Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

Font’s Point

        Anza-Borrego: Font’s Point

One of the most compelling aspects to emerge when exploring Anza-Borrego is the striking contrast between the State Park’s sweeping vistas and the diminutive flora and fauna of the desert floor and rugged overlooks. I must confess: I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. Any expectations I’d formed about Font’s Point were greatly exceeded, as I found myself swept away by the magnificence of the breathtaking canyonland that is one aspect of the vast topography of Anza-Borrego.

           Eremalche rotundifolia: Desert Five-spot 

In their own way, the wildflowers – their diminutive delicacy and beauty – were equally delightful to behold: Desert Five-Spot (Eremalche rotundifolia) and Brown-eyed Primrose were among the wee blooms that transported me. I’d thought about upgrading my camera before the journey in expectation of such macro shots. I may finally make the move to upgrade in celebration of the first anniversary of this web site, which passed without fanfare.

Brown-eyed Primrose / Camissonia claviformis © Alice Joyce

This sub-species of Camissonia which grows in the western United States – a member of Onagraceae family, brown-eyed primrose tugs at your heart. Or is it that I have a soft spot for the sight of primroses associated with the awakening of Springtime.

Anza-Borrego Clark Dry Lake  © Alice Joyce

Equally compelling, albeit, in a quieter way, the landscape of Clark Dry Lake adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains provokes an eerie yet magical mood. Not, in fact, a dry lake bed, the sandy expanse abuts an alluvial fan which can be seen at the base of the mountains.  The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association is a fine source for information on the park’s topography and habitats, historical sites and activities.

Font’s Point – Lizard  Photo: Alice Joyce

Lizard’s coloration blends in with the rocky soil: It appeared to be taking in the view from the cliff’s edge.

My compact, lightweight car would never be fit for this type of exploration, not to mention, my camping days are long past: these days I’m much too high-maintenance. In order to take in a good sweep of Anza-Borrego’S highlights approached along unpaved roads for the most part: Hawk Canyon, the Badlands and South End, Font’s Point, Clark Dry Lake…

Photo Courtesy Kathryn Chandler: California Overland

I decided to experience the park’s wonderous settings by booking with California Overland excursions. Based in the midst of the park in the town of Borrego Springs, the company put together a small group comprised of excellent companions for a tour that proved to be enjoyable in every way. I can’t wait to return.

Read more about desert travel,

Anza-Borrego, and Borrego Springs on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz