Jornada del Muerto

The Jornada del Muerto was a desolate 90-mile stretch on El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior). During this part of the historic route, no water or forage was available to trail travelers.

Point of Rocks Trail

This ½-mile loop trail ends at the top of a rock outcrop that was a landmark for travelers on El Camino Real. Point of Rocks told travelers that water was only 10 miles away.

• Point of Rocks - Orientation Exhibits
• Point of Rocks - Interpretive Exhibits

To access Point of Rocks Trailhead on Sierra County Road A013 (near Truth or Consequences, NM):

• From the north: Take I-25 Exit #79 and head east on 51, then south on County Road A013 (Upham Road); 30 miles from I-25.
• From the south: Take I-25 Exit #35 to County Road E072, which turns into County Road E070, which turns into County Road A013 (Upham Road).

 

Yost Escarpment Trail

The 1.5 mile retracement trail (original trail section) along a portion of the Jornada del Muerto illustrates the challenges of trail travel. It ends at the top of an escarpment – a steep, rocky slope that was a true test for caravans with huge freight wagons.

• Yost Escarpment Exhibits

To access Yost Escarpment Trailhead on Sierra County Road A013 (near Truth or Consequences, NM):

• From the north: Take I-25 Exit #79 and head east on 51, then south on County Road A013 (Upham Road); 17 miles south of 51.
• From the south: Take I-25 Exit #32 to County Road E072, which turns into County Road E070, which turns into County Road A013 (Upham Road); 19.5 miles north of I-25.