Victorio Peak, Mountain summit in San Andres Mountains, USA

Victorio Peak is a rocky summit in the Hembrillo Basin of the San Andres Mountains, southern New Mexico, reaching 1,676 m. Its upper part is a compact, craggy outcrop of exposed tan and grey rock, with dark green shrubs and small trees scattered over the slopes. Below the peak the terrain opens into a broad, brushy base crossed by a pale dirt road.

The peak served as a strategic location for Apache forces under Chief Victorio during the 1880s as they resisted American military campaigns. The mountain's natural position offered defensive advantages during this pivotal period in regional history.

The peak is named for Victorio, the Chiricahua and Mescalero Apache leader who used the Hembrillo Basin as a hideout. U.S. Army briefings before Operation Goldfinder labeled it Victoria Peak, and officials assumed it honored Queen Victoria until Albuquerque Tribune reporter Howard Bryan linked the name to Victorio and the 1880 battle.

Access to the peak requires prior permission from White Sands Missile Range authorities, as the area falls under military control. Visitors should arrange this approval in advance and contact the relevant authorities before attempting to visit the region.

In the 1930s, a treasure hunter claimed to find gold and ancient artifacts hidden inside the mountain, attracting explorers for decades afterward. This story has kept the peak in public attention, though evidence of the discovery remains disputed.