Font's Point Route

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Some claim Font's Point is the best view in the Anza-Borrego desert. To get here, head east from Borrego Springs on S-22 for ten miles. Right after the 29-mile marker, at 33.303442, -116.239081, head south for four miles along a sandy wash, 4WD highly recommended. If you are just coming for the view, shoot for sunrise or sunset or at least the low angle light near either.

For an easy and short hike, head east following the rim for about two miles following a faint trail, and return. More adventuresome folks can make a loop of it as shown by gradually descending, staying on ridges, before dropping into the narrow washes of the badlands. Depending on exactly how you drop in you might have to do a bit of scooching on your bottom to get down safely. This entails a small risk and isn't recommended solo; there probably isn't cell phone reception and even if there is it might not work at the bottom of a wash if you get hurt.

Once you reach the large east-west running Short Wash, you can simply follow it west for a shorter loop. But it is more interesting to follow Short Wash east until you just about reach the north-south running Palo Verde Wash briefly to catch the narrower wash running northwest at the midsection of the loop, 5.2 miles into the loop. This wash contains the collapsed mud bridge mentioned in one of the two Robin Halford Hiking Anza Borrego Desert books at 33.28248387, -116.19429673. The wash narrows to a slot canyon and ascends, emptying out near a dirt road that meets S22 at 33.302683, -116.197970, just over a mile away, making it a good alternative starting point for this loop hike.

From this northernmost point, strike across the desert 3.6 miles to finish the loop. The exact route doesn't matter much but stay east of the short but steep cliffs that end at 33.277350, -116.213760. South of these cliffs, it is easiest to follow the wash southwest and south as shown.

The recommended season is November to April when the desert is cooler.

Ocotillo.