Vista del Malpais

Overview

Like the nearby Fonts Point, Vista del Malpais is one the two designated points with fantastic views of the badlands of southern California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Most people reach Vista del Malpais via a network of scenic four wheel drive roads that span the desert floor or follow the sandy bottoms of dry washes. To better experience the area, I highly recommend that you hike the roads. I only saw a few vehicles on the route described below. The shortest route to Vista del Malpais is via Thimble Trail off of Route S-22.

Getting There

Directions to Thimble Trail four wheel drive road:

From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, CA, drive 12.5 miles east on Route S-22 to just before mile marker 32 (31.9). Thimble Trail Road is on the south side. There is plenty of parking (This is the same parking spot for climbing Villager Peak).

Route Description

Head south on Thimble Trail. The road remains on the desert plain with great views of the surrounding mountains.

Santa Rosa Mountains	Badlands
Torro Peak	San Ysidro Mountains
Coyote Mountain	Travellers Peak

You will then reach the junction with Short Wash Road. Right takes you toward Fonts Point. Turn left and head east a short distance until you reach the edge of Short Canyon. Follow the road down into the canyon.

The road going into Short Wash Canyon

Once in the canyon, you will find yourself surrounded by badlands. Follow the sandy road at the bottom of the wash.

Turn right (south) at the junction with Malpais Wash and follow it uphill.

You will then reach the end of the road. Follow the trail to the top of a ridgeline at Vista del Malpais. Fantastic views are visible all around.

Looking west	Looking SW
Looking SE	Looking east
Looking south	Travellers Peak
Santa Rosa Mountains	Coyote Mountain & Torro Peak

When to hike

Winter, late autumn or early spring. Summer can be dangerously hot.

External Links

Guidebook: The Anza-Borrego Desert Region by Lowell & Diana Lindsay.