For 50 years, the Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club of San Diego has been inviting off-roaders to Ocotillo Wells SVRA for a weekend of 'wheeling. Starting out as a smallish group of Jeeps tackling the desert terrain the event has grown by leaps and bounds and attracts thousands of enthusiasts who return year after year.
The fateful first event was held in 1963. Registration for the event was just $2 and 150 vehicles were expected. At the time you could buy a new Jeep CJ for $1,950. Fast-forward five decades and quite a few things have changed, but the basic premise of the event — family, fun, and 'wheeling — has remained the same. The Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club still boasts founding club member's names on its roster as each generation follows the path in to the club.
With 50 years of safaris behind them, the Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club will continue its reign in the desert. It's a fantastically organized event that is sure to make it to 100 years if land closures don't shut it down.
Rocky, notch canyons like...
Rocky, notch canyons like this are abundant in the Ocotillo Wells area and are prime for exploring. The difficulty level varies depending on how much rainfall the area gets. Flash flooding is common in downpours. The TDS weekend is typically dry but there have been some wet ones in the 50-year span.
The Ocotillo Wells SVRA is...
The Ocotillo Wells SVRA is well marked with signs posted throughout the main area.
The TDS raffle is one of the...
The TDS raffle is one of the big draws that keep folks coming back every year. This year it featured over $150,000 in prize packages and lasted a few hours. There was also a bucket raffle that offered a chance to win a Dynatrac Unlimited Front Dana 44 axle housing, a rack from Olympic, a Premier Power Welder, a set of four 39x13.50R17 BFGoodrich Krawlers, a set of four 40x13.50R17 Goodyear MT/R with Kevlar tires, or a Superwinch Talon 9.8 winch.
Volunteers with the San Diego...
Volunteers with the San Diego Off-Road Coalition were on site all weekend cooking up a wide array of meals.
Registration and tech inspection...
Registration and tech inspection lasted from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and 6:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. A steady flow of 4x4s kept TDS crew members working full tilt the whole time.
California State Park Rangers...
California State Park Rangers were on site all weekend and had a very informative and interactive display in the vendors showcase area.
The booth featured fossils,...
The booth featured fossils, bones, and teeth unearthed in archeological digs, as well as some stuffed animals that are local to the region.
The vendor showcase area was...
The vendor showcase area was constantly abuzz with people. Team members from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers amped up the crowd throughout the day by slinging freebie t-shirts and other swag from the top of their trailer.
Mickey Thompson Performance...
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels drew the crowds to its booth showcasing its 54-inch Baja Claw TTC on a Jeep Wrangler JK. The size of the tires alone is very impressive but the engineers at Mickey Thompson took the Baja Claw TTC a few steps further by adding multiple new features, including directional Sidebiters, deep shoulder lugs and integrated concave blades to disperse mud and maintain performance, and Mickey Thompson’s new T5 compound.
The TDS Safari is a family-oriented...
The TDS Safari is a family-oriented event with plenty to entertain all. The rock wall inside the vendors area was popular with the kids and stayed busy all day.
A great collection of TDS...
A great collection of TDS dash plaques and stickers from all 50 years of the event were on display at registration.
The Original SoCal Club
The Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club of San Diego was incorporated in 1962. The club is a member of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, the Mojave Desert Heritage and Culture Association, the San Diego Off-Road Coalition, the Salton City Chamber of Commerce, and Tread Lightly!
TDS is a family-oriented club and its members responsibly use public lands for off-road recreation. They actively pursue opportunities to fight land closures and to keep trails open for future generations. New club members are always welcome.
Following the raffle on Saturday...
Following the raffle on Saturday night a tremendous fireworks show lit up the sky above the vendors showcase area.
It was interesting watching...
It was interesting watching the crew set up and wire the munitions — it was an all day effort to provide mere minutes of oohs and ahs.
During a Saturday press conference...
During a Saturday press conference it was announced that California Jeep dealers would donate a 2012 Jeep Wrangler to the Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club in honor of its 50th annual Desert Safari.
The “Moparized” Wrangler will...
The “Moparized” Wrangler will be transported to several locations and events throughout southern California, giving the club the opportunity to educate the public about land-use issues and sell raffle tickets for the vehicle’s eventual auction at the San Diego International Auto Show in December. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to increase awareness of land-use issues in California and the southwest area of the United States. Tickets are available at tds4x4.com.
Kevin Blumer ventured off...
Kevin Blumer ventured off the Safari trail route to explore Ocotillo Wells and Anza-Borrego, stopped by 17 Palms Oasis and Five Palms. Amazing sights in an otherwise sparsely vegetated region.
Kevin Blumer ventured off...
Kevin Blumer ventured off the Safari trail route to explore Ocotillo Wells and Anza-Borrego, stopped by 17 Palms Oasis and Five Palms. Amazing sights in an otherwise sparsely vegetated region.
HPI Racing had a variety of...
HPI Racing had a variety of its RC trucks and buggies on hand for test drives on a 4x4 course or a mini Baja course. HPI Racing’s Crawler King is incredibly fun to operate. It features a long wheelbase chassis and full-time 4WD.
Each vehicle participating...
Each vehicle participating in the Safari is encouraged to carry a jack, a tow strap or winch with tow anchor points at the front and rear of the vehicle, a first aid kit, a CB or Ham radio, a fire extinguisher, a serviceable spare tire, and plenty of water and food.
Opened in March 2011, the...
Opened in March 2011, the Truckhaven 4x4 Training Facility has been a growing attraction at TDS. It features over 20 obstacles, including a winch training area and multiple extra difficult man-made trail situations that allow users to test their equipment close to the camp. Tierra Del Sol presented the idea to the management of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA. It was designed and built with input from Tierra Del Sol, California State Parks Trail crew, and W.E. Rock. Special recognition goes to State Park District Superintendent Kathy Dolinar who lent great support to the project.
The main Safari trail route...
The main Safari trail route is passable in most 4x4s — even those in stock form. Official routes are marked with green, red, and blue arrows to designate main route (green), increased difficulty (red), and enter at your own risk (blue).
The wide selection of makes...
The wide selection of makes and models of 4x4s at the Safari is impressive. International Harvester Scouts were aplenty.
Opened in March 2011, the...
Opened in March 2011, the Truckhaven 4x4 Training Facility has been a growing attraction at TDS. It features over 20 obstacles, including a winch training area and multiple extra difficult man-made trail situations that allow users to test their equipment close to the camp. Tierra Del Sol presented the idea to the management of the Ocotillo Wells SVRA. It was designed and built with input from Tierra Del Sol, California State Parks Trail crew, and W.E. Rock. Special recognition goes to State Park District Superintendent Kathy Dolinar who lent great support to the project.