How to Get to Fonts Point – Anza Borrego Desert State Park, CA

As many times as we’ve been to Anza Borrego and Borrego Springs, we didn’t know Fonts Point even existed. Maybe because it is not the easiest place to find. There is only one small sign that indicates where to turn. It is very easy to miss. In fact, we drove about 3 miles past it before we even realized it. You also need 4WDs to get here. This place is an overlook into the Borrego Badlands. It is a breathtaking sight to look down upon the corrugated ridgelines that stretch out for miles. Thanks to this, Fonts Point looks like something that you would see at the Grand Canyon or Death Valley, instead of a place that is in the middle of the unassumingly flat, desert land.

(Note: OHVs are NOT allowed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Don’t mistake dirt washes for OHV areas. You need to go to the neighboring Ocotillo Wells for OHV areas.)

STATS:

CAUTION: According to some of our adventurers, the soft sand had got a bit out of control there. You will definitely need 4WD to get to the parking lot. Even so, drive with caution.

Where:

Fonts Point Entrance Coordinates: 33°18’12.3″N 116°14’20.5″W
Fonts Point Parking Coordinates: 33°15’28.4″N 116°14’00.3″W

Parking: 

Dirt area

Fees:

It’s free

Restrooms: 

There are no restrooms.

Distance:

A short walk to the viewpoint from the parking lot, about 370 ft. If you want to hike in from the main road, it’s about 8 miles R.T.

Elevation: 

60 ft

Level:

Easy

Estimated Completion Time:

15 minutes to however long you want to stay

Ideal Weather: 

Calm days. It can get very windy here.

Ideal Time: 

Sunsets and sunrises are the best time to be here. It is also a great spot for stargazing or to see a full moon.

Dog-friendly: 

Dogs are allowed on Fonts Point Road Wash but not on trails.

GETTING THERE:

You should be able to use the coordinates above to get you to the destination. It is not difficult to find if you pay attention to the small sign. From Borrego Springs, starting at the Christmas circle, you can follow Palm Canyon Road (S-22) going east (away from the Visitor Center). Palm Canyon turns into Borrego Salton Seaway (S-22). At 10.3 miles, turn right (south) onto the dirt road. There is a sign there that says “Fonts Point – 4 miles.” The sign is not that big so keep your eyes peeled. If you are coming from Highway 86 (east), the turnoff is 17 miles on Highway 22.

Once you turn onto the dirt road, it is a 4 miles drive that travels up Font Point Wash to the parking area. This road is full of stretches of soft sand and washboard and sometimes mud. Therefore, you NEED 4WD or high clearance vehicles.

THE ADVENTURE:

The first time Dustin and I visited Fonts Point, we drove past our turn because we didn’t realize how easy it was to missed the sign. At that time, we had no idea how to get there since we only got some vague directions from a couple of hikers. Because of this, we were racing against the light as the sun was quickly setting. Imagine 4 miles of flying through the bumpy, sandy wash. Our butts weren’t very happy that day. So, please make sure to give yourself plenty of time navigating through the wash, especially with regular cars.

Font Points is particularly beautiful during sunsets and sunrises. The soft light floods the maze of colorful wrinkled ridges with its golden hue as they cast bold shadows across the sandy valley. From the top of Fonts Point, you get a sweeping view of the badlands. On a clear day, it goes on for miles.

Quick History About Fonts Point:

It’s incredible to learn how this place was created. Eons ago, this area was covered by lakes, ponds, bogs, and savannas. This was the home of camels, giant ground sloth, saber-tooth cats, and mammoths. At one point, this whole place was submerged under the blend of salty tropical waters from the Gulf of California and fresh water from the Colorado River. From all the fossils found, scientists suspect that this brackish water was the home to fish, sea turtles, and sharks.

As the water depth changed, so did the habitat. Eventually, faulting and rain created today’s eroded badlands. Throughout the process, water shaped this whole landscape. It started by depositing thousands of feet of sediments. As it flowed through, water then carved out sharp peaks and deep canyons into the sandstones and mudstones. If you look over the canyons, you can tell the evidence of each habitat through the colored rock layers. Green and blue sediments imply an underwater environment. Red and tan imply a land-based ecosystem.

Besides Fonts Point, Wind Caves is another cool spot to check out. On the way there, don’t forget to stop by our favorite slot canyon hike. Before you leave, also make sure to explore the awesome giant metal creatures of Galleta Meadows. Don’t forget to check out our 7 things to do in Anza Borrego. If you’re up for more adventure, you are just outside the Salton Sea, don’t forget to check out 10 things to do in Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain or Slab City Adventure.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!

RECOMMEND GEAR:

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

The majority of these links are through our affiliate links so if you buy something, it is at no extra cost for you but it helps us support the site. That being said, don’t buy something just to support us, buy something if you think it will enhance your travels and adventures. 

•  Snacks/Lunch/Dinner
You don’t really need any of this since this is just an overview. However, it is a great spot to have a picnic.

•  Sunscreen: 
Depends on what time of the day, make sure you use sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

•  Jacket
It can get windy here, it’s always good to bring a jacket. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! It can keep you warm, yet pack up super light. You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

CAMERA GEAR:

•  Camera:
   Sony a7 III
   Gopro Hero 7 Black

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens    

•  Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount   
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9

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