Fast, Capable, and Built for Fun – Polaris Pro S Ultimate at Ocotillo Wells

A Perfect Day for a Ride

After weeks of grinding away behind desks, the UTV Source crew was overdue for some time outdoors. So, we loaded up the trailers and headed out to Ocotillo Wells for a much-needed day of off-roading, fresh air, and good company. No pressure, no pushing limits—just a full day of exploring, cruising, and soaking up the off-road lifestyle with the 2025 Polaris Pro S Ultimate leading the way.

The Southern California sun was out in full force, making for the perfect winter desert ride. The morning started calm, but by midday, the wind had picked up just enough to keep the dust moving. We hit the road around 9 AM, made a quick breakfast stop, and pulled into Ocotillo Wells ready for a day of adventure.

Why Ocotillo Wells?

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is an 85,000-acre playground for off-road enthusiasts. Located in the California desert, it offers a mix of terrains, including sand washes, hard-packed trails, rock-strewn routes, and massive dirt jumps. The diversity of Ocotillo’s landscape makes it an ideal testing ground for any UTV, and we wanted to see how the Pro S Ultimate handled the challenge.

First Stop: Blow Sand Hill – A Test of Power

No trip to Ocotillo is complete without a warm-up climb, so we pulled up to Blow Sand Hill, a steep but small dune-like climb perfect for testing power and traction. Right away, the Pro S Ultimate shined, clawing up the soft, loose sand with zero hesitation. Even with the wind shifting the sand around, the 181 HP turbocharged engine made quick work of the incline.

One thing that stood out? The turbo pulls hard, but if you're not used to a turbocharged vehicle, there’s a slight adjustment period. That little bit of turbo lag can catch some people off guard, but once it kicks in, it kicks in strong. It’s the kind of power that keeps you grinning every time you hit the gas. 

Exploring the Terrain: Rock Formations & The "Little People"

With Blow Sand Hill checked off the list, we started exploring deeper into Ocotillo’s unique terrain. One of the best things about riding here is the mix of open desert, technical rocky sections, and random hidden gems like the famous Little People rock garden.

We wound our way through towering rock formations, testing the Pro S’s stability and control in tighter sections.  One of the standout features of the Pro S Ultimate is its Ride Command system. Having tested it in multiple environments, we’ve come to appreciate how much of a game-changer this technology is. The built-in GPS helped us navigate through Ocotillo’s maze of trails without needing to rely on external maps or smartphone apps. Being able to track our group’s location in real-time was an added bonus, ensuring that no one got separated on the trail.

After some slower technical sections, we finally made it to The Little People—a surreal spot where hundreds (if not thousands) of people have stacked and dressed small rock formations to resemble tiny figures. It’s one of those places you have to see to believe. The vibe was laid back, and we took some time to check out the different “creations” before jumping back in the machines for more riding.

Fast-Paced Fun & FOX Shock Performance

After cruising through the rock formations, it was time to open things up. Ocotillo is full of fast, flowing sections, and we took full advantage of them. This is where the Pro S Ultimate felt completely in its element.

TheFOX Live Valve shocks in Baja mode were a game-changer. Once we hit the rough washes, the Pro S floated over everything. Washouts, whoops, and uneven terrain disappeared under the suspension, keeping the ride smooth even at higher speeds. If there was ever a time to appreciate how refined the Pro S suspension is, this was it.

One thing we really noticed was how predictable and balanced the chassis felt at speed. Whether we were hammering through deep ruts or sliding into corners, the Pro S stayed composed and confidence-inspiring. And with Maxxis Rampage Fury tires gripping well over the mix of sand and rock, traction was never a concern.  

The Rockford Fosgate audio system was another plus. We were able to blast music throughout our ride without the system cutting out, even at high speeds. The sound quality remained clear, and the volume was more than sufficient to overpower the noise of the roaring engine and wind.

Riding with Newbies: A Balanced Ride

This ride wasn’t just for seasoned drivers—we had some crew members who were relatively new to UTVs, so we kept the pace balanced between laid-back cruising and fast-paced sections.

We felt like the Pro S might be too powerful for the beginners, so they opted to ride the Segway Villain and 4-door KRX, which were easier to handle for first-timers. Meanwhile, for those of us used to a bit more speed, the Pro S delivered that perfect mix of comfort and raw power.

Even in casual cruising mode, the Pro S made everything feel effortless. The ride quality, suspension, and ergonomics made long stretches easy on the body, keeping fatigue to a minimum. Whether we were weaving through tight washes or blasting over open terrain, the Pro S never felt like it was working hard—it just ate up whatever we threw at it.

Wrapping Up: A Solid Day on the Trails

As the afternoon sun started dipping lower, we made our way back to base camp, hitting Baja mode one last time for a final rip through the rough terrain. The wind finally died down so we picked up the pace and hauled it back like the pony express, and with the Pro S floating over the whoops and ruts, it was hard to complain.  Spending an entire day in a UTV can be exhausting, but the Pro S Ultimate is designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind. The bolstered seats provide excellent support, and the cabin layout makes it easy to reach all controls without distraction. We appreciated the well-placed cup holders and storage compartments, which kept our gear secure and accessible.  Polaris has also done a great job with heat management. Even after pushing the RZR hard for hours, the cabin remained comfortable. Some turbocharged UTVs suffer from excessive heat buildup, but we didn’t experience that issue here.

After a long holiday stretch stuck indoors, this was exactly what we needed—a day of adventure, camaraderie, and solid riding. The 2025 Polaris Pro S Ultimate proved itself as a serious contender for anyone looking for a high-performance UTV that balances power, comfort, and capability.

Would we take it back to Ocotillo? Absolutely. This machine thrives in open desert terrain, and if you’re someone who loves a mix of speed, suspension performance, and high-tech features, it’s hard to beat.

For newer riders, it might be a bit much to handle right away—but for those ready to step up their game, the Pro S delivers everything you could want and more.

At the end of the day, we all agreed: there’s no better way to reset than a day out in the desert with good company and a machine that just won’t quit.