Highway 78 to Calcite Mine

Highway 78 to Calcite Mine is a 17.4-mile route in Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. The route traverses the area between Highway 78 and S22 (Borrego Salton Seaway), and passes a number of opportunities for side adventures. Like the rest of Anza Borrego, there are a number of excellent opportunities for backcountry camping in this area. It is worth pointing out that this route is essentially a series of connected dirt roads, many of which require four wheel drive and high clearance if one is driving. This route is intended for those who do not have access to such vehicles, or who simply prefer to walk or bike in a beautiful area. There are excellent views of the always-scenic Santa Rosa Mountains to the north, the San Ysidro Mountains above Borrego Springs to the west, and the Pinyon Mountains to the south. Additionally, this route is a small section of the epic Desert Trail, which starts at the Mexican border and traverses the Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basins deserts north to the Canadian border.
The route begins at Highway 78 at the turn-off for The Slot Trailhead. There is a small pull-off at the beginning of this dirt road. It follows Buttes Pass Road to Buttes Pass and Buttes Canyon. Buttes Pass Road becomes Cut Across Trail. Short side trips to Five Palms Spring and Seventeen Palms Spring are interesting enough. The route takes some ups and downs when it joins the Truckhaven Trail, as one begins to catch a glimpse of the Salton Sea to the east. Our route ends near the trailhead of Calcite Mine, where one can continue an adventure up into the hills and mountains of the Santa Rosas. There is no water on this route and it is certainly exposed. Be prepared for inclement weather, as this area is known for its winds and its relentless sun.