2011 OAUSA Borregofest, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

The Anza-Borrego State Park is the largest state park in California. It encompasses an amazing expanse of desert wilderness, with many varieties of terrain, and it is one of my favorite areas to explore. No matter how many times I go, there is always a new area to explore, or an opportunity to re-explore  the changes to previously visited areas due to wind, rain, heat, erosion, and earthquake activity.

I recently attended the third annual Outdoor Adventure USA Borregofest, an event held in the Anza-Borrego State Park October 21-23 this year. Dirty Parts has been a sponsor of this event since its inception, and the OAUSA Borregofest is always a fantastic weekend for all who attend. There were trail runs throughout the Anza-Borrego desert wilderness, a soon-to-be world famous pot-luck feast, and demonstrations of the usefulness of ham radio as a means of trail and disaster communications.

Ricardo Beceda's "Ode to Off-Roaders" Jeep sculpture

Thanks to the work of the OAUSA staff, Diana and Lowell Lindsay, authors of the preeminent book on the Anza-Borrego area, gave a presentation telling the story of the amazing sheet metal sculptures of Ricardo Breceda, a series of unique art works found throughout the nearby Borrego Springs area. After a weekend exploring the trails throughout the park and wilderness areas, it was relaxing change to tour Borrego Springs checking out the sculptures before finally heading home.

On the dusty trail towards Diablo Drop-Off

Preparation for trails in the desert is important – the weather can be unforgiving, and it is easy to become disoriented in the miles of dusty trails. Plenty of water is important, as well as a means of communication in case of emergency. CB radios have been the norm for off-road enthusiasts for many years, but the short range and dubious clarity of CB transmissions prevent it from helping other than vehicle to vehicle communications. Amateur radio (ham) is fast becoming the go-to means of communications on the trail, as it has far greater range, and substantially better sound quality than CB. Many off road clubs are now using ham radio, and groups like Outdoor Adventure USA are offering testing sessions for those looking to acquire or upgrade their amateur radio license.

Trailhead Deflators

It is also important to minimize damage to your tires and vehicle when traveling over desert terrain. Airing down the tire pressure can make for a softer ride, give you a larger tire footprint for traction in loose sand, and reduce damage to tires and suspension from the moguls and rutted sandy washes when going faster than a crawl. I suggest carrying a set of tire deflators, such as those made by Trailhead Deflators or Staun Products. The deflators allow you to decrease tire pressure to a preset pressure quickly, and let you deflate all 4 tires at the same time while continuing on your way. This method is much easier, and less time-consuming, than trying to deflate each tire by hand. 

Power Tank CO2 System

Of course, it is equally important to re-inflate your tires before hitting the pavement.  Having an air compressor or liquid CO2 tank to re-inflate your tires is a must – driving on pavement with underinflated tires can cause permanent damage to your tires, and possible blowouts on the road.  Many styles of air compressors, from companies including ARB, Viair, and Superflow, are available – portable units than clamp to your battery and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, as well as permanent mount models that are always ready to go.  CO2 tanks, such as the Power Tank systems, generally offer faster inflation times, and the ability to run air tools for repairs. They run cooler, and require no electricity, but do need to be refilled regularly if you hit the trails often. 

ARB Air Compressor

Most popular electric air compressors are always ready to use, but tend to have longer fill times, and can overheat from constant use, requiring a “rest” period before continuing.  A third alternative, although it is the most expensive, and most complex to install, is an engine-driven air compressor system. These units give you the best of both worlds, but at a premium price, and due to their space requirements, cannot be fitted in all vehicles.

 

Heading down the Diablo Drop Off

Whichever method you choose, your desert off-road experience will be better when prepared with plenty of water, a means of emergency communication, and with time and equipment-saving devices at hand. Tire deflators, and a compressor or CO2 tank system, should be among the equipment on your vehicle before you hit the trails…(Of course, all of these components are available from Dirty Parts – www.dirtyparts.com)