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Font’s Point is a hidden overlook with views of the Borrego Badlands. I went off-roading and found some of the most amazing scenery there.
I’d liken the area to a mini-Grand Canyon right in California. And it’s an amazing place to explore at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
I’ll share what to know when visiting, information about getting there, what to see, and tips.
Getting to Font’s Point
While exploring the desert, there was a sign for Font’s Point off Highway S-22. At the beginning of the road, a sign read “street legal vehicles only.”
From there, it’s about 4 miles through sand, at times deep sand. This will be an off-road adventure, so you might need 4-wheel drive.
You’ll want to consider whether your vehicle can handle it. Now, I saw people flying down the road in trucks, vans… and cars.
You’ll know when you’re getting near the viewing area. The road will become a one-way, so stay on your side.
Visiting Font’s Point
According to the trailhead sign, the area is open one hour before sunrise. It closes one hour after sunset.
When I visited on the weekend, it wasn’t crowded. There’s a very small parking area.
Hiking Trails
Once you park at the trailhead, short trails will lead you to some viewpoints. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.
I saw some signs, but many of the areas are sandy paths. It was easier to trudge through with my hiking shoes.
I walked up the path to the cliffs. There are no guardrails or signs before the drop-offs. You could walk right to the edge.
The day I visited in the spring, it was hot and windy. It was so windy that I felt the wind pushing me.
I get nervous around heights and drop-offs. When looking down, it’s a very steep fall from the top.
So, don’t get too close to the edge, especially when it’s gusty. You could get knocked off balance.
Borrego Badlands Views
The beautiful views span miles. This would be an amazing place to watch a sunrise or sunset.
You’ll see why it’s called California’s Grand Canyon. If you’ve visited the Grand Canyon, you’ll see a similarity.
The aged sediments paint a colorful picture. I looked down into the crevices of rock formations.
It’s hard to believe that this desertland had water hundreds of years ago. Once it dried up, the landscape changed, bringing a different habitat with different wildlife.
The San Ysidro Mountains spread along the distant backdrop. They create a “rain shadow” by blocking coastal rains and snow clouds.
This is a very inspirational place for writers, like me, travelers, photographers, artists, and nature lovers. It’s hard to describe the beauty.
Looking out into the distance, I even saw some people hiking out there. Although I was inspired, it was pretty hot, and there was no shade. I wouldn’t even attempt to do a trek on a day like this.
Picnicking and Day Use
A few people were relaxing and hanging out when I visited. You cannot camp in this area, and there is no bathroom.
There was a large group of people sitting around under a tarp. The wind picked it up and blew it away as they chased after it. That’s how windy it was!
It’s a good idea to bring shade if you plan to stay for a while. It’s full exposure out there.
Some people sat in chairs by the cliff to view the Badlands. They had a nice spot to eat and catch the sunset.
Other people walked around and explored. The area has many signs that explain its history and geography.
On the way back, I got to examine the sediment and rocks. The sand wasn’t packed in places and had some give, like a floating floor!
Travel Notes
The road to the overlook might be tricky to find. You may want to stop by the visitor center to get directions.
They can also tell you about the current road and trail conditions. I picked up a visitor’s information guide with information about trails and points of interest.
Hopefully, you won’t have any trouble on the sandy road. It’s well-traveled, so there were many other vehicles.
Overall
Font’s Point is one of the most scenic places in the Anza-Borrego Desert. My camera just can’t capture how amazing it looks in person.
This was a nice little adventure with a pleasant surprise. While I didn’t know what to expect before going, it was nice to see the mini Grand Canyon in person!
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