Thimble Trail

Want to catch a view of the badlands, but avoid the "crowds and dust" while heading up to Fonts Point? Try The Thimble Trail - easy to find just off S-22, the highway heading east from Borrego Springs, to the Salton Sea. The parking area is about 12.5 miles from Christmas Circle, on the south side pf the highway just before mile marker 32. Look for the small "Thimble Trail" sign. It is directly across the highway from the rock lined parking area for Lute Mesa, on the north side of the highway. Worth taking a peek at Lute Mesa as the blooming verbena has turned the whole slope purple with flowers. Plenty of parking space at the Thimble Trail head. If you have four-wheel drive, high clearance, you can drive the jeep road, about 4.5 miles, to Vista Mal Pais, for a great view of the badlands. It is a fairly easy 9-mile round trip hiking, with some beautiful views along the way. Our rainy Spring season has gifted us with plenty of a wide variety of wild flowers, blooming prickly pear, barrel cactus, and lush ocotillos to enjoy along the way.