Welcome to the State of California

 
Salton Sea 101
Visiting the Park
State Parks Store
Day Hiker's Trails
Current Weather
Map of Location
Accessible Features
region
Salton Sea SRA
State Recreation Area

As of April 2008 Varner Harbor is now open and proving to be a very popular boat launch.

One of the world's largest inland seas, Salton Sea was created by accident in 1905 when increased flooding on the Colorado River allowed water to crash through canal barriers and for the next 18 months the entire flow of the Colorado River rushed downhill into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born - 45 miles long and 20 miles wide - equalling 110 miles of shoreline. This 360 square-mile basin is a popular site for boaters, water-skiers and anglers. Most fish currently caught are Tilapia, but Corvina, Gulf Croaker and Sargo have been known to jump on a line. Kayakers, birdwatchers and other visitors can enjoy the site's many recreation opportunities. Because the sea's low altitude (227 feet below sea level), atmospheric pressure improves speed and ski boat engine performance.

Location-Directions
30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. Located on the northeastern side of the Salton Sea, it is about a three hour drive from the Los Angeles area. The park is located between Highway 10 on the North, and Highway 8 on the South. Highway 111, south of Indio in the Coachella Valley, runs along the lake's northeast side.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Seasonal climates can be extreme: layered clothing is always advised.


 

Wi-Fi Servicewifi
Salton Sea State Recreation Area now offers AT&T Wi-Fi Service!
This service enables park visitors with wireless enabled laptop computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) to access the Internet. Park visitors will be able to gain Wi-Fi access when they use a wireless device within about 150 to 200 feet of the Visitor Center in the park. For more information about this service please see January 19, 2005, News Release.

 January 19, 2005, News Release (pdf)
 Other parks with WiFi access...
Hours
County
Region
Telephone
760-393-3052
or 760-393-3059
Suggestions & Comments
Operating Hours
Day use and campground open all day and all night.

The Visitor Center will be open Friday - Sunday through the summer months.
Address
100-225 State Park Road
North Shore, CA 92254