Artesian Well of Ocotillo Wells: The Oil to Geothermal Platform of 1919

Out in the dunes and trails of Ocotillo Wells sits an abandoned drilling platform from 1919 — a favorite detour for off-roaders, and the site of a lucky accident.

Featured in “Ocotillo Wells, Artesian Well” by mrkaisersosay.

In the early 20th century, prospectors chasing the oil boom drilled deep at this spot. Instead of oil, they hit geothermal water — scalding hot and heated by the earth itself. It wasn’t the payday they came for, so the platform was eventually abandoned.

Today the well still flows, and the old rig has become a rustic landmark. Riders exploring Ocotillo Wells regularly swing by to read the sign and take in a spot where a search for one resource turned up another entirely.