Point of Rocks (Sierra County, New Mexico)
Point of Rocks is a 5,115-foot (1,559-meter) summit and the highest point in a small range of hills on the Jornada del Muerto plateau, mostly in Sierra County, New Mexico. The southern edge of the hills reaches Doña Ana County.
The site was a landmark along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historic route that passed to the west of these hills. To the south were two waterholes and a camping place called Paraje del Perrillo (Place of the Little Dog). The paraje got its name from a small dog that returned with muddy paws during the Onate expedition, which led to the discovery of two nearby waterholes named Los Charcos del Perrillo (The Puddles of the Doggy).
Long before the Spanish arrived, Apache people also used the water at Los Charcos del Perrillo. As travelers entered the Jornada del Muerto, they were watched from the surrounding mountains and hills, and signal fires were lit to warn others of their presence and strength. Point of Rocks itself was a dangerous place, a good spot for Apache warriors to hide and ambush travelers. The Paraje lay away from the slopes, and travelers were advised to stay alert when nearby.
Coordinates: 32°47′30″N 106°58′57″W (approximately 32.7917°N, 106.9825°W).
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 09:11 (CET).