Level 1 Trail Ratings
The Calcite Mine trailhead is located on the north side of Hwy S-22 about 20 miles east of Borrego Springs. It is near the microwave tower and is in Anza Borrego Desert State Park near the boundry of Ocotillo Wells OHV Park. (N33.28256° W116.09773°) The sign for the trail is somewhat obscured by a nearby hill so is easy to miss. Across the road is a sign for the historic Truckhaven Trail.
The Calcite Mine Trail used to be rated as a 2. There used to be gnarly rock steps and ruts. But starting in late 2019 and finishing mid 2020 the trail was completely graded. It is basically no challenge now. I’ve heard that a rain can etch some new ruts but I’m not sure that the park staff doesn’t re-groom it fairly quickly.
The mine is located about 1/2 way up the mountain to the north and has Spectacular views of the desert to the west and south.
Calcite Mine is often one of several trails run in a day. A couple times it has been combined with Font’s Point, Vista del Malpais, and Seventeen Palms.
GPX file This is a tour including Font’s Point, Vista del Malpais, and Seventeen Palms.
Video from Frank G, September 2019
Video from November 2016 – This is how it was before it was graded.
Calcite Mine
The Hole in the Mine Gang
View from Font’s Point
Vista del Malpais
Seventeen Palms