Salinas Peak, Mountain summit in San Andres Range, New Mexico, US
Salinas Peak is the highest point of the San Andres Mountains in Sierra County, New Mexico, rising 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above the surrounding basins. It is a northwest-tilted fault-block with a steep southeastern escarpment, and the summit juts east from the main ridge, creating deeply incised canyons on its north and south sides. Only the northwestern side is moderately angled, and a road there leads to radio towers and a heliport.
The mountain's western edge borders the Jornada del Muerto, a desert region first traversed by Spanish explorers in 1598. This route became significant in early European exploration of the landscape.
The peak stands within White Sands Missile Range, near the Trinity Site where scientists conducted the first atomic bomb test in 1945.
Access requires special permission since the peak sits on military property with protective restrictions in place. A service road reaches communications facilities at the summit, so prior arrangement with authorities is necessary.
Salinas Peak rises about 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above the surrounding basins, one of the largest local reliefs of any New Mexico peak. It is a northwest-tilted fault-block with a steep southeastern escarpment, and it juts east a few miles from the main ridge, cutting deep canyons on its north and south sides.
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