Great Outdoors - San Diego
Fonts Point/Calcite Mine Combined Hikes
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30 am
Please find the descriptions for the two hikes below:
First Hike: We will hike 1 mile round Trip on the trail that runs along the edge of the cliffs of Fonts Point and will marvel and the breath-taking badlands.
Second Hike: We then will drive in a caravan to the Calcite Mine Trail trailhead and will hike 4.5 miles to the historic calcite mine. On the way, we will take a brief side trip through a gorgeous narrow slot canyon. Going back, we will pass through a wide, deep impressive canyon. The trips through the canyons can be a little challenging, but if someone cannot climb over the rocks of the canyons, they can wait for us to come back to the main road. Font’s Point hike involves very little elevation gain, but the Calcite mine has an 800feet in elevation change.
Meeting Location: Font’s point turn off and parking 10.3 miles east of Borrego Springs Christmas Circle .3 miles east of S-22 Mile marker 29. GPS 33.30344,-116.23898
Meeting Date & Time: Saturday, January 10, 2025 10:30am. Normally, the spectacular drive from Hillcrest is 2 hours, so please leave by 8am, so you can take photos along the way.
Details: Fonts Point is considered to have the most spectacular views in Anza Borrego. The Calcite mine has great views, an interesting history, (calcite is a mineral so clear and hard, it was used as gun-sites in WW II), and an Amazing slot canyon to squeeze through and a wide deep canyon to marvel and explore.
Note: Font’s Point is at the end of a 4-mile dirt road off of highway S22, 10 miles east of Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. I have traveled on this road in my Prius and my Bolt, but if the dirt road scares you, leave your car at the parking area off of S22 where we are all meeting, and carpool with me or other brave drivers. If you don’t want to hike Calcite Mine, but you have a jeep, you can drive to the Mine with a 4x4 on the jeep trail.
Host: Bill Stanhope at 619-306-2378
Trail: Font's Point: Anza Borrego State Park's Best View - California Through My Lens 1-mile round trip Calcite Mine Trail, California - 553 Reviews, Map | AllTrails 4 miles round trip
Length: ~5 miles combined both hikes
Difficulty: both hikes are easy unless you go to the canyons, then moderate.
Elevation Gain: ~20 feet at Fonts Point, 800 feet at the Calcite Mine
RSVP: Please RSVP, or if running late, please call Bill at 619-306-2378
Parking: ample parking is available at the font’s point intersection. Or if you are brave enough or have a jeep, please drive and take others.
Cost: there is no charge. Please bring your lunch.
Time Commitment: Plan for approx 5-6 hours
Dogs: Not allowed.
Cell Phone Service: No reception issues anticipated.
Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.
Contact/Question - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Bill Stanhope ([email protected])
What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*:
- Food
- Ten Essentials
- Phone/camera
- Warm/cool weather clothing depending on forcast
- Any prescription or other needed medications
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)
*Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:
1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun Protection
4. First Aid
5. Knife
6. Fire
7. Shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
