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Anza-Borrego North Calcite Mine
Calcite Mine
Road
People go to the site of the former calcite mine to look at the badlands
landscape, the effect of erosion on the sandstone, and the colors. There are
slots made by miners looking for calcite, and slots made by nature with rainwater
and wind. Hiking opportunities abound.
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Slot Canyon |
The Calcite Mine, which dates to World War II days, is situated
on the northeast slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains below Travelers Peak. It
is a collection of crazily shaped sandstone configurations located a little
over a mile and a half from County Road S-22 over a jeep trail that is easy
to walk but difficult to drive. The hillside offers good, and in some light
remarkable, views of the valley below from the Salton Sea to the surrounding
mountains.
The drive from S-22 to the mine should be undertaken only by
skilled motorists in high clearance vehicles. If you are new to the area,
or haven't been there lately (some of the road may have washed away since
your last visit), walk the trail once to get an idea of the hazards.
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For the rest of us, it makes a pleasant walk. The journey begins
by going downhill to cross the South Fork of Palm Wash. Next it goes uphill
to a point where you can enjoy the first good views from on or near the trail.
A side road slips down into Palm Wash with a road which can be followed a
mile and a quarter to the North Fork.
The trail ends at the mine.
People who visit the Calcite Mine also enjoy visiting the many
slot canyons in this area. Books by the Lindsays, Halford, and
Paul Johnson's Weekender Guide all describe such walks.
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