Enjoy scenic vistas of the Borrego Badlands from Font's Point in the Anza-Borrego Desert.

Like crepuscular creatures emerging at dawn and dusk to seek their prey, photographers are drawn to Anza-Borrego's Font's Point vista early and late in the day, seeking warm, low-angle light. Font's Point overlooks a shockingly stark part of the Borrego Badlands -- a ten-square-mile expanse of sinuous dry washes and razorback ridges rolling outward toward a distant horizon of caterpillar-like mountain ranges.

Photographically speaking, the convoluted landscape of the Borrego Badlands usually looks best an hour or so after sunrise or before sunset. This Friday evening, September 24, offers an exceptional added attraction: the opportunity to photograph, or simply view, the yellow Harvest Moon (the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox) rising due east over the badlands at dusk, around 6:30 to 7 p.m. During the rosy dawn the following morning, near 6 a.m., the same moon will be sinking toward the mountains in the west.

The dirt road to Font's Point, though well traveled, may be a bit too much of an adventure for vehicles with low clearance or poor traction. From Borrego Springs, drive east on Highway S-22 for 12 miles to the Font's Point turnoff (mile 29.3 according to the mile markers posted at intervals along the roadside). Drive south -- first along a wide, sandy wash and later on a one-way dirt road barely wide enough for your car. After a total of four miles, you reach a parking area right below Font's Point.

Font's Point lies on a receding cliff, its sheer sides facing east and south. The entire eroding area has considerable geologic and historic significance, as noted on interpretive panels you can read. The view changes considerably and arguably improves if you walk east alongside (but not on the very brink of) the cliffs for about half a mile. Remember to approach the brink cautiously, especially if you have kids. In places, large blocks of the cliff face appear to be cleaving and in an arrested state of collapse.

You'll need to obtain a parking permit ($5 daily, $50 yearly), since you will be driving and parking off of paved roads in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For more information, call the park at 760-767-4205 or 760-767-5311.