Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We went off-roading and found some of the most amazing scenery at Font’s Point. This is a hidden overlook with views of the Borrego Badlands.
We found it while van camping and exploring at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. And I’d liken the area to a mini-Grand Canyon right in California.
I’ll tell you about our experience, what to know and expect, and share personal photos from our adventure. You might want to check it out too!
Getting There
We often stay in Anza-Borrego and explore a lot. One day, we saw a sign for Font’s Point off Highway S-22.
At the beginning of the road, a sign read “street legal vehicles only.” Of course, we had to see what it was all about.
We drove about 4 miles through sand, at times deep sand. This will be an off-road adventure, and our van is a 4-wheel drive.
You’ll want to consider whether your vehicle can handle it. Now, we saw people driving there in trucks, vans… and cars.
It took us time because we poked along and stopped along the way. Some trucks and jeeps flew down the road, kicking up sand all over.
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 we visited on the weekend, it wasn’t crowded. We arrived at a small parking area and took the last spot.
Hiking Trails
Once you park at the trailhead, short trails will lead you to some viewpoints. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.
We looked around and saw some signs, but many of the areas are sandy paths. From where we parked, we saw people walking around.
With all the sand, I wore my hiking shoes. It was easier to trudge through with them than to wear my sneakers.
We 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 we 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, like we have, you’ll see a similarity.
The aged sediments paint a colorful picture. We looked down into the crevices of rock formations.
It’s hard to believe that this desertland last 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. We learned about the “rain shadow” they create 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.
California has some of the most picturesque views. We were glad we drove off the highway to discover this.
Looking out into the distance, we 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
We saw a few people relaxing and hanging out when we 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.
We saw some people sitting in chairs by the cliff to view the Badlands. They had a nice spot to eat and catch the sunset.
Other people walked around like us and explored. The area has many signs that explain its history and geography.
We didn’t spend too much time here, as we wanted to see more of Anza-Borrego. On the way back, we stopped to examine the sediment and rocks.
So, we parked our camper van on the sandy road and walked out on the landscape. The ground had a strange feeling. 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 we always saw vehicles.
When traveling through the desert, make sure you check your vehicle before going down this road. I’d carry some water and snacks, just in case you get stranded.
Final Thoughts
Font’s Point is one of the most scenic places in the Anza-Borrego Desert. My camera just can’t detail how amazing it looks in person.
This was a nice little adventure that surprised us. While we didn’t know what to expect, it was nice to see the mini Grand Canyon for ourselves!
More Travel Adventures
I have other related posts that might interest you on my blog. You may want to check them out.
- For more on exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, check out my post on things to do.
- We saw the remains of the Marshal South home on the Ghost Mountain trail.
- We have stayed in many places in the desert, including the Western-themed Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort.
- The cleanest state campground we’ve stayed at in California might be Borrego Palm Canyon.
- We visited Slab City, a desert community not too far away in Niland.
I would love to hear about your travel adventure stories!
Originally published: May 1, 2025
