OCOTILLO WELLS, Calif. (KGTV) - California State Parks Rangers discovered the vehicle of the missing man early Friday morning in a remote area of Ocotillo Wells State Park.
The Sheriff's Department confirms his body was found around 5 p.m. Friday approximately four miles from the abandoned vehicle.
State Parks rangers received a call Thursday afternoon that the man was missing and had been headed to Ocotillo Wells, between Borrego Springs and the Salton Sea. Crews found the man’s truck in a remote area north of SR-78 known as Hills of the Moon.
Footprints heading west were also nearby, according to rangers.
Hills of the Moon, according to Backroadswest.com, takes visitors into the heart of the Badlands. The site says the road will become too narrow and difficult to navigate and visitors will have to park and explore on foot.
Borrego Springs reached 112 degrees Friday afternoon. San Diego County officials last year issued warnings for residents about the risk of heat-related illnesses associated with high temperatures.
Due to the heat, a San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit was called in Friday to help in the search for the missing man.
The Sheriff's Rural Enforcement team has taken over responsibility for the investigation. The victim has not yet been identified.
Directions to Hills of the Moon from Borrego Springs:
