range is on file for this place; ask at the entrance station or land-manager office.
- Seasonal closures?
- Coyote Canyon is closed to all vehicles beyond the Third Crossing since 2023 storm damage, and closed to public use/occupancy entirely from June 1 to September 30 for endangered species protection
- Cell coverage?
- Patchy in the deeper wash and canyon sections Don’t rely on it — carry a satellite messenger or PLB.
About this place
About Fish Creek Wash
Fish Creek Wash is one of the most-traveled 4x4 routes inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, entering through the sheer, narrow rock walls of Split Mountain before opening into a wide, braided desert wash. It's roughly 37 miles out and back from the Split Mountain trailhead near Ocotillo Wells.
This is badlands and canyon-wash driving rather than dune climbing, which sets it apart from California's other big desert 4x4 destination, Glamis/Imperial Sand Dunes. Fish Creek Wash rewards reading a braided sand wash and narrow canyon route-finding rather than powering up dune faces.
It's also worth knowing what this page is not about: Anza-Borrego's other well-known 4x4 route, Coyote Canyon, has been closed to vehicle traffic beyond the Third Crossing since 2023 storm damage and remains closed as of this writing, so anyone researching 'Anza-Borrego jeep trails' should plan around Fish Creek Wash rather than Coyote Canyon for now.
Why you need 4WD at Fish Creek Wash
The first few miles from the Split Mountain (east) side are often passable by an ordinary passenger car in dry weather, but the deeper wash sections need real 4WD and aggressive tires, especially once any rain has softened the sand.
Only street-legal vehicles are permitted anywhere in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — OHVs are prohibited — so this is a trail for a licensed, registered 4WD rather than a dedicated off-road buggy; the nearby Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is the separate OHV-legal option in the same area.
How hard is it?
Level of difficulty
Trail guides rate it a comparatively easy wash drive (roughly 3 of 10 on common trail-difficulty scales) that most high-clearance 4WDs handle without technical obstacles; the challenge is sand-driving technique and route-finding through the braided wash rather than rock crawling.
Gear this band commonly needs
- 4WD with functioning low range
- All-terrain tires
- Basic recovery board or strap
Hazards flagged for Fish Creek Wash
Not flagged in this place's research — see the pros/cons and rules below for the full detail.
Gear list is our generic trail-rating rubric for this band, not place-specific. Hazards are pulled from this place's own visitor reports and rules, only when explicitly mentioned.
Can My Rig Do It?
Save your rig (tire size & lift height) to see a quick comparison against what Fish Creek Wash commonly needs.
General guidance only — this compares your saved tire size and lift height against the band's typical gear list, not your actual driving experience, tread pattern, or current trail conditions. It is not a go/no-go decision.
What visitors say
Pros and cons, according to visitors
What visitors love
- Reviewers call Fish Creek Wash one of the most-traveled and reliably accessible 4x4 routes in the park, passing between dramatic sheer canyon walls at Split Mountain source
- Recent trip reports describe the wash as open and passable with only minor mud spots, making it a dependable option compared to some of the park's storm-affected routes source
- Visitors highlight the badlands scenery and canyon narrows as a highlight distinct from typical open-desert or dune driving source
What visitors warn about
- Deeper sections of the wash are reported as needing real 4WD and aggressive tires once past the first few miles, catching out drivers expecting an easy passenger-car drive the whole way source
- The park's better-known Coyote Canyon 4x4 route has been closed to vehicles beyond the Third Crossing since 2023 storm damage, which visitors researching 'Anza-Borrego jeep trails' should know before planning a trip around it source
- Wash conditions change with weather, and reviewers note the first few miles are 'not so' passable by passenger car when wet source
Plan your trip
What it's like in the dry, wet and cold seasons
Dry season
October through April
The main visiting season, avoiding extreme desert summer heat. Good rainfall years also bring wildflower season, which draws heavier visitation to the park generally.
Wet season
rare desert storms, notably late-summer tropical remnants
Rain can quickly soften the wash's sand and create mud spots. The park's Coyote Canyon route remains closed to vehicles due to 2023 tropical storm damage — a reminder that conditions here can change fast and access should always be checked first.
Cold season
December-February
Mild days and cold desert nights make this a comfortable season to drive the wash outside of any storm activity.
Best time to go
October through April, checking current road conditions with the visitor center given this park's recent history of storm-related closures.
Season & Access
Typical open window
October through April, checking current road conditions with the visitor center given this park's recent history of storm-related closures.
Managing agency
California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Official map / permit page
California State Parks, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park official page
Conditions change: confirm with the land manager before you go.
Our recommendations
- Check current road conditions with the visitor center before a trip, especially after any rain
- Expect to need 4WD and aggressive tires once you're a few miles past the Split Mountain entrance
- Remember only street-legal vehicles are allowed in the park — OHVs are prohibited
- Don't plan a trip around Coyote Canyon; it remains closed to vehicles beyond the Third Crossing
- Carry extra water; this is open desert with real summer heat risk
- Expect wildflower-season crowds if visiting after a good rainfall year
- Respect seasonal closures protecting sensitive desert habitat elsewhere in the park
Amenities
Camping
Dispersed desert camping is generally allowed in much of the park along existing roads; developed campgrounds exist elsewhere in Anza-Borrego (Tamarisk Grove, Borrego Palm Canyon)
Toilets
None directly on the wash; available at developed park facilities
Drinking water
No potable water on the route
Fuel on site
None; fuel up in Ocotillo Wells or Borrego Springs before entering
Cell coverage
Patchy in the deeper wash and canyon sections
Air-up
Not confirmed — check with the land manager before you go.
Also good to know
The route connects to Split Mountain Road and sits near the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, a separate OHV area where dune-buggy and ATV use is permitted
Recommended
Air down, air up
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Purchases through these links help keep this site running and up to date. Learn more
Best for airing all four tires down to a set pressure at once.
- Automatic deflators preset between 6 and 30 PSI.
- Air all four tires down at once, then stop at the set pressure.
Best for airing back up before you hit pavement.
- Portable 12V compressor rated to 150 PSI.
- Sized for truck and SUV tires.
Getting there
Where is Fish Creek Wash?
Topo tiles: USGS The National Map. Fallback layer: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Fish Creek Wash / Split Mountain trailhead near Ocotillo Wells, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (33.0378, -116.1206) · Nearest town: Ocotillo Wells, CA
How to get there
The Split Mountain trailhead sits a few miles south of Ocotillo Wells off County Route S3/Split Mountain Road. A day-use fee applies at some park locations, though not necessarily right at this trailhead — check with the visitor center for current fee points. Fuel up in Ocotillo Wells or Borrego Springs before heading in, since nothing is available on the wash itself.
Supplies & services
Gas, groceries, mechanics and towing
Nearest shops and gas stations
Gas station
- Blu In Cafe7.5 mi
2189 CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Google Maps Apple Maps - Maverik38.3 mi
1402 S Dogwood Rd, El Centro, CA 92243
Google Maps Apple Maps - Petro Merica43.2 mi
802 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065
Google Maps Apple Maps
Groceries
- El Sol Market34.5 mi
124 W Barioni Blvd, Imperial, CA 92251
Google Maps Apple Maps - MICHE CARIBBEAN MARKET INC50.8 mi
769 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021
Google Maps Apple Maps - Ralphs Fresh Fare51.8 mi
74884 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Google Maps Apple Maps
Closest mechanics, towing and tire shops
Mechanic
- Willingham Auto & Buggy Repair6.6 mi
5587 Split Mountain Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Google Maps Apple Maps - Newman's Maintenance33.6 mi
2063 Buckman Spgs Rd, Campo, CA 91906
Google Maps Apple Maps - Cam Stone's Automotive50.6 mi
74867 Velie Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Google Maps Apple Maps
Towing / recovery
- S & R Towing Inc. - Borrego Springs-Glamis8.5 mi
4875 CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Google Maps Apple Maps - Dick's Towing34.8 mi
1321 Buckman Spgs Rd, Campo, CA 91906
Google Maps Apple Maps - J T Towing & Auto Repair34.8 mi
467 W Aten Rd, Imperial, CA 92251
Google Maps Apple Maps
Tire shop
- Muy Rapido Repair7.4 mi
5965 CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Google Maps Apple Maps - Pep Boys Auto Service & Tires35.9 mi
902 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
Google Maps Apple Maps - Walmart Auto Care Center43.2 mi
2540 Rockwood Ave, Calexico, CA 92231
Google Maps Apple Maps
Distances are straight-line miles from the map pin; the drive is longer. Listings come from Google Maps business data (checked September 2026); emails are shown only where the business publishes one on its own website. Hours change, so call ahead, especially off-season.
Stay safe
Emergency services
In an emergency, call 911 first
Police, fire, ambulance and search & rescue. The contacts below are a courtesy and can change.
Nearest hospital
Pioneers Memorial Hospital
207 W Legion Rd, Brawley, CA 92227
Nearest full-service hospital, in Brawley, serving the eastern Anza-Borrego/Imperial Valley area
Google Maps Apple MapsSheriff
San Diego County Sheriff — Borrego Springs Office
Covers the Anza-Borrego area
Land manager
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
Manages the park and can confirm current road/closure status
Before you lose signal
Cell coverage is patchy in the deeper wash and canyon sections; this is remote open desert, so carry extra water and let someone know your route, especially given the park's recent history of storm-related road closures elsewhere.
Good to know
Rules and permits
Only street-legal vehicles are permitted in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and OHVs are prohibited; vehicles must stay on designated roadways. A day-use fee is collected at some park locations. Coyote Canyon, a separate and better-known route in the park, is closed to all vehicles beyond the Third Crossing due to 2023 storm damage, and closed entirely to public use from June 1 to September 30 for endangered species protection — this doesn't affect Fish Creek Wash, but is worth knowing when researching the park's 4x4 options.
Permit: No special permit to drive the wash; a day-use fee (around $10 per vehicle as of recent posted pricing) is collected at some park locations, though not necessarily at this specific trailhead — confirm current fee points with the visitor center. Only street-legal vehicles are permitted in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; OHVs are prohibited. (official page)
- Only street-legal vehicles are permitted in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; OHVs are prohibited
- Vehicles must remain on designated roadways
- A day-use fee is collected at some park locations; confirm current fee points with the visitor center
- Coyote Canyon is closed to all vehicles beyond the Third Crossing since 2023 storm damage, and closed to public use/occupancy entirely from June 1 to September 30 for endangered species protection
- Check current road conditions with the visitor center before any backcountry drive in the park
Gear for this trip
Gear for long, remote routes
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Purchases through these links help keep this site running and up to date. Learn more
Best for carrying drinking water where none is available.
- 5-gallon (20 L) BPA-free, food-grade water container.
- Military-style jug that stacks and stores in the bed.
Best for extra fuel on long, remote routes (EPA & CARB compliant).
- 5-gallon (20 L) NATO-style steel jerry can with spout.
- EPA and CARB compliant.
Best for rated connection points for straps and ropes.
- 3/4 in D-ring shackles, 41,850 lb listed break strength (2-pack).
- Connect straps to rated recovery points.
Best for a lighter alternative to steel shackles.
- 7/16 in synthetic soft shackle, 52,300 lb listed breaking strength.
- Lighter than a steel shackle and won't become a projectile.
We research products from manufacturer specs and owner feedback; we don't test them ourselves. How we choose.
Straight answers
Fish Creek Wash FAQ
Is Fish Creek Wash open right now?
Yes — recent trip reports describe it as open and passable, unlike the park's Coyote Canyon route, which remains closed to vehicles beyond the Third Crossing due to 2023 storm damage. Always check current conditions with the visitor center before a trip.
Do you need 4WD for Fish Creek Wash?
The first few miles from the Split Mountain entrance are often passable by passenger car in dry weather, but the deeper wash sections need real 4WD and aggressive tires, especially after any rain.
Can you ride OHVs on Fish Creek Wash?
No — only street-legal vehicles are permitted anywhere in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. OHV riders should head to the nearby Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area instead.
Is Coyote Canyon open to vehicles?
No — Coyote Canyon has been closed to vehicle traffic beyond the Third Crossing since 2023 tropical storm damage, and the park is still working on a redesigned reroute. Fish Creek Wash is the more reliably accessible 4x4 option in the meantime.
How long is Fish Creek Wash?
Roughly 37 miles round trip as an out-and-back drive from the Split Mountain trailhead, passing through narrow canyon walls before opening into a wide, braided wash.
Do you need a permit to drive Fish Creek Wash?
No special permit — just the standard park day-use fee collected at some locations. Confirm current fee points and pricing with the Anza-Borrego visitor center before your trip.
Sources
Researched from official land-manager, county and hospital sites plus published visitor reports. We have not driven every trail ourselves. See how we research.
- California State Parks — Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — Managing agency, fees, street-legal-only rule, visitor center phone number
- Anza-Borrego Foundation — Coyote Canyon Closure Update — Coyote Canyon vehicle closure status and cause
- San Diego County Sheriff's Department — Patrol Stations — Borrego Springs Office phone number
- Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District — Contact Us — Nearest hospital name, address and phone number
- Visitor and trail-guide reports (onX Offroad, Trailforks, IH8MUD forum run report), summarized — Pros/cons paraphrased from real visitor and trail-guide reports
Keep exploring
More 4x4 places
Big Bend Backcountry Roads, Texas
national park primitive 4x4 road network · difficulty 6/10
Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah
sand dune OHV area · difficulty 4/10
Death Valley Backcountry Roads, California
national park primitive 4x4 road network · difficulty 5/10
Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes), California
sand dunes (OHV recreation area) · difficulty 7/10
Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia
OHV trail network · difficulty 6/10
Johnson Valley, California
OHV recreation area / rock-crawl trail network · difficulty 9/10
Mojave Road, California
historic desert 4x4 route · difficulty 5/10
Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina
national forest OHV trail network · difficulty 6/10